Malnutrition among children of brick kiln workers in Mulshi taluka of Pune district Samir Barve, Reshma Patil, Rahul Maniyar, Revati Pathak Discover Social Science and Health, 2026 Migrant contractual labourers working in brick kilns of India are vulnerable to poor health status. There is a dearth of studies on children of these workers, especially those in the toddler and preschool age. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children of brick kiln workers aged between 6 months to 6 years. This cross-sectional study included children from selected 15 brick kiln sites in Mulshi taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. The sites were selected by convenience sampling based on workers’ availability and permission from brick kiln owners. 133 children were assessed for weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and clinical symptoms. Their parents were interviewed using a validated questionnaire to obtain information about immunization status, clinical history, and breastfeeding practices. Ten Focussed Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted with parents using FGD guides. Five in-depth interviews were conducted with and kiln owners using Interview guides. This study was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. Malnutrition parameters were assessed using the standard World Health Organization growth parameters. Inferential analyses were conducted using logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The prevalence of ‘Undernutrition’, ‘Stunting’ and ‘Wasting’ was 36.8%, 39% and 34.2% respectively. Male children had lesser odds for ‘Stunting’ (OR = 2.69, p = 0.02, CI:1.21–5.96). Children in age group 25 to 34 years had significantly lower odds of being stunted than infants (OR = 0.17, p = 0.04, CI: 0.03–0.96). Second-born children had significantly lower odds of wasting than first-borns (OR = 0.22, p = 0.03, CI:0.06–0.83). Prevalence of ‘Moderate Acute Malnourishment’ (MAM) & ‘Severe Acute Malnourishment’ (SAM) was 20.1% and 1.7%, & 14% and 2.6%, based on ‘weight and height’ and ‘MUAC’ measurements, respectively. Lack of availability of relevant documents with workers during migration affected provision of government-run nutritional support schemes and programs to children. Malnutrition was prevalent in around one-third children participants. Policies should be updated to facilitate the provision of nutritional support to these children through government schemes at the migrant site. The workers should be sensitized to carry relevant documents during migrations and to follow healthy behaviours.
Understanding health communication processes and challenges: cultural insights from Katkari tribal in western Maharashtra, India Manisha Gore, Ritika Tiwari, Reshma Patil Discover Social Science and Health, 2024 Communication is integral to human interaction, facilitating information exchange and conveying symbolic meaning. In the realm of public health, effective communication is paramount for disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, dissemination of government health initiatives including policies. This qualitative inquiry explores the intricacies of communication within the Katkari tribe, a minority group residing in western Maharashtra, India. Utilizing anthropological theories, the study seeks to unravel how culture influences health communication among the community. The objectives encompass investigating health communication sources, examining communication patterns through a cultural lens, and documenting challenges in public health communication. Using an inductive approach to the data analysis, the themes that emerged, included the Accredited Social Health Activist, (ASHA), television, social media as the factors influencing health communication dynamics, including the effects of media and technology on tribal health and lifestyle, challenges in terms of gaps in comprehension and action, barriers of language, social isolation, deep seated misconceptions and the cultural influences on health behaviour and the strategies recommended to overcome the challenges. To improve health communication for India's tribal populations, it's crucial to use culturally tailored approaches. This includes incorporating traditional art and local artists, using multimedia tools like radio jingles and videos, offering incentives to healthcare workers, and employing visual aids in simplified language. Engagement of local communities in the process will lead to an effective implementation of health communication policies.
