Tulika Goswami Mahanta

Association of educational, occupational and socioeconomic status with cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Indians: a cross-sectional study.

Background To determine correlation of multiple parameters of socioeconomic status with cardiovascular risk factors in India. Methods The study was performed at eleven cities using cluster sampling. Subjects (n = 6198, men 3426, women 2772) were evaluated for socioeconomic, demographic, biophysical and biochemical factors. They were classified into low, medium and high socioeconomic groups based on educational level (<10, 10–15 and >15 yr formal education), occupational class and socioeconomic scale. Risk factor differences were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Results Age-adjusted prevalence (%) of risk factors in men and women was overweight or obesity in 41.1 and 45.2, obesity 8.3 and 15.8, high waist circumference 35.7 and 57.5, high waist-hip ratio 69.0 and 83.8, hypertension 32.5 and 30.4, hypercholesterolemia 24.8 and 25.3, low HDL cholesterol 34.1 and 35.1, high triglycerides 41.2 and 31.5, diabetes 16.7 and 14.4 and metabolic syndrome in 32.2 and 40.4 percent. Lifestyle factors were smoking 12.0 and 0.5, other tobacco use 12.7 and 6.3, high fat intake 51.2 and 48.2, low fruits/vegetables intake 25.3 and 28.9, and physical inactivity in 38.8 and 46.1%. Prevalence of > = 3 risk factors was significantly greater in low (28.0%) vs. middle (23.9%) or high (22.1%) educational groups (p<0.01). In low vs. high educational groups there was greater prevalence of high waist-hip ratio (odds ratio 2.18, confidence interval 1.65–2.71), low HDL cholesterol (1.51, 1.27–1.80), hypertriglyceridemia (1.16, 0.99–1.37), smoking/tobacco use (3.27, 2.66–4.01), and low physical activity (1.15, 0.97–1.37); and lower prevalence of high fat diet (0.47, 0.38–0.57),overweight/obesity (0.68, 0.58–0.80) and hypercholesterolemia (0.79, 0.66–0.94). Similar associations were observed with occupational and socioeconomic status. Conclusions Low educational, occupational and socioeconomic status Asian Indians have greater prevalence of truncal obesity, low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, smoking or tobacco use and low physical activity and clustering of > = 3 major cardiovascular risk factors.

Normotension, Prehypertension, and Hypertension in Urban Middle-Class Subjects in India: Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control

OBJECTIVE We conducted a multisite study to determine the prevalence and determinants of normotension, prehypertension, and hypertension, and awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among urban middle-class subjects in India. METHODS We evaluated 6,106 middle-class urban subjects (men 3,371; women, 2,735; response rate, 62%) in 11 cities for sociodemographic and biological factors. The subjects were classified as having normotension (BP < 120/80), prehypertension (BP 120-139/80-89), and hypertension (documented or BP ≥ 140/90). The prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors was determined and associations evaluated through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The age-adjusted prevalences in men and women of normotension were 26.7% and 39.1%, of prehypertension 40.2% and 30.1%, and of hypertension 32.5% and 30.4%, respectively. The prevalence of normotension declined with age whereas that of hypertension increased (P-trend < 0.01). A significant association of normotension was found with younger age, low dietary fat intake, lower use of tobacco, and low obesity (P < 0.05). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome was higher in the groups with prehypertension and hypertension than in the group with normotension (age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) 2.0-5.0, P < 0.001). The prevalences in men and women, respectively, of two or more risk factors were 11.1% and 6.4% in the group with normotension, 25.1% and 23.3% in the group with prehypertension, and 38.3% and 39.1% in the group with hypertension (P < 0.01). Awareness of hypertension in the study population was in 55.3%; 36.5% of the hypertensive group were receiving treatment for hypertension, and 28.2% of this group had a controlled BP (< 140/90 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS The study found a low prevalence of normotension and high prevalence of hypertension in middle-class urban Asian Indians. Significant associations of hypertension were found with age, dietary fat, consumption of fruits and vegetables, smoking, and obesity. Normotensive individuals had a lower prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors than did members of the prehypertensive or hypertensive groups. Half of the hypertensive group were aware of having hypertension, a third were receiving treatment for it, and quarter had a controlled BP.

Prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in middle-class urban participants in India.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of diabetes and awareness, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors in population-based participants in India. Methods A study was conducted in 11 cities in different regions of India using cluster sampling. Participants were evaluated for demographic, biophysical, and biochemical risk factors. 6198 participants were recruited, and in 5359 participants (86.4%, men 55%), details of diabetes (known or fasting glucose >126 mg/dL), hypertension (known or blood pressure >140/>90 mm Hg), hypercholesterolemia (cholesterol >200 mg/dL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (men <40, women <50 mg/dL), hypertriglyceridemia (>150 mg/dL), and smoking/tobacco use were available. Details of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were also obtained. Results The age-adjusted prevalence (%) of diabetes was 15.7 (95% CI 14.8 to 16.6; men 16.7, women 14.4) and that of impaired fasting glucose was 17.8 (16.8 to 18.7; men 17.7, women 18.0). In participants with diabetes, 27.6% were undiagnosed, drug treatment was in 54.1% and control (fasting glucose ≤130 mg/dL) in 39.6%. Among participants with diabetes versus those without, prevalence of hypertension was 73.1 (67.2 to 75.0) vs 26.5 (25.2 to 27.8), hypercholesterolemia 41.4 (38.3 to 44.5) vs 14.7 (13.7 to 15.7), hypertriglyceridemia 71.0 (68.1 to 73.8) vs 30.2 (28.8 to 31.5), low HDL cholesterol 78.5 (75.9 to 80.1) vs 37.1 (35.7 to 38.5), and smoking/smokeless tobacco use in 26.6 (23.8 to 29.4) vs 14.4 (13.4 to 15.4; p<0.001). Awareness, treatment, and control, respectively, of hypertension were 79.9%, 48.7%, and 40.7% and those of hypercholesterolemia were 61.0%, 19.1%, and 45.9%, respectively. Conclusions In the urban Indian middle class, more than a quarter of patients with diabetes are undiagnosed and the status of control is low. Cardiovascular risk factors—hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and smoking/smokeless tobacco use—are highly prevalent. There is low awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in patients with diabetes.

Investigation of an outbreak of diphtheria in Borborooah block of Dibrugarh district, Assam.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life threatening bacterial disease caused by corynebacterium diphtheria.(1) The EPI of WHO recommends three doses of DPT vaccine starting at six weeks of age with additional doses of diphtheria vaccine in countries where resources permit. Many national immunization programs, including the UIP in India offer two booster doses at 18 months and between 54 to 72 months of age; after three doses of primary vaccines, protective levels of antitoxin develop in 94–100% of the children. However without booster doses, over time toxoid induced antibody drops below protective level.(2) In 2008, India contributed 6081(86.66%) of the 7017 diphtheria cases reported globally.(3) There were no reports of outbreaks of diphtheria in Assam since last few years, though sporadic cases were reported in UIP monthly report, which were never investigated and documented. The number of cases coming to Assam Medical College was very few and the immunization coverage in Assam was 19.30% in 2006(RHS), which has improved to 67.60% in 2006–2007. In Dibrugarh District of Assam in 2008–2009, administrative data shows coverage of 90%, while the evaluated data from Regional Resource Centre shows coverage of 78%. As outbreak of diphtheria reflects the impact of immunization outbreak investigation was carried out to assess the diphtheria outbreak pattern and case fatality rate in Borborooah block of Dibrugarh district of Assam.

Geographic epidemiology of cardiometabolic risk factors in middle class urban residents in India: cross-sectional study

