Global Journal of Medicine & Public Health https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph <p>The GJMEDPH is a peer-reviewed, open access journal, with an international editorial board. It is an initiative of the Regional Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, India. The Institute was established under the India Population Project VII (IPP) with assistance from the World Bank and is meant to serve as an apex institution for the continuing education of in-service health professionals and staff from non-profit, non-governmental organisations involved in health activities.</p> Regional Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, India. en-US Global Journal of Medicine & Public Health 2277-9604 Awareness and Practices for Dengue Prevention: A Cross -sectional study in the Sarojini Nagar Block of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4143 <p>Dengue fever, caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is one of the fastest-growing viral infections globally, posing<br>a significant public health threat in over 100 countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an<br>estimated 390 million Dengue infections occur annually, with approximately 96 million manifesting clinically severe<br>illness.<br>1<br>Objective<br>1. To assess the Knowledge about Dengue fever and its preventive measures among community members.<br>2. To identify behavioral practices and community attitudes that contribute to the rising cases of Dengue fever<br>Methods<br>A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sarojini Nagar Block situated in District Lucknow of State Uttar Pradesh,<br>India, from July 2024 to September 2024.The dengue-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of a household,<br>which was evaluated using a composite score divided into three categories: poor, satisfactory, and good. Twelve<br>questions about dengue were provided to the participants in order to assess their level of knowledge; correct<br>answers received a score of 1, while incorrect answers received a score of 0. Twelve(12) was the highest possible<br>score.Data was analysed using SPSS 24 version.<br>Result<br>Awareness regarding mode of dengue transmission and breeding place of vector was high among participants but<br>only 20.6% of participants correctly identified a virus as the cause of Dengue, while 57.3% did not know the<br>cause, and 13.2% mistakenly thought it was caused by bacteria. Overall 37% of the participants had a satisfactory<br>level of knowledge.<br>Discussion<br>Significant lack of understanding about the viral origin of Dengue presents a major public health concern.<br>Awareness campaigns must focus on educating the public about the true cause of Dengue, as proper knowledge<br>can enhance community engagement in vector control and reduce the spread of misinformation.</p> <p>Conclusion:<br>Although General Awareness about dengue fever and its symptoms is present in rural population but specific<br>knowledge about its preventive measures and practices to get protected from the disease is not satisfactory.<br><br></p> Monika Aggarwal Rizwana Bano Arunima Saini Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 12 Clinic0-pathological Profile of Soft Tissue Tumors in a Tertiary care Teaching Hospital in Western India https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4144 <p>Background<br>Soft tissue tumors (STTs) pose diagnostic challenges due to their histopathological diversity and overlapping<br>clinical features. This study evaluates the histopathological spectrum of STTs in a tertiary care setting to<br>identify demographic trends, anatomic preferences, and tumor behavior.<br>Methods<br>A prospective observational study of 140 STT cases was conducted over 24 months (August 2022–July 2024).<br>Histopathological analysis included hematoxylin-eosin (H&amp;E) staining and classification per the 2020 WHO<br>guidelines.<br>Result<br>Benign tumors predominated (97.1%, n=136), with adipocytic tumors (lipomas) constituting 63.6% (n=89).<br>Malignant tumors were rare (2.9%, n=4) and localized to the lower limb (n=2) and head/neck (n=1). The 31–<br>40-year age group showed the highest incidence (27.0%, n=38), with no significant gender disparity<br>(female:male ratio=1.06:1). The head/neck (26.4%) and lower limb (25.0%) were the most common sites. A<br>significant association existed between tumor site and histopathological subtype (p&lt;0.001), while age<br>(p=0.52) and gender (p=0.81) showed no correlation with classification.<br>Conclusion<br>In resource-limited settings, histopathology, supported by clinical and radiological findings, is crucial for<br>diagnosing soft tissue tumors. Benign adipocytic tumors predominate, supporting conservative management<br>for asymptomatic cases, while rare malignancies exhibit site-specific clustering (lower limb, head/neck).<br>Strong tumor-site associations (p&lt;0.001) highlight the anatomic context’s diagnostic value. Future molecular<br>profiling and standardized WHO-aligned protocols are needed to refine classification.