“Community-based intervention to dengue prevention: Insights from urban residents in Pune, using the health belief model" Meghana Narendran, Sphurti Chate, Reshma Patil Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 2024 <h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Dengue infection is increasingly recognized as one of the world's emerging infectious diseases. The present study was carried out with the aim of assessing knowledge and health beliefs regarding Dengue fever among community in an urban slum area of Pune. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in an urban slum area of Urban Health Centre, Pashan, which is a field practice area of Department of Community Medicine. <h3>Aim & objectives</h3> This study is aimed at understanding the perception towards the Dengue Prevention using the Health Belief Model (HBM) approach, prevention measures adopted, their knowledge, opinion and confidence towards various control measures. <h3>Methods</h3> A Cross-Sectional Study using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was conducted for assessing on knowledge, health beliefs and practice of dengue control. <h3>Results</h3> About 26.1 % knew the causes of dengue, 56.2 % had poor knowledge on the severity of dengue. The knowledge on causes (69.9 %), signs and symptoms (77.1 %), treatment (51.2 %) and carriers (86.3 %) of dengue was poor. The knowledge regarding insects breeding spots, potential breeding spots inside (26.1 %) and outside (38.1 %) and prevention was almost poor. The data was collected from the questionnaire, entered and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Most people living across the community behaved in a similar manner, irrespective of age, education and socio-economic status. Perceptions of the community as explained by Health Belief Model was greatly influenced by their approach to the available health care services and for the subsequent behavioural change.
Cultural perspectives on health communication: The case of Katkari Tribals in Western Maharashtra, India Manisha Nitin Gore, Reshma Patil, Revati Pathak Public Health Communication Challenges to Minority and Indigenous Communities, 2024 Communication is a fundamental aspect of human existence, serving as a platform for sharing information and conveying symbolic meaning. Public health communication is crucial for disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and vaccine advocacy. A qualitative study applied the framework of 'Communication Anthropology' to understand cultural sensitivity, contextual nuances, recommendations within a specific tribal community in western Maharashtra, India. Themes “Uncovering the Sources of Health Communication Dynamics in a Tribal Community,” “Impact of Media and Technology on Tribal Community Health and Lifestyle,” and “Cultural Influences on Tribal Health Behavior” emerged from the study. Enhancing health communication for India's tribal populations requires culturally tailored strategies. Involving local communities is recommended, leveraging traditional art and local artists to convey health messages effectively. Integrating multimedia such as radio jingles and videos, incentivizing healthcare workers, and utilizing visual aids with simplified language can further enhance health communication.
Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study M. Gore, Madeline Elizabeth Drozd, Reshma Sudhir Patil Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 2024 Background Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India. Methods A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale. Results The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account. Conclusion Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.
Metabolic Syndrome among Urban Slum Population of Pune City: A Pilot Study Reshma S. Patil, Jayashree S. Gothankar Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, 2023 Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiplex risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. It is proven that genetic and certain modifiable factors are responsible for the syndrome. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of MetS in the high-risk urban slum population of Pune city and its association with various risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among high-risk people for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the field practice area of the Urban Health Training Centre of a private medical college, Pune, India. Variables like age, waist circumference, and blood pressure (BP) and fasting parameters like triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and blood glucose after 12 h overnight fast were tested. Results: Prevalence of MetS was 26.6%. It was maximum in the higher age group (53%), housewives (36.7%), subjects with secondary education (36.7%), and in the socioeconomic lower class (36%). Abdominal obesity, high TGs, low HDL, high BP, and raised blood glucose significantly contributed to an increased risk of MetS. Conclusion: The study shows that identification of even a single component of MetS should be considered and accordingly subject should be counseled to prevent further progression of the disease.
