Magnitude and determinants of psychological morbidities among pregnant women: Results from a pregnancy cohort in rural Central India.

Background: Psychological morbidities are one of the emerging global health problems. It affects a considerable number of ante-natal women leading to consequences during the postnatal period as well. We conducted this research to study the magnitude and determinants of psychological morbidities during pregnancy.

Transition in availability of improved sanitation facilities and its effect on diarrhoeal disease in India: evidence from longitudinal data.

Background: Poor sanitation, such as open defecation, is a major public health concern in India, causing diarrhoea and other infectious diseases. So far, few studies have linked poor sanitation with diarrhoea using longitudinal data. In this context, this study assesses the transition in availability of household sanitation facilities and its effect on diarrhoeal morbidity.

Validating the MUAC (Mid-upper arm circumference) Cut-off for Detection of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Rural Maharashtra.

Objective: To review the Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) cut-off currently being used to identify Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) as currently defined using Weight-for-Height.

Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 24 villages of a Primary Health Centre in Wardha district of Maharashtra among 2650 children between the ages of 6 to 59 months.

Results: For identifying SAM, sensitivity of MUAC was 23.

Molecular Genetic Study to Detect Prevalence of High-risk Human Papilloma Virus Strains (type 16 and 18) in Cervical Lesions and Asymptomatic Healthy Subjects of Rural Central India.

Background: Carcinoma cervix of uterus (CaCx) is the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide. It is an established fact that infection of specific types of human papilloma virus (HPV) is essential for the development of cervical cancer. The present study reports the high-risk viruses (HPV 16 and 18) type distribution in rural central India, which has unique climatic condition.

Assessment of Functioning of Village Health Nutrition and Sanitation Committees in a District in Maharashtra.

Background: Community participation is one of the core principles of primary healthcare. The village health nutrition and sanitation committee (VHNSC), one of the elements in implementation of the National Health Mission (NHM), is an example of community participation. There are not many studies conducted to assess the actual participation of VHNSC in health-care delivery at the village level.