<br><br></p> Khyati Patel Hrushikesh Surti Atul Shrivastav Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 6 COVID-19 and Mental Health: A Retrospective study to assess the Effects of COVID 19 on Mental Wellbeing of Post COVID Patients using Global Mental Health Assessment Tool (GMHAT) in Madhya Pradesh, India https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4145 <p>Introduction<br>COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has shown its rapid progression across the globe. With the first case<br>reported in December 2019, the pandemic witnessed an unprecedented escalation, leading to the World Health<br>Organization declaring the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and a<br>Pandemic in March 2020. Soon the rage of the Pandemic brought the world to a grinding halt with nations including<br>India declaring the biggest documented lockdowns in history.<br>Methods<br>A retrospective telephonic interview-based study was carried out for months. Data was collected from the<br>SARTHAK Portal. Data coinciding with the peak of COVID-19 patients that was observed from 24th April 2021 was<br>obtained. Respondents of 2 weeks prior the peak and 2 weeks after the peak were considered. The selected<br>candidates were interviewed by JHPIEGO RISE (Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control) counselors.<br>Result<br>The Majority of patients of COVID-19 belong to the age group of 30-39 (23.25%). Patients belonging to urban areas<br>(81.25%) were affected more as compared to rural areas (18.75%). Out of 400 patients, males (64.25%) constitute<br>more positive cases as compared to females (35.75%).<br>Conclusion<br>As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world, it induces a considerable degree of fear, worry and<br>concern in the population at large and among certain groups in particular, such as older adults, care providers and<br>people with underlying health conditions. As new measures and impacts are introduced – especially quarantine and<br>its effects on many people’s usual activities, routines, or livelihoods – levels of loneliness, depression, harmful<br>alcohol and drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behavior are also expected to rise.<br><br></p> Aanchal Bijlwan Saurav Kumar Yogesh singh kaurav Shailesh Sakalle Shelendra kumar singh Pulkit Pandey Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 8 Lipid Profile Variations Across CKD Stages and their Association with Cardiovascular Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4146 <p>Background<br>Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health concern associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity<br>and mortality. Dyslipidemia, a hallmark of CKD, plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression.<br>This study evaluates lipid profile alterations and their association with cardiovascular risk across CKD stages.<br>Methods<br>This cross-sectional study included 95 patients with CKD from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Odisha, India.<br>Participants were classified according to CKD stages 1–5 based on eGFR. Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol<br>(TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and very low density<br>lipoprotein (VLDL) were assessed using fasting blood samples. Cardiovascular risk was evaluated using the<br>Framingham risk score. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson’s correlation, and multivariate<br>logistic regression. Survival probabilities were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier plots.<br>Results<br>HDL cholesterol declined significantly with CKD progression (p = 0.011), while total and LDL cholesterol levels were<br>lower in Stage 5 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.031, respectively). Triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol showed positive<br>correlations with cardiovascular risk (p = 0.006 and p = 0.005), whereas HDL cholesterol exhibited a negative<br>correlation (p = 0.002). Multivariate regression identified low HDL cholesterol (OR: 0.88, p = 0.003) and elevated<br>triglycerides (OR: 1.05, p = 0.01) as independent predictors of cardiovascular events. Kaplan-Meier analysis<br>demonstrated declining survival rates with advancing CKD stages (log-rank p &lt; 0.05).<br>Conclusion<br>Dyslipidemia significantly contributes to cardiovascular risk in patients with CKD. Targeted lipid management,<br>particularly addressing HDL and triglycerides, may mitigate cardiovascular complications and improve outcomes in<br>patients with CKD.