Decadal Trends and Associated Factors of Colorectal Cancer in Kerala Between 2010 and 2021 Among Patients in a Tertiary Hospital-Based Cancer Registry.

Introduction The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has notably risen on a global scale, owing to modifications in lifestyle patterns and the overconsumption of processed food to meet nutritional requirements. Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in India, with a significant number of new cases reported annually. The aim of our study is to examine the trends and association of CRC in Kerala between the years 2010-2021 among patients reporting at a tertiary Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) in Ernakulam.

Developing and assessing the "MultiLife" intervention: a mobile health-based lifestyle toolkit for cardiometabolic multimorbidity in diabetes and hypertension management - a type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial protocol.

Background: Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), characterized by the coexistence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, poses a major health challenge in India, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare resources. Lifestyle interventions can manage cardiometabolic risk factors, yet adherence remains suboptimal. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer a scalable approach for managing CMM by promoting behaviour change and medication adherence.

Non-communicable diseases related multimorbidity, catastrophic health expenditure, and associated factors in Ernakulam district.

Background: Multimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, has emerged as a significant public health challenge with profound economic implications, exerting substantial strain on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) related multimorbidity, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), and associated factors among adults aged ≥40 years in Ernakulam district.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 individuals aged ≥40 years using population probability sampling.

Benchmarking Point-of-Care Glucometers: A Comparative Study Using the Hexokinase Test and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards.

Introduction The International Diabetes Federation states that India accounts for one in seven of all adults with diabetes. Adherence to self-monitoring of blood glucose is essential for effective management of diabetes. Despite the wide variety of glucometers and their clinical applicability, there is a lot of ambiguity regarding their accuracy.

Role and Function of Frontline Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Rural Health Center in Kerala: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers established under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). ASHAs have played a crucial role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted ASHAs to adapt their strategies and methods to effectively address the challenges and ensure the well-being of the communities they serve.

Assessing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Determinants Among COVID-19 Case-Contact Dyads in Household Settings.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The COVID-19 outbreak raised several public and mental health concerns including tremendous psychological distress.

Aim: To assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among COVID-19-positive patients and household contacts and to determine the socio-demographic factors associated with PTSD in the study population.

Healthcare service utilisation among adults with coronary artery disease in rural Aluva, South India: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To assess the pattern and determinants of healthcare service utilisation among adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a rural setting in Kerala, India.

Design: A community-based cross-sectional analysis conducted within a study cohort.

Setting: The study was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022 within the ENDIRA Cohort (Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases In Rural Areas) in the rural part of Aluva municipality of Ernakulam district, Kerala, India, which comprises five adjacent panchayats with a population of approximately 100, 000 individuals.

Improving medication adherence among persons with cardiovascular disease through m-health and community health worker-led interventions in Kerala; protocol for a type II effectiveness-implementation research-(SHRADDHA-ENDIRA).

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and at present, India has the highest burden of acute coronary syndrome and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). A key reason for poor outcomes is non-adherence to medication.

Methods: The intervention is a 2 × 2 factorial design trial applying two interventions individually and in combination with 1:1 allocation ratio: (i) ASHA-led medication adherence initiative comprising of home visits and (ii) m-health intervention using reminders and self-reporting of medication use.

Variations and Associated Factors in Symptom-to-Balloon (STB) Time and Door-to-Balloon (DTB) Time Before and After the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 lockdown, India saw a major restriction in the movement of people. Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) required early interventions and follow-up of independent predictors like symptom-to-balloon (STB) time and door-to-balloon (DTB) time. This study aimed to determine changes in STB and DTB time before and after the COVID-19 lockdown and its associated risk factors.

Transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among household contacts of coronavirus disease 2019-positive patients: A community-based study in India.

Background: This study identified the risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among household contacts of index patients and determined the incubation period (IP), serial interval, and estimates of secondary infection rate in Kerala, India.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study in three districts of Kerala among the inhabitants of households of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction-positive coronavirus disease 2019 patients between January and July 2021. About 147 index patients and 362 household contacts were followed up for 28 days to determine reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction positivity and the presence of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 on days 1, 7, 14, and 28.

Experiences and Beliefs on Tobacco Use, Cessation in India: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Almost 80% of global tobacco usage is concentrated in low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. Added to this, there is dearth of dedicated tobacco cessation specialist services in healthcare settings in these regions. Identification of challenges in the delivery of cessation interventions and understanding the experiences of tobacco users will aid in formulating successful quit strategies.

Menstrual practices, fertility intentions and decision-making regarding family planning by women belonging to various indigenous groups of Wayanad- A qualitative study.

Background: Among the different social groups in India, the tribes are the most vulnerable and socioeconomically deprived. The tribal population is distinct from the general population in terms of their unique cultural, traditional, and reproductive health practices. Therefore, the aim of the study was to conduct an exploratory analysis of the menstrual practices, fertility intentions and decision-making regarding family planning among various indigenous tribal women of Kerala.

Hypertension in urban slums of southern India: Burden, awareness, health seeking, control and risk factor profile.

Introduction: Hypertension is the leading risk factor for global disease burden. Inequalities in health among urban poor and non-poor is a matter of concern. The current study was done to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and to describe the health seeking and risk factor profile of people with hypertension in the urban slums of Kochi, Kerala, India.

Glycemic control and its determinants among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ernakulam district, Kerala.

Background: Diabetes is a public health problem of colossal proportions. The National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-2020) has found high blood sugar levels among 13.5% of women and 15.

Seroconversion and side effects after COVID vaccination among persons with type 2 diabetes in urban, rural, and tribal areas in Kerala, India.

Background: Persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high-risk for COVID-19 infection and are a priority group for vaccination.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to estimate the seroconversion and determine the side effects after COVID-19 vaccination among persons with T2DM in urban, rural, and tribal areas in Kerala.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban, rural, and tribal field practice areas of a medical college in Central Kerala, among 396 persons with T2DM.

Pattern of contraceptive use, determinants and fertility intentions among tribal women in Kerala, India: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To assess the pattern of contraceptive use and its determinants, knowledge regarding contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills and fertility intentions among tribal women in the reproductive age group.

Design: Community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting: Community development blocks in a predominantly tribal district of Wayanad in Kerala, India.

Uncontrolled Blood Pressure and Associated Factors Among Persons With Diabetes: A Community Based Study From Kerala, India.

Unlabelled: The coexistence of raised blood pressure (BP) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major contributor to the development and progression of both macrovascular and microvascular complications. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled BP and its associated factors in persons with T2DM in a district in Kerala.

Methods: The study was conducted in Ernakulam district in Kerala, and a total of 3,092 individuals with T2DM were enrolled after obtaining consent.

A Sustainable Community-Based Model of Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (Shraddha-Jagrithi Project): Protocol for a Cohort Study.

Background: India has a massive noncommunicable disease (NCD) burden, at an enormous cost to the individual, family, society, and health system at large, despite which prevention and surveillance are relatively neglected. If diagnosed early and treated adequately, risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease would help decrease the mortality and morbidity burden. Surveillance for NCDs, creating awareness, positive lifestyle changes, and treatment are the proven measures known to prevent the progression of the disease.

Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Delivery in Singleton Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India: A Case Control Study.

Background: Preterm delivery is a major obstetric complication and a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. It is also associated with significant costs in terms of psychological and financial hardship, to the families.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with all preterm deliveries in singleton pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital and the secondary objective was to determine the fetal outcomes among women with preterm delivery.