COPD awareness in the urban slums and rural areas around Pune city in India Deesha Deepak Ghorpade, Anchala Raghupathy, Jyoti Deepak Londhe, Sapna Jitendra Madas, Nisha Vijay Kale, Narula Arvinder Pal Singh, Reshma Sudhir Patil, Monica Sumit Barne, Prakash Prabhakar Rao Doke, Sundeep Santosh Salvi Npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, 2021 COPD is the second leading cause of death and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in India, yet, it remains poorly recognized. We aimed to study the level of awareness of COPD in urban slums of Pune city in India and its neighboring rural areas. All male and female subjects above the age of 30 years residing in 13 randomly selected slums of Pune city (total population of 3000) and 7 randomly selected neighboring rural villages (total population of 3000) were invited to participate in this cross-sectional community survey. After obtaining written informed consent, 13 trained community health workers (CHWs) administered a questionnaire that captured their level of awareness of COPD. Of the 6000 subjects approached, 5420 residents (mean age ± SD = 48.0 ± 13.5 years; 38% males) consented and answered all questions. The number of people who had ever heard the word COPD was 49/5420 [0.9% (0.6–1.1%); 0.7% (0.5–1.3%) of the urban slum dwellers and 1.15% (0.5–1.3%) of rural residents]. Among those who had never heard the word COPD (n = 5371), when asked what was the name of the disease caused by long-term tobacco smoking, 38% said cancer, 16.7% said asthma, and 4.4% said TB. Among those who had heard the word COPD (n = 49), 6.1% said it was a disease of the heart, and 61% attributed COPD to smoke and dust pollution and 20% to tobacco smoking. The level of awareness of COPD in the Indian community is extremely low, highlighting the need to have nationwide mass awareness programs in India.
Prevalence of the Acute Respiratory Infections and Associated Factors in the Rural Areas and Urban Slum Areas of Western Maharashtra, India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study Sujata Murarkar, Jayashree Gothankar, Prakash Doke, Girish Dhumale, Prasad D. Pore, Sanjay Lalwani, Sanjay Quraishi, Reshma S. Patil, Vivek Waghachavare, Randhir Dhobale, Kirti Rasote, Sonali Palkar, Nandini Malshe, Rupeshkumar Deshmukh Frontiers in Public Health, 2021 Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) continue to be the most important cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children. Some demographic and environmental factors are associated with ARIs among under-five children. This study was conducted with the objective to estimate the prevalence of ARIs among under-five children in the rural areas and densely populated urban slum areas in Maharashtra, India and to assess the association of the selected sociodemographic and household environmental factors with ARI. This study was conducted in 16 selected clusters from the rural areas and densely populated urban slum areas of the two districts in Maharashtra, India. Structured and validated proforma was used for collecting the data on the sociodemographic and household environmental risk factors. A total of 3,671 under-five children were surveyed. The prevalence of ARIs for the preceding month was 50.4%. It was higher among the children living in the rural areas (54.2%) compared to the children living in the urban areas (46.7%) (p = 0.01). The prevalence of ARIs was reported to be 51.4 and 49.4% in boys and girls, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the researchers found that living in rural areas (p = 0.01) and parental smoking (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with the ARIs. An intervention such as reducing parental smoking habits at the household level may reduce ARIs.
Model package of behavioral change communication regarding childhood pneumonia and its risk factors: A pre-post assessment Indian Journal of Community Health, 2020
Malnutrition among children of brick kiln workers in Mulshi taluka of Pune district RP Samir Barve, Reshma Patil, Rahul Maniyar Discover Social Science and Health 6, 1-14 , 2026 2026
