Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health

Empowering Individuals for a Sustainable Tomorrow: Role of Life Skills Development

Shivani Singh — 2024-05-03

Prioritizing a sustainable future is paramount in global energy planning and development. Sustainable development, per the Brundtland Report, involves meeting current needs while safeguarding the ability of future generations to meet their own. Life skills, as defined by WHO, encompass positive abilities that empower individuals to tackle life’s challenges effectively. This paper delves into the role of life skills in shaping a sustainable future, informed by a systematic review of pertinent studies. It underscores the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social factors into decisionmaking for enduring economic and environmental stability. Given that human actions profoundly impact all systems, including the economy, environment, and society, the focus on life skills becomes pivotal in achieving sustainability. Life skills bridge the gap between capabilities and essential functioning, enhancing individuals’ capacity to meet contemporary societal expectations and address social, economic, and environmental issues. Ultimately, sustainable development hinges on human actions guided by life skills, highlighting their pivotal role in securing a sustainable future.

Awareness of the Importance of Lifestyle Modification on the Prevention of Gestational Complications in Preconception Care of Women

Marzia Aslam Bijle — 2024-04-05

Background: Preconception care mainly depends on minimising the risks faced before conception, collecting all possible information before conception, and using all sources to improve the reproductive health of pregnant women. Preconception is a great opportunity for early determination of any health risk and to optimise the health of implicit moms and protect the unborn foetus from any type of health risk as well as birth defect. This study presents the best scientific approach method for developing preconception intervention packages under different conditions. Objective: To determine the awareness of the importance of lifestyle modification in the prevention of gestational complications during the preconception period. Methods: This study was approved by the Ethical Committee and Protocol Committee (protocol no. 600/2022-2023). The subjects of this observational study were women who are primigravidae and reside in Karad, India. Using random sampling, 93 participants who were primigravidae were included. A questionnaire was distributed to individuals within the age range of 21 to 30 years, based on preconception care, lifestyle modification, family support and precautionary measures. Results: It was found that out of 91 participants, only 4.3% had excellent knowledge, 8.6% had very good knowledge, 27.96% had good knowledge, 53.76% had fair knowledge and 5.38% had poor education regarding preconception care. Conclusion: The awareness among women regarding the importance of lifestyle modification in the prevention of gestational complications during the preconception period was significantly lower.

Awareness of Role of Physiotherapy in Women with Hypothyroidism

Shambhavi Dhananjay Bhalerao — 2024-04-05

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common condition among women that interferes with the quality of life due to its various symptoms, which include fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, and a slowed heart rate. When it comes to treating the symptoms of hypothyroidism, physiotherapy plays a crucial role. The medications for hypothyroidism will work on hormonal imbalance, but Physiotherapy focuses on the management of symptoms such as cramping and weakening in the muscles, shortness of breath, weight gain, numbness and tingling sensation in hands and fingers, and puffy faces seen in hypothyroidism. By focusing on these symptoms, physiotherapy can relieve various symptoms raised due to hypothyroidism and promote a happier, healthier lifestyle. Aim: This study aims to study the awareness of role of Physiotherapy in women with hypothyroidism. Objectives: The objective is to check the awareness level of physiotherapy among women diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Materials and Method: This was an observational study, and 82 participants were included in it. The survey was created using a variety of criteria to determine the overall understanding level. The self-administered questionnaire was prepared and circulated offline to women diagnosed with hypothyroidism depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data was then analysed. Results: The statistical study revealed that women with hypothyroidism are less aware of the significance of Physiotherapy. Conclusion: There is a direct need to take measures to raise awareness of the need for physiotherapy in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism for the management of complications and symptoms.

Association of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) with Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Population: A Narrative Review

Isha Patel — 2024-04-05

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is swiftly evolving into a prevailing liver condition on a global scale and within the United States, it stands as the primary contributor to chronic liver disease. Previously viewed as a Western disorder, obesity and NAFLD are gaining increased recognition within the Asian community. Notably, NAFLD has been observed to have strong associations with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), Chronic Vascular Disease (CVD), and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Awareness of Ergonomics in School Going Children of Rural Government Schools

Pranjal Patil — 2024-04-05

Aim: This study aims to study the awareness of ergonomics in school-going children of rural government schools. Children experience various difficulties due to improper ergonomic setup and their habits. Musculoskeletal problems are highly prevalent in school children due to improper ergonomics. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine awareness of ergonomics in school-going children of rural government schools. Method: This was an observational study in which 110 school children of the age group 13 to 18 participated. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample population was selected. The participants were then given a questionnaire and instructions on how to fill it out. The study was conducted using a self-made validated questionnaire for a duration of 6 months. Results: Out of 110 children, 9% of children have an excellent awareness of school ergonomics, 46% have good knowledge whereas 45% have poor knowledge. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the majority of children are aware of a few things regarding school ergonomics but not thorough about it. The rest of the children from rural government schools are completely unaware of ergonomics and its application in daily life. Also, most children agree with the need for conducting ergonomics awareness programs.

