Effectiveness of mDiabetes intervention in enhancing diabetes awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle changes among the general population in rural India.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of a mHealth and community health education intervention on diabetes awareness and promoting healthy dietary and lifestyle habits within a rural population in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, the mDiabetes program was implemented for 1 year, among 1,03,538 rural individuals. Under this program, 56 diabetes prevention messages (twice a week) in local language) were disseminated among the participants via voice calls for a period of 6 months.

Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES). Report # 10. Disability inclusive eye health survey in a tribal district (Rayagada) in Odisha, India.

Purpose: To estimate seeing and other disabilities in a population cohort in a tribal district, Rayagada, in the Indian state of Orissa.

Methods: A door-to-door survey was conducted to identify the disabilities. The vision was measured at the residence of the subject, and other disabilities were documented from the history obtained from the subject/household/neighbor.

Envisioning Eye Care From a Rural Perspective: A Photovoice Project From India.

Background To understand barriers and promoters for accessing eye care by rural communities, we used a modified approach to Photovoice, a community-based participatory action research approach Methods Community members took photographs and wrote or spoke stories based upon a series of questions intended to facilitate deeper thinking. Fifteen rural paramedical team members who were affiliated with the rural network of L V Prasad Eye Institute, and 60 people from four villages reported barriers and promoters for eye care access for 20 villages Results Important barriers for accessing eye care included the following: no caretaker at home for grandchildren except for the grandparent(s), alcoholism, uncontrolled blood pressure, inadequate diabetes management, lack of escort for blind people and elders, affordability, and inadequate clinic staffing during summer season when farming villagers were available. Important promoters for seeking eye care included having a neighbor who had a good surgical outcome in one eye which resulted in the ability to resume work.