A study about awareness and utilization of ‘Nikshay Poshan Yojana’benefits in selected tuberculosis units in Pune district in India S Barve, M Gore, D Datir, R Patil Indian Journal of Tuberculosis 72 (1), 78-82 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Understanding health communication processes and challenges: cultural insights from Katkari tribal in western Maharashtra, India M Gore, R Tiwari, R Patil Discover Social Science and Health 4 (1), 72 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Community-based intervention to dengue prevention: Insights from urban residents in Pune, using the health belief model M Narendran, S Chate, R Patil Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health 30, 101779 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Discover Social Science and Health M Gore, R Tiwari, R Patil 2024
Cultural perspectives on health communication: the case of Katkari tribals in Western Maharashtra, India MN Gore, R Patil, R Pathak Public Health Communication Challenges to Minority and Indigenous … , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Anemia prevalence and socioeconomic status among adolescent girls in rural Western India: a cross-sectional study MN Gore, ME Drozd, RS Patil Ethiopian journal of health sciences 34 (1), 57 , 2024 2024 Citations: 25
View Score: An early warning score to detect possible complications among COVID-19 patients M Bhakare, R Nikalje, R Patil, U Shukla, R Bokade, G Sakhare, S Joshi, ... Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 12 (12), 3160-3166 , 2023 2023
Metabolic Syndrome among Urban Slum Population of Pune City: A Pilot Study RS Patil, JS Gothankar Medical Journal of Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth 16 (Suppl 2), S195-S199 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Development of a Community Screening tool for COPD in India: The OSCAR study D Ghorpade, J Londhe, S Madas, A Raghupathy, N Kale, A Narula, ... European Respiratory Journal 60 (suppl 66) , 2022 2022
Promotion of eco friendly Diwali: A students’ perspective. Environ Dis 2022;7(3):70-5. PHT Nimbalkar AV, Gothankar JS, Patil RS Environmental disease 7 (3), 70-5 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
Effect of Behavior Change Communication on the Incidence of Pneumonia in Under Five Children: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial J Gothankar, P Pore, G Dhumale, P Doke, S Lalwani, S Quraishi, ... Indian Pediatrics 58 (11), 1046-1051 , 2021 2021 Citations: 1
Daily spirometry in Covid-19 positive patients M Bhakare, R Nikalje, R Patil, U Shukla, R Bokade, G Sakhare, S Joshi, ... European Respiratory Journal 58 (suppl 65) , 2021 2021
Case Study on Post-Discharge Persistence or Reappearance of Respiratory Symptoms in COVID19 Hypoxia Patients RPRN Jayshree Kharche, Deepak S. Khismatrao Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International 33 (37A), 31-39 , 2021 2021
COPD awareness in the urban slums and rural areas around Pune city in India DD Ghorpade, A Raghupathy, JD Londhe, SJ Madas, NV Kale, ... NPJ primary care respiratory medicine 31 (1), 6 , 2021 2021 Citations: 31
Prevalence of acute respiratory infections and associated factors in the rural area and urban slums of western Maharashtra, India: a community-based cross-sectional study J Gothankar, SK Murarkar, PP Doke, G Dhumale, PD Pore, S Lalwani, ... Frontiers in Public Health 9, 1563 , 2021 2021 Citations: 76
Prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among under-five children residing in urban slums and rural area, Maharashtra, India: a community-based cross-sectional study S Murarkar, J Gothankar, P Doke, P Pore, S Lalwani, G Dhumale, ... BMC public health 20 (1), 1559 , 2020 2020 Citations: 217
Manuscript title: Prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among under-ve children residing in urban slums and rural area, Maharashtra, India: a community-based cross … SK Murarkar, JS Gothankar, P Doke, P Pore, S Lalwani, G Dhumale, ... 2020
Assessment of the status of malnutrition and immunization coverage in under-five children attending Anganwadis M Singh, P Yadav, R Rehan, SR Chowdhury, VM Vaidya, RS Patil, ... Indian Journal of Child Health 7 (5), 216-219 , 2020 2020 Citations: 4
Model package of Behavioral Change Communication regarding childhood pneumonia and its risk factors: a pre-post assessment PSH 5. Doke PP, Gothankar JS, Dhumale GB, Pore PD, Lalwani SK, Quraishi SR ... Indian J Comm Health 32 (1), 67-75 , 2020 2020 Citations: 2
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among under-five children residing in urban slums and rural area, Maharashtra, India: a community-based cross-sectional study S Murarkar, J Gothankar, P Doke, P Pore, S Lalwani, G Dhumale, ... BMC public health 20 (1), 1559 , 2020 2020 Citations: 217