Effect of Physiotherapy Treatment in Tertiary Care Hospital on Functional Disability in Frozen Shoulder Patients

Patil R. Mansi — 2024-04-05

Background: Frozen shoulder was introduced as Adhesive capsulitis by Naviesar in 1947. It commonly occurs between 40 and 70 years and is more common in females than males. Bilateral movements occur in 10-40 % of cases. It is mostly seen in patients with Diabetes mellitus. Patients with frozen shoulders are managed by Physiotherapy, medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injection, Arthrography infiltration, and manipulation. If not managed conservatively, surgical options are also available. The symptoms of the Frozen Shoulder can be reversed after the treatment has been taken. So, it is important to check whether the physiotherapy treatment is beneficial from a long-term perspective or not. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 patients participated in this study, 20 were females and 17 were males. Previous demographic and assessment data of these patients were recorded. Patients who were undergoing treatment were called to the Physiotherapy OPD and their pain, range of motion, and SPADI scale were assessed- A statistical analysis of comparison of previous and present scores was done by using a computerized method. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant improvement in pain and SPADI score in pre and post-test periods (p values of Visual analogue scale were 0.0628 for at rest, 0.009 for on activity, and 0.0033 for SPADI. Range of motion was not showing significance (p-value is more significant than 0.05), it was maintained throughout during pre and post-test periods. Conclusion: In statistical analysis, Pain and SPADI assessment showed significance, and Range of motion did not show significance in the pre and post-test. Hence, we conclude that treatment taken in Tertiary care hospitals is effective in patients with Frozen shoulders in a long-term perspective.

Human Health Associated with Occupations Concerning Age and Sex

M. Nagabhushan Reddy — 2024-04-05

On par with civilization, perception to their surroundings has been regularly altering the individual lives. Diseases and disorders associated with occupations in relation to age and sex were studied in a selected population of human individuals, dividing them into ‘10’ age groups. Clinical based case control study has been done to determine the occurrence of diseases and disorders in human individuals with different occupations in relation to age and sex. Male individuals with primary type and secondary type of occupations suffered more than that of business level and government and private sector. Female individuals with secondary type, business level and primary type suffered more than that of government and private sector. Age group (in years) 41-70 in male individuals is more affected than 21-40 of primary type and also of secondary type. And in business level and government and private sector, age group 41-60 is more affected than 21-40 with greater significant values indicating p<0.05. Contrary to this in female individuals, age group 31-60 of primary type, 31-50 of secondary type and business level, 21-40 of government and private sector were affected more than age group 21-30, 61-70 of primary type, 21-30 of secondary type and 41-50 of government and private sector with greater significant values indicating p<0.05. Male individuals of age group 41-60 and female individuals of age group 31-60 are more vulnerable to occurrence of several diseases and disorders associated with the various occupations.

Assessment of the Effect of Smoking on Cognition in Young Adults

Doppalapudi Sandeep — 2024-04-05

Smoking is an action in which the resultant smoke post-burning is breathed in to be gustated and released into the bloodstream. It causes many undesired effects in people. The main aim of the present investigation is to investigate the effect of smoking on cognition in young adults. For this, a questionnaire and some simple tests have been performed for the selected students. A total of 40 students were taken into study, out of which 20 were smokers and 20 were non-smokers. In the digit symbol substitution test, students were asked to draw a circle around even numbers and a triangle over odd numbers. In the digit vigilance test, the students were asked to cut off all 6 and 9 numbers. In the category fluency test, they were asked to list out the animal names in one minute. In attention switching task, a total of 30 slides were displayed and for each condition different sounding patterns should be made on the table. Smokers took more time to perform digit symbol substitution, digit vigilance and attention-switching tasks than non-smokers. Smokers could not write more animal names when compared to non-smokers. In all the tests, the number of errors performed by smokers is greater than that of non-smokers. This indicates reduced psychomotor and brain functioning in smokers when compared to non-smokers. All the results were statistically analyzed. Thus, from the current research, it was concluded that smoking in young adult students has declined cognitive functioning.