Objective To determine epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors according to geographic distribution and macrolevel social development index among urban middle class subjects in India. Methods We performed cross-sectional surveys in 11 cities in India during years 2005–2009. 6198 subjects aged 20–75 years (men 3426, women 2772, response 62%) were evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors. Cities were grouped according to geographic distribution into northern (3 cities, n = 1321), western (2 cities, n = 1814), southern (3 cities, n = 1237) and eastern (3 cities, n = 1826). They were also grouped according to human social development index into low (3 cities, n = 1794), middle (5 cities, n = 2634) and high (3 cities, n = 1825). Standard definitions were used to determine risk factors. Differences in risk factors were evaluated using χ2 test. Trends were examined by least squares regression. Findings Age–adjusted prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of various risk factors was: low physical activity 42.1% (40.9–43.3), high dietary fat 49.9% (47.8–52.0), low fruit/vegetables 26.9% (25.8–28.0), smoking 10.1% (9.1–11.1), smokeless tobacco use 9.8% (9.1–10.5), overweight 42.9% (41.7–44.1), obesity 11.6% (10.8–12.4), high waist circumference 45.5% (44.3–46.7), high waist–hip ratio 75.7% (74.7–76.8), hypertension 31.6% (30.4–32.8), hypercholesterolemia 25.0% (23.9–26.9), low HDL cholesterol 42.5% (41.3–43.7), hypertriglyceridemia 36.9% (35.7–38.1), diabetes 15.7% (14.8–16.6), and metabolic syndrome 35.7% (34.5–36.9). Compared with national average, prevalence of most risk factors was not significantly different in various geographic regions, however, cities in eastern region had significantly lower prevalence of overweight, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome compared with other regions (P < 0.05 for various comparisons). It was also observed that cities with low human social development index had lowest prevalence of these risk factors in both sexes (P < 0.05). Conclusions Urban middle–class men and women in eastern region of India have significantly lower cardiometabolic risk factors compared to northern, western and southern regions. Low human social development index cities have lower risk factor prevalence.

Nutritional Status of under 5 Children belonging to Tribal Population Living in Riverine (Char) Areas of Dibrugarh District, Assam.

Context: Assams main lifeline, the Brahmaputra river, braided nature created numerous sand bars and islands known as chars/sapories. They are home to more than 3 million people. Over 90% of the cultivated land on the river islands is flood-prone; the flood leaves the islands completely separated from mainland, preventing access to health infrastructure and services. Aims: To assess the nutritional status of under 5 children residing in the char areas of Dibrugarh district and to identify the factors influencing their nutritional status. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the riverine areas of Dibrugarh district of Assam. Materials and Methods: Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometry. Undernutrition was classified using World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Z- score system. Data collection was done by house to house visit of all chars using proportionate allocation. Statistical Analysis Used: Rates, ratios, proportions, and chi-square test. Results: Overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 29%, 30.4%, and 21.6%, respectively. Prevalence of underweight and stunting was less than the prevalence of underweight (36.4%) and stunting (46.5%) in Assam, but the prevalence of wasting was more than that of Assam (13.7%) as observed in National Family Health Survey-3. Significant association was observed between the prevalence of undernutrition and socioeconomic status, literacy status of parents, infant, and young child feeding practices and size of the family (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Special focus is needed for nutritional improvement of under 5 living in char areas to prevent preventable morbidities and to achieve optimum development.

Prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among tea garden and general population in Dibrugarh, Assam, India

Introduction: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are multifactorial. Previous research has reported a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in tea-garden workers. This study was conducted to assess prevalence and level of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among tea-garden and general population in Dibrugarh, Assam. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Stepwise methodology was conducted in Dibrugarh District of Assam. A multistep random sampling was done to include adults aged 35 years and above, with an intended equal sampling from tea-garden and general population. INTERHEART modifiable non-laboratory based risk score was estimated. Salt consumption was estimated using questionnaire-based methods in both subgroups. Results: A total of 2826 individuals participated in the study (1231 [43.6%] tea-garden workers; 1595 [56.4%] general population). Tobacco consumption was higher in tea-garden workers as compared with general population (85.2% vs. 41.7% (p < 0.0001). Mean daily per-capita salt consumption was also significantly higher among tea-garden workers (29.60 vs. 22.89 g, p = 0.0001). Overall prevalence of hypertension was similar (44.4% vs. 45.2%), but among those who had hypertension, prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was higher in tea-garden workers (82.8% vs. 74.4%, p < 0.0001). Tea-garden workers had lower BMI, were more physically active, and had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Their INTERHEART modifiable risk score was also lower (1.44 [2.5] vs. 1.79 [2.8], p = 0.001). Conclusion: High prevalence of modifiable risk factors like tobacco consumption, high salt intake and high prevalence of hypertension indicates the need for early implementation of preventive actions in this population.