<br><br></p> Mansoor Ali Baig Saffalya Nayak Debjyoti Mohapatra Pratima Kumari Sahu Prachi Pratichi Das Jayanta Kumar Panda Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 7 knowledge and risk perception of hepatitis b infection among primary healthcare workers in the federal capital territory, Abuja, Nigeria https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4147 <p>Introduction<br>Hepatitis B Virus has been an increasing global hazard, particularly to healthcare personnel who are continuously<br>exposed to bodily fluids, and despite the availability of a very effective vaccination, it is still widespread. HBV studies<br>previously done have shown that many healthcare workers consistently demonstrate low vaccination uptake,<br>particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. This study aims to assess the knowledge and<br>perception of risk about HBV among primary healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja,<br>Nigeria.<br>Methods<br>The study used a cross-sectional survey design in which data was collected using structured questionnaires<br>administered to healthcare workers in various primary healthcare facilities in the FCT. Data were collected through<br>structured questionnaires, and the analysis focused on assessing the knowledge of HBV and the perception of risk.<br>Result<br>The mean knowledge score was 87.3%. Most participants, 72.3%, believe hepatitis B is a serious public health<br>problem, while 27.7% do not share this view, and the mean score for risk perception was 74.94%. About half of the<br>respondents are aware of the existence of an effective vaccine for hepatitis B.<br>Conclusion<br>This study demonstrated the need for continuing awareness creation and training of healthcare workers on HBV<br>to address the existing gaps in knowledge and risk perception.<br><br></p> Dan Apagu Gadzama, Hadiza Sulaiman Robert Ebieyebo Ben Duro Clement Dolapo Mariyam Ali Galadima Jenny A. Momoh Janada Gashau Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 9 Knowledge of college students regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections – A cross sectional study in Bhopal, M.P https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4148 <p>The STI proves to be a disease of public health importance because most of the infections go unnoticed and may<br>still have serious effects or complications in the future. over (6% ) of the adult population in India suffer from one or<br>other STI/RTI episode annually. Since half the incidence of STI are among the 15-24 years old, this study was<br>conducted with the objectives to assess the knowledge regarding STIs among college students in Bhopal and to<br>educate them regarding causes, risk factors, modes of transmission, prevention, early detection and reporting of<br>STI, using A-V aids.<br>Materials and Methods<br>This was an educational intervention study conducted among college students of Bhopal over a period of 3 months.<br>Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire which consisted of questions to assess the knowledge<br>related to STI. Afterthis, educational intervention was given to the study participants regarding causes, risk factors,<br>prevention, early detection and reporting of STIs using audio-visual aids. Data was entered in Excel and statistical<br>analysis was done in SPSS.<br>Results<br>(71.4%) of students have heard of STI and HIV/ AIDS was the most known STI among the participants (61%), while<br>trichomoniasis was known by none. Only (34.4 %) participants were aware of the route of transmission of STI as<br>through sexual contact. (81 % ) think that STIs are preventable. The awareness of STI clinics was only (29.8%).<br>Conclusion<br>The findings from the present study highlights the gaps and the need to create awareness about Sexually<br>Transmitted Infections including HIV among college students.<br><br></p> Manju Dubey Yachana Choudhary Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 7 Role of Magnetic resonance imaging in Evaluation of Orbital Mass Lesions https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4149 <p>Background<br>The prevalence of orbital pathologies is currently on the rise, likely due to heightened awareness of clinical<br>symptoms, improved access to healthcare facilities, and the introduction of advanced diagnostic and treatment<br>options. Most masses have an effect on the sensory and motor visual pathways. Early identification and the<br>implementation of treatment are necessary to mitigate patient suffering caused by visual complications or the risk<br>of permanent vision loss.<br>Aim<br>The aim and objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of MRI in diagnose, characterize &amp; define the extent<br>of various orbital mass lesions, with a focus on distinguishing between benign and malignant orbital lesions.<br>Methodology<br>In this cross sectional study, conducted over the duration of two years from December 2022 to November 2024<br>included 30 patients who came to department of radiodiagnosis, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Puducherry<br>under Vinayaka Mission’s Research FoundationUniversity, Salem with clinical suspicious of orbital mass lesions. All<br>these patients were subjected to MRI of the orbit with brain sections for further characterization of the mass lesion.