The Totos of India: Socioeconomic and Demographic Structure of a Particularly Vulnerable Tribe

Debashmita Banerjee — 2024-04-05

Background: Indigenous populations are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the macroeconomic population. Due to poor social connections, the level of education, socioeconomic advancement, and sickness risk of the tribal population of India were affected. Thus, indigenous cultures are more susceptible to COVID-19. The present research aims to explore the population structure, socio-economic condition, and COVID-19 vaccination status among the Toto population of Alipurduar, West Bengal. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design to collect household data among the Totos (PVTG), a vanishing sub-Himalayan population. The entire Toto community, comprising 294 households with 1374 individuals, was covered in Totopara. Data were collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured schedule and analyzed using Stata 14. Results: Demographic analysis has revealed a sharp decline in the sex ratio and decadal growth rate compared to the 2011 census. From the multiple logistic regression, it has been found that unmarried people were less likely to get fully vaccinated compared to married individuals. The employed population was 1.97 times more fully vaccinated compared to unemployed individuals. Similarly, smartphone non-users were less likely to get fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated compared to those individuals who do possess smartphones (p<0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, inactive government initiatives, low fertility, a lack of community involvement, and the policy inactivity of local institutions are the main causes of negative decadal growth. It is believed that participatory implementation is essential to improving awareness of neglect as well as the acceptance rate of public health care services.

To Study Knowledge Regarding Healthy Lifestyle Modifications in Middle-Aged Diabetic Population

Ketaki Patil — 2024-04-15

Background: Lifestyle plays a significant role in helping patients with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Understanding early complications to prevent further adverse effects from uncontrolled sugar levels and a worsening healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite to knowledge regarding healthy lifestyle modifications. Exercise therapy has long been recommended for use in the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Dietary habits play an important role in the control of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. An increase in calorie intake leads to poor glycemic control. Stress levels can affect the increased glucose levels. Middle-aged adults are at increased risk of developing diabetes, and this population may benefit from targeted interventions to promote healthy lifestyle modifications. Therefore, a study is needed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of middle-aged diabetic populations regarding healthy lifestyle modifications. Materials and Methods: A validated questionnaire was prepared on Google Forms and distributed among the diabetic population. Data was calculated automatically on Google spreadsheet. Results: Patients with diabetes exhibit little awareness of recommended lifestyle changes. A poor understanding of diabetes and its complications is demonstrated by 83.87 % of the population. 77.41% of persons have a poor understanding of dietary adjustments for diabetes. 86.02% of respondents exhibit insufficient awareness of physical exercise therapies for diabetes. 52.68% of people are unaware of how stress affects insulin secretion. Conclusion: According to the study’s findings, Given the early onset of diabetes problems, middle-aged diabetics have an increasing need for knowledge regarding appropriate lifestyle adjustments due to their higher risk of diabetes.

Impact of Muscle Energy Technique with and without Strain Counter Strain Technique on Individuals with Non-specific Neck Pain- A Prospective Comparative Study

Sunil Harsulkar — 2024-05-02

Background: Neck pain is common and two common treatments for non-specific neck discomfort are Strain Counter Strain (SCS) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well MET and SCS work to treat non-specific neck pain. Methods: Sixty-two participants with non-specific. Neck discomfort was branched into two groups (A and B). Group “A” received MET with the SCS approach, while Group “B” received MET alongside traditional Physiotherapy. Interventions were administered three times a week for two weeks. Outcome measures such as the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Range of Motion ( ROM) were assessed before and after each session and at the beginning and end of both weeks. Result: Pain, neck disability index and cervical range of motion all significantly improved in both groups. After the intervention, one week later and two weeks later, both groups’ flexion and extension range of motion showed statistically significant improvements. At the end of the first or second week, there were no appreciable changes in the right-side lateral flexion, right-side rotation or left-side lateral flexion. Nonetheless, following one or two weeks of intervention, left-side rotation demonstrated a notable improvement. Conclusion: MET combined with SCS demonstrated superiority in reducing pain, alleviating cervical impairment and enhancing range of. motion of the cervical spine.