Investigation of a cholera outbreak in a tea garden of Sivasagar district of Assam

Background: In late May 2012, Bagjan division of Borbam tea estate, of Sivasagar district of Assam was affected by an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea, subsequently confirmed as Vibrio cholerae O1. Objectives: Our objective is to investigate and control the acute diarrheal disease outbreak in Sivasagar district of Assam. Materials and Methods: A physician-epidemiologist-led team did rapid outbreak investigation to confirm the outbreak and instituted treatment and control measures. Quantitative data collection was done using standard schedule and qualitative data by using key informant interview schedule. Results: Spot mapping of cases was done along the garden residential lines. About 120 suspected cases were line listed; with 1:1.23 male: female ratio. Ages ranged from 3 to 70 years (median - 40.5 years). Attack rate was 4.79% with one death; case fatality rate was 0.83%. Open air defecation was practiced by 94.6%. Rectal swabs were positive for V. cholerae O1 (Ogawa). All the piped water samples were class IV unsatisfactory for domestic use. Conclusions: There is a need to improve water and sanitation facility in the tea garden lines along with implementation of a strengthened disease surveillance system through integrated disease surveillance project covering all tea estates.

DIETARY RISK FACTORS OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN DIBRUGARH DISTRICT OF ASSAM

BACKGROUND As India is considered as the diabetic capital of the world, a huge burden of undiagnosed Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a possibility. Early intervention can be planned if MetS can be detected early along with risk factor assessment to avert cardiovascular morbidities. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary risk factor of metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dibrugarh District of Assam with multistep sampling. Study area, i.e. four rural sub-centres and two urban electoral blocks were selected randomly. From the list of population of selected area, the consenting eligible were included. Sample size was 1700 population with MetS. Socio-demographic information, World Health Organisation’s STEPS questionnaire for behavioural risk factors along with dietary history, anthropometric assessment and laboratory investigations were conducted in three stages. Food frequency questionnaire was used for dietary assessment. Statistical analysis was done using rates, ratio, proportion, univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS MetS was 47.6% (1606 of 3372 screened). Mean age of study population was 47.1 ± 10.9 years. Behavioural risk factors like tobacco, alcohol consumption was high and significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (p= 0.000). Similarly financial stress, feeling stressed in last one year (p=0.034), lower physical activity level were also significantly associated with metS (p=0.000). Consumption of meat (p=0.000), egg (p=0.000), fast food (p=0.000), pickled vegetable (p=0.000) and sweet snacks (p=0.000) was found significantly higher amongst those with metabolic syndrome. Significant association was also seen with number of meals served per day and metS (p=0.000). CONCLUSION Dietary risk factors of cardiovascular diseases were rampant amongst persons with MetS. Dietary risk factor survey and counselling on healthy diet can be implemented in these population to give opportunity for early intervention.

COMPARISON OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF NEONATAL AND CHILDHOOD ILLNESS (IMNCI) ACTIVITIES AMONGST FRONTLINE WORKERS OF HEALTH AND ICDS SECTORS IN DIBRUGARH DISTRICT OF ASSAM AND EFFECT OF MONITORING AND SUPERVISION - A PROCESS EVALUATION

Background -IMNCI offers a strategy for improving the state of health of children in India. This approach could help the country in achieving the MDG Goals of reducing the under-five mortality. Objectives - To assess and compare the knowledge and skills of IMNCI service providers at peripheral level and effect of monitoring and supervision. Methods- A baseline cross sectional study to compare the activity of frontline workers of both health and ICDS sector and then follow up to assess the effect of monitoring and supervision in a subgroup. Results and Conclusion - IMNCI is found effective in improving knowledge, skill, accuracy in assessment, classification, treatment and counselling amongst both health and ICDS sector. Assessment by ANM and AWW for bacterial infection shows highly significant difference in 0-2 month, assessment of immunization and other problems also showing significant difference, but no significant difference is found in assessment of diarrhoea and breast feeding(p<0.05.). Monitoring and supervision; showing significant improvement in implementation of IMNCI in the district (p<0.05.).