<br>Results<br>In our study, out of 30 cases, extraconal were more prevalent 16 (53.33%). The most common benign orbital tumors<br>were hemangiomas 5 (16.67%),followed by meningiomas 4 (13.33%), and inflammatory pseudotumors 3 (10%). The<br>most common malignant orbital tumors were lymphomas 5 (16.67%), and metastasis 4 (13.33%).<br>Conclusion<br>Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), along with its advanced techniques, has become a crucial imaging tool for<br>assessing orbital lesions due to its exceptional soft tissue and contrast resolution, absence of ionizing radiation,<br>capability for multi-planar imaging, and enhanced lesion characterization. Recent technological innovations such<br>as Diffusion Weighted Imaging, Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI significantly contribute to the diagnosis of<br>various orbital masses.<br><br></p> Bhawna Rohilla 2.Mallika Vyas Lavanya Dharmalingam, Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 7 Harnessing Predictive Modeling to Advance HIV Self-Testing in SubSaharan Africa: A Viewpoint on Equity-Driven Implementation https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4150 <p>ABSTRACT<br>Predictive modeling presents a transformative opportunity to enhance HIV self-testing (HIVST) uptake across SubSaharan Africa (SSA). While machine learning techniques such as Random Forest (RF) and Classification and<br>Regression Trees (CART) offer powerful tools for identifying high-risk populations and optimizing HIVST<br>distribution, their adoption in public health remains limited. This Viewpoint examines how stigma, economic<br>constraints, and urban-centric data biases hinder the integration of predictive analytics into HIVST and argues for<br>equity-driven implementation strategies. The authors argue that leveraging predictive modeling requires an<br>ethical, community-driven approach that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and real-world applicability. Without<br>inclusive implementation strategies, predictive analytics risks reinforcing disparities rather than reducing them.This<br>article presents a strategic framework for integrating machine learning into HIVST policy and practice while<br>addressing concerns around data bias, public trust, and stakeholder engagement. By bridging the gap between<br>artificial intelligence (AI) and global health equity, predictive modeling can serve as a catalyst for achieving UNAIDS’<br>2030 goals for broad, equitable HIV testing access.<br><br></p> Felix Emeka Anyiam Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya Olanrewaju Oladimeji Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 9 Effect of yoga and counselling on mental health issues among adolescents in an urban slum of Mumbai: An Interventional Study https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4151 <p>ABSTRACT<br>Mental health problems in young people is associated with suffering, functional impairment, exposure to stigma,<br>discrimination, and enhanced risk of premature death. Thus, mental health problems among youth have obvious<br>public health significance.<br>METHODS<br>The objectives of the study are to assess the prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents in an urban slum<br>of Mumbai, implement an intervention (yoga and counselling) targeting key mental health concerns, and evaluate the<br>post-interventional mental health status. A total of 168 adolescents were selected from the urban slum population of<br>Mumbai for this interventional study. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used to screen and assess<br>mental health status, identifying deviations from the individual's typical mental state. The intervention consisted of<br>yoga and counselling sessions conducted over a period of six months. Post-intervention assessment was conducted<br>using the GHQ-28 to evaluate changes in mental health outcomes.<br>RESULTS<br>After the intervention, distress as per the GHQ-28 score reduced from 85.1% to 57.7%, Somatic symptoms and social<br>dysfunction showed statistically significant improvement, while anxiety/insomnia symptoms improved partially<br>without statistical significance, and severe depression symptoms slightly decreased, though the change was not<br>statistically significant.<br>CONCLUSIONS<br>The intervention involving yoga and counselling led to a meaningful reduction in overall psychological distress among<br>adolescents. However, persistent symptoms in some domains highlight the need for sustained, community-based<br>mental health strategies<br><br></p> Kinjal Chauhan, ,Sanjay Panchal ,Vinay Kumar ,Vandana Kashyap Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 9 Evaluation of Treatment Adherence and Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Prevalence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India. https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4152 <p>ABSTRACT<br>Background<br>Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health challenge, with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) emerging<br>as one of its serious complications. DPN contributes significantly to morbidity, including debilitating pain, foot<br>ulcers, and increased risk of amputation, particularly among populations with limited healthcare resources.