Shazina Saeed

Introduction: Cervical cancer poses a significant health risk to women globally and in India. While the burden of HPV (Human papillomavirus)-related infