Accessibility and availability of maternal and reproductive health care services: ensuring health equity among rural women in Southern India.

Introduction: The health of women is of particular concern because they often have greater health needs than men and many women still lack access to quality healthcare services, preventing their ability to attain the best possible level of health. Hence, this study aimed to assess the accessibility and availability of health services among rural women.

Methods: A household survey was conducted by using a multi-stage sample with 407 married women aged 18-45 years, having at least one child and living in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu were recruited for this study.

Early detection of sensory nerve function impairment in leprosy under field conditions.

Aim: To assess the fine sensation of palms and soles in field conditions, to enable early detection of nerve function impairment before the loss of protective sensation, thus preventing the development of disability.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at seven tertiary referral hospitals located in different states in India. This study included all newly diagnosed patients affected by leprosy, who were registered during the period between March 2011 and April 2012.

Evaluating the effectiveness of an online faculty development programme for nurse educators about remote teaching during COVID-19.

Objective: Engaging learners during the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant challenge for educators. The pandemic has propelled the popularity of online learning, with Google Classroom being widely used by educational institutions as a remote learning platform. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an online faculty development programme on nurse educators' perceived competency in creating and delivering e-content using Google Classroom and other freely available digital tools.

Quality of Life of Persons Affected by Leprosy in an Endemic District, West Bengal, India.

Introduction: Leprosy still remains a public health problem in India. Stigma and associated psychosocial problems are common in leprosy and may affect the quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the QoL of the person affected by leprosy living in Purulia district, West Bengal.

Perception toward the disease of the people affected by leprosy.

Background: This study aimed to explore the disease severity perceived by people affected with leprosy reporting at leprosy referral center, Purulia, West Bengal, India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 persons affected by leprosy above the age of 18 and married who were reporting at tertiary leprosy referral hospital, Purulia, West Bengal, India. A semistructured questionnaire was prepared to collect the demographic profile, disease profile, and perceived severity of the disease.

Progressive muscle relaxation technique on anxiety and depression among persons affected by leprosy.

Anxiety and depression have been found to be increasing among people with leprosy and it may lead to decreased social participation. The progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) is widely used today in choice of treatment for reducing the anxiety and depression. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PMRT in reducing anxiety and depression among the hospitalized leprosy affected person in a tertiary care centre.

AZALEP a randomized controlled trial of azathioprine to treat leprosy nerve damage and Type 1 reactions in India: Main findings.

Background: Leprosy Type 1 reactions are difficult to treat and only 70% of patients respond to steroid treatment. Azathioprine has been used as an immune-suppressant and we tested its efficacy in treating leprosy T1R.

Methodology: Randomised controlled trial adding azathioprine to steroid treatment for leprosy reactions.

Experiences with Thalidomide for Erythema Nodosum Leprosum– a retrospective study.

Background: Thalidomide is well known as a steroid sparing drug in Erythema Nodosum leprosum (ENL) reaction in leprosy. There is no guideline as to when it should be offered to patients. Documentation of ENL presentation with its morbidity before and after with patient profile can be a baseline to develop a selection criteria as to when thalidomide should be started to reduce steroid related morbidly.