Reported incidence and risk factors of childhood pneumonia in India: a community-based cross-sectional study J Gothankar, P Doke, G Dhumale, P Pore, S Lalwani, S Quraishi, ... BMC public health 18 (1), 1111 , 2018 2018 Citations: 102
Prevalence of acute respiratory infections and associated factors in the rural area and urban slums of western Maharashtra, India: a community-based cross-sectional study J Gothankar, SK Murarkar, PP Doke, G Dhumale, PD Pore, S Lalwani, ... Frontiers in Public Health 9, 1563 , 2021 2021 Citations: 76
Assessment of risk of type 2 diabetes using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score in an urban slum of Pune, Maharashtra, India: a cross-sectional study RS Patil, JS Gothankar WHO South-East Asia journal of public health 5 (1), 53-61 , 2016 2016 Citations: 63
Prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in an urban slum of Pune City, India RS Patil, JS Gothankar Natl J Med Res 1, 6 , 2013 2013 Citations: 42
COPD awareness in the urban slums and rural areas around Pune city in India DD Ghorpade, A Raghupathy, JD Londhe, SJ Madas, NV Kale, ... NPJ primary care respiratory medicine 31 (1), 6 , 2021 2021 Citations: 31
Anemia prevalence and socioeconomic status among adolescent girls in rural Western India: a cross-sectional study MN Gore, ME Drozd, RS Patil Ethiopian journal of health sciences 34 (1), 57 , 2024 2024 Citations: 25
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus: An urban perspective R Patil, J Gothankar Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 71 (1), 16-21 , 2019 2019 Citations: 24
Knowledge and practices related to reproductive health amongst adolescent girls JS Gothankar, RS Patil, SH Plkar Medical Journal of Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth 8 (6), 719-723 , 2015 2015 Citations: 18
Impact of IEC activity on women’s knowledge through health exhibition arranged on women’s day RS Patil National Journal of Community Medicine 2 (02), 260-264 , 2011 2011 Citations: 11
Eye donation: awareness and willingness among shopkeepers R Patil, J Gothankar, P Bhat, J Saluja, S Sane Int J Community med public health 4 (6), 2056-2059 , 2017 2017 Citations: 10
An Impact of Educational Intervention Programme Regarding Dengue and its Prevention for Urban High School Children, Pune, Maharashtra DOAW Dr. Sachin Gupta, Dr. Reshma Patil, Dr. Arunesh Kumar international journal of scientific research 4 (10), 80 -82 , 2015 2015 Citations: 10
Community-based intervention to dengue prevention: Insights from urban residents in Pune, using the health belief model M Narendran, S Chate, R Patil Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health 30, 101779 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Assessment of the status of malnutrition and immunization coverage in under-five children attending Anganwadis M Singh, P Yadav, R Rehan, SR Chowdhury, VM Vaidya, RS Patil, ... Indian Journal of Child Health 7 (5), 216-219 , 2020 2020 Citations: 4
A study about awareness and utilization of ‘Nikshay Poshan Yojana’benefits in selected tuberculosis units in Pune district in India S Barve, M Gore, D Datir, R Patil Indian Journal of Tuberculosis 72 (1), 78-82 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Understanding health communication processes and challenges: cultural insights from Katkari tribal in western Maharashtra, India M Gore, R Tiwari, R Patil Discover Social Science and Health 4 (1), 72 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Metabolic Syndrome among Urban Slum Population of Pune City: A Pilot Study RS Patil, JS Gothankar Medical Journal of Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth 16 (Suppl 2), S195-S199 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Model package of Behavioral Change Communication regarding childhood pneumonia and its risk factors: a pre-post assessment PSH 5. Doke PP, Gothankar JS, Dhumale GB, Pore PD, Lalwani SK, Quraishi SR ... Indian J Comm Health 32 (1), 67-75 , 2020 2020 Citations: 2
Cultural perspectives on health communication: the case of Katkari tribals in Western Maharashtra, India MN Gore, R Patil, R Pathak Public Health Communication Challenges to Minority and Indigenous … , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Promotion of eco friendly Diwali: A students’ perspective. Environ Dis 2022;7(3):70-5. PHT Nimbalkar AV, Gothankar JS, Patil RS Environmental disease 7 (3), 70-5 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1