A BSTRACT Background and Aim: Family support is one of the most crucial components of cancer care. The familial beliefs and myths associated with cancer can seriously affect the quality of life and treatment outcome of cancer patients. This study intends to explore the prevailing myths, beliefs, and attitude toward cancer among the family caregivers of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A community-based, exploratory, mixed-method study was conducted among family caregivers of cancer patients in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Content analysis method was used for in-depth interviews. Sociodemographic characteristics and attitude of the study participants were described using proportions. Results: A common myth about causation of cancer was that it was contagious or of infective origin. Disbelief in tobacco’s causation of cancer was found among the study participants. Family members’ support was viewed as an essential component for cancer patients. Majority of the participants in the quantitative survey showed favorable attitude toward cancer patients. The common misconception about cancer treatment was that surgery/biopsy can spread cancer and herbal products can cure cancer. Conclusion: Even though a majority of the participants showed favorable attitude toward their cancer patients, false beliefs and myths regarding causation and treatment of cancer are prevalent in the community.
Background Common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, fever, and acute respiratory infection impose substantial health burdens among under-five children, and Low Birth Weight (LBW) has been associated with an increased prevalence of these illnesses. However, the impact of LBW on healthcare utilization and the economic burden of these illnesses remains understudied. Aim To assess the impact of LBW on the prevalence, healthcare utilization, and Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) for outpatient (OP) treatment of selected Common Childhood Illnesses (CCHI) among under-five children in India. Methodology This study utilized data from two nationally representative surveys conducted in India; National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-2021) and the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) 75th Round Schedule Social Consumption: Health (2017-2018). Data from the NFHS-5 was analyzed to assess the impact of LBW on the prevalence of selected CCHI and healthcare utilization. Comparison of OOPE for OP treatment of selected CCHI between LBW and Normal Birth Weight (NBW) children done using the median OOPE for OP visits of CCHI estimated from the NSSO data. Results The two-week prevalence of selected CCHI among LBW and NBW children was found to be 20.0% (95% CI 19.6 -20.4) and 18.0% (95% CI 17.8 -18.2), respectively. There was no significant difference between LBW and NBW children on healthcare utilization for the treatment of CCHI; both groups had a similar proportion (around 70%) of formal medical treatment utilization for CCHI. The median OOPE spending for OP visits per episode of CCHI was comparable between LBW and NBW children. However, families of LBW children had higher annual OOPE spending for OP visits related to CCHI, with projected estimates of INR 1,446 ($19.56) for LBW children and INR 1,271 ($17.2) for NBW children. Conclusion LBW was associated with a higher prevalence of CCHI. Even though healthcare utilization was similar among LBW and NBW children, a higher prevalence of CCHI among LBW children led to higher OOPE. LBW children have approximately 13% higher annual OOPE spending for the OP visits related to selected CCHI compared to NBW children.
A bidirectional relationship exists between tuberculosis (TB) and nutrition. To examine the dietary intakes of tuberculosis (TB) patients and to identify the factors associated with dietary deficiencies. In this cross-sectional study, 173 newly diagnosed sputum smear-positive TB patients, and taking treatment in the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) were included. Nutrient intakes were evaluated through one day 24-h dietary recall and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Data on dietary intake was analyzed using DietSoft software. The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 45.5 (18.7) years with majority male (73.4%). More than one-third (35.3%) didn’t receive any formal education and 28% were unemployed. Nearly half (47%) had diabetes mellitus, 45.1% were alcoholics, 39.3% were smokers, and 36% underweight. The mean (SD) daily intake of energy was 1414.33 (458.45) kcal and the median (Interquartile Range) of protein was 43.15 (30.00-60.26) gms. The daily energy and protein intake were lower than the national guidelines for RDA. The intake of micronutrients was found to be much lower than recommended. The intake of macronutrients and selected micronutrients in TB patients were grossly inadequate. Along with vitamin supplementation, dietary counseling also is needed in this population. Keywords: Dietary intake, Nutritional status, Risk behaviors, Tuberculosis
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