Study of Level of Understanding about the Ergonomics to be Followed in the Rural and Urban Population on Prevention of Various Musculoskeletal Problems

Sakshi Satyajeet Desai — 2024-04-08

Background: Ergonomics is a vague concept to learn and applying it to day-to-day life will make the work easier with less effort. Urban and rural populations both have different types of work strategies. By understanding ergonomics, modifications will be made, preventing musculoskeletal problems. This research aims to study the level of understanding of the ergonomics to be followed in rural and urban populations for the prevention of various musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: The objectives are to check the awareness level related to ergonomics among rural and urban populations using a self-made questionnaire and find out the common musculoskeletal problems prevailing and possible risk factors related to them. Methods: This was a convenience sampling method that consisted of 91 participants included in this study. 45 from rural and 46 from urban populations were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire was made on the basis of different aspects, which will determine the level of understanding overall. The questionnaire was provided online and in offline mode too. The level of understanding was checked for each population based on responses. Results: Based on the statistical analysis, it was found that the urban population has a higher level of understanding and prevention strategies as compared to the rural population. Conclusion: Findings showed that ergonomics was a new term for the participants, but knowledge and understanding were seen more in urban participants than rural participants.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Plantar Fasciitis Patients

Shinde Vaibhav Vilas — 2024-04-08

Background: In India, the most typical form of heel pain is plantar, which results in inflammation of plantar fascia sometimes and can be seen in every age group. This condition mainly includes inflammation of plantar fascia and can be treated conservatively. It may cause many secondary symptoms along with it, and pain in back region is one of them. The purpose of this study is to discover how prevalent low back pain was in individuals who had plantar fasciitis. Objectives: Objectives are to evaluate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, assess the low back pain and lastly check the prevalence of low back pain in plantar fasciitis patients by using different methods. Method: A convenience sampling method consisted of 65 participants were selected in relation with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The information collected, which comprises questionnaires and demographic data. Two standardised questionnaires were used, i.e., one to check the ability of an individual on the basis of plantar fasciitis and another to check the back pain especially in lower region. Both scales were given to 65 individuals one by one. First the foot’s capability calculated, and then pain in lower back region was checked. The prevalence was calculated on the basis of both scale responses with the help of statistical analysis. Results: The outcomes of the statistical study indicated that, the incidence of low back pain is prevalent of individual’s foot disability in plantar fasciitis patients. Conclusion: Findings show that the prevalence of low back pain is higher if plantar fasciitis has become chronic in the patient, and if the foot’s ability is maximal, low back pain is minimal, and vice versa.

Study of Knowledge About the Developmental Milestones of Children in Primiparous Mothers

Desai Anushka — 2024-04-08

Background: Following the pivotal moment of childbirth, challenges may arise as children with developmental issues often experience delayed attention. Contributing to these delays is a lack of awareness regarding developmental milestones. Primiparous mothers, being primary caretakers, play a significant role in the timely identification. It is essential to educate them about developmental milestones enabling them to monitor their child’s growth trajectory and promptly address any delays. Emphasising the importance of ruling out developmental issues during the initial stages is imperative. Objective: To seek knowledge regarding developmental milestones at different stages among primiparous mothers. Materials and Methods: 95 participants from Ahmednagar district participated in this study. The selection of study subjects was based on criteria for inclusion and exclusion and consent in written form was obtained beforehand. The research included primiparous mothers. They were interviewed using a structured questionnaire based on children’s development milestones. Following that, the data was collected and appropriately analysed. Results: It was found that 42.11% of primiparous mothers had a good knowledge of the developmental milestones of their babies. Most of the knowledge (54.38%) was found in the initial milestones section, while the least amount (33.15%) was found in language. Conclusion: Among all the developmental domains, primiparous mothers have a thorough understanding of the initial milestones (54.38%) and the most limited understanding of language development (33.15%).

Awareness of Domestic Accidents Among Mothers of Children Aged Less than 10 Years in an Urban Locality of South Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Kavya G. Upadhya — 2024-04-15

Introduction: Domestic accidents are one of the five leading causes of death due to injuries in industrialised and developed countries. Awareness about domestic accidents and their prevention can help in eliminating risk factors of accidents. Since children are vulnerable to accidents, the immediate caregivers must have adequate knowledge regarding the causes and prevention to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to accidents. Objective: To study the socio-demographic profile of the study subjects; To assess the knowledge on prevention of domestic accidents among mothers of children aged less than 10 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the urban field practice area of a medical college in Southern Karnataka among mothers of children aged less than 10 years using a pre-structured proforma. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 385 mothers were part of the study. 51.4% had good knowledge regarding domestic accidents and their prevention. There was a statistically significant association between the level of awareness of domestic accidents with maternal age, educational status, occupation, religion, type of family and standard of living. Conclusion: The knowledge of domestic accidents and their prevention was 51.4%.