Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Globally, one in ten pregnant women have diabetes; out of which, 90% contribute
to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the cornerstone for GDM
treatment yet adherence to MNT among the masses is not adequately monitored as part of the routine
antenatal services. The study aimed to estimate the proportion of adherence to MNT and determine
the factors related toadherence among antenatal women with GDM. This study also explores the
facilitators, barriers, and possible suggestions for improving adherence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This facility‑based sequential explanatory mixed‑method study was
conducted among 341 antenatal women with GDM at, Puducherry. The study was conducted in 2021.
Dietary adherence was evaluated using Perceived Dietary Adherence Questionnaire and based on
the scores obtained they were selected for in‑depth interviews to explore the facilitators and barriers.
Collected data wereanalysed by Chi‑square test using STATA version 16.
RESULTS: Out of 341 participants, the proportion of participants adherent to MNT was 135 (39.6%)
with 95% CI of 34%–44%.Thepredictors for poor adherence were unemployment (PR: 0.65; 95%CI:
0.48–0.88) and good adherence was antenatal women in the 2nd trimester (PR: 1.541; 95%CI:
1.18–2.025).Barrierstonon‑adherence were financial crisis, lack of awareness ofthe need for MNT,
and joint family pressure.
CONCLUSIONS: About two‑thirds of antenatal women with GDM are non-adherent to MNT.
Unemployment and period of gestation were found to be theirdeterminants. Appropriate action has
to be implemented for improving the adherence rate.

Abstract BACKGROUND: In India, most of the deaths due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) occur within
24 h of the accident. Hence, this study aimed to assess the proportion of RTA victims reaching the
health‑care facilities within the golden hour.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center in
South India between August and September 2017. All RTA victims who were admitted for treatment
in the emergency department during the study period were included. Data were collected using
structured, pretested, and validated pro forma. Hospital exit outcomes between those who reached
within 1 h and those who did not were expressed as proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
The factors associated with hospital exit outcomes were analyzed using a Chi‑square test.
RESULTS: Among 626 RTA victims, the mean (standard deviation) age was 37.4 (2.6) years,
and about 83% (n = 521) were male. More than one‑third (37%) of the RTAs occurred on urban
roads (n = 235, 37.5%). A total of 424 (67.7%) were referred from other hospitals. The mean
time taken for RTA victims to reach any health‑care facility was 3 h. More than half (n = 346,
55% [95% CI: 51.3–59.2]) of the RTA victims had reached a health‑care facility within the
golden hour. Among those who reached beyond the golden hour, one‑fourth (n = 77, 27.5%)
were delayed due to the unavailability of transporting vehicles. Delay in communication (n = 59,
21.1%), prolonged travel (n = 41, 14.6%), lack of knowledge about nearby facilities (n = 39,
13.9%), nonavailability of attenders (n = 35, 12.5%) and financial issues (n = 29, 10.4%) were
the other reasons for the delay.
CONCLUSION: Almost half of the RTA victims reached the health‑care facilities after the golden
hour. Unavailability of ambulances or vehicles for transport and delay in communication were the
important factors that played a role in the delay.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most common life‑threatening arboviral infection contributing to
92 million infections worldwide. India alone contributes for 34% of the global burden. Success of
dengue control depends largely on adequate knowledge and good practices of preventive measures.
However, there is a need to find the existing awareness among the general population, especially
in rural areas. Thus, our present study was done to determine the awareness, attitude, and practice
measures regarding dengue fever in rural Tamil Nadu.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community‑based cross‑sectional survey was done among 303
individuals belonging to the selected village in rural Tamil Nadu during November 2016. Information
regarding sociodemographic details and awareness, attitude, and practice toward dengue were
collected using a semi‑structured questionnaire. Adequacy of knowledge and attitude was summarized
as proportion with 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS: Among 303 participants, 204 (67.3%) were above 30 years of age; 196 (64.6%) were
females; 255 (84.1%) were ever married; 149 (49.1%) were employed and most of them 93 (30.6%)
were educated up to secondary level; 103 (33.9%) belonged to the Class 4 socioeconomic status.
About 33.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.2–38.8) of the study participants had adequate
knowledge and 56.1% (95% CI: 50.5–61.6) had positive attitude toward dengue prevention. About
57.7% (95% CI: 52.1–63.2) were practicing preventive measures.
CONCLUSION: The current study found that only one‑third of the participants had adequate
knowledge regarding dengue but more than half of them had positive attitude toward dengue
prevention and practicing mosquito control measures. Hence, large‑scale information, education,
and communication campaigns need to done at frequent intervals for rural population.