<br>Methods<br>A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government Medical College Hospital in<br>Rajnandgaon, involving 203 patients aged 21 years and above with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosed<br>for at least one year. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was employed to assess DPN,<br>and socio-demographic along with clinical data were systematically collected. Data analysis using SPSS<br>revealed associations between DPN and various risk factors.<br>Results<br>The prevalence of DPN among the study cohort was substantial. Statistical evaluation indicated significant<br>correlations between the presence of neuropathy and factors such as prolonged duration of diabetes,<br>advanced age, and suboptimal glycemic control. These findings highlight the vulnerability of diabetic patients<br>to nerve damage over time due to sustained metabolic imbalances.<br>Conclusions<br>The considerable prevalence of DPN underscores the critical need for routine screening and early intervention<br>in diabetic care, particularly within resource-constrained settings. Implementing standardized diagnostic<br>tools like the MNSI can facilitate timely detection and management, thereby reducing complications and<br>improving quality of life. Tailored healthcare strategies focused on optimal glycemic control are essential to<br>address the socio-economic and clinical challenges posed by DPN.<br><br></p> Rohit David Daneshwer Singh Harshal Mendhe Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 9 Digital Bridges: Integrating AI to Transform Healthcare Accessibility https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4153 <p>ABSTRACT<br>The future of healthcare is evolving rapidly, moving beyond the confines of traditional hospital walls. This paper<br>presents a vision for care delivery through the integration of artificial intelligence, telehealth, mobile technologies,<br>and decentralized diagnostic tools. These innovations support a shift toward proactive, preventive, and continuous<br>care that can be delivered virtually and adapted to the needs of diverse populations. Such models hold particular<br>promise for regions with limited access to physical healthcare infrastructure. By harnessing data-driven tools for<br>early detection, remote monitoring, and personalized health communication, virtual ecosystems enable timely<br>interventions and improved care coordination. This paper explores options that underpin this transformation,<br>outlines the barriers to widespread adoption, and offers broad strategies to support the ethical and inclusive<br>expansion of digital health ecosystems in the years ahead.</p> Kavitha P. Das Parshad Mehta Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 8 Perception of Community Medicine as a subject and career preference among undergraduates https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4154 <p>Background<br>Community Medicine (CM) teaches undergraduates about the needs of both healthy and unhealthy individuals as<br>well as how to plan and administer healthcare services. Undergraduate students benefit greatly from a curriculum<br>that integrates comprehensive health care with community engagement, prevention, and health promotion.<br>Objective<br>The objective of this study is to assess the perception of undergraduate medical students and interns regarding<br>community medicine as a subject and as a career option.<br>Methodology<br>An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between April and November 2024 among undergraduate<br>medical students and interns at ACSR Government Medical College, Nellore, using purposive sampling method.<br>Predesigned, pretested self-administered structured questionnaire (Google form) was used as a data collection tool<br>for data collection.<br>Results<br>Out of 700 students who participated in the study, 357 (51%) were females and 343 (49%) were males. The majority,<br>87 (69.6%), were from urban areas. 598 (85.4%), students understood the concept of community medicine, 612<br>(87.4%) of them feel that community medicine has improved their problem-solving skill. 687 (98.1%) students feel<br>that the knowledge and experiences will be useful for their career as a doctor and 483 (69%) feel that preventive<br>medicine is better than curative medicine. Only 128 (18.3%) students consider pursuing community medicine as a<br>career option due to low income and few opportunities of treating patients.<br>Conclusion<br>Students understood the concept and relevance of community medicine; however, they did not choose it as a future<br>career option.<br><br></p> Saleha Afreen Susmitha KM P. Bhuvaneswari P. Sasikala Pravallika S S. Govindu Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ 2025-07-02 2025-07-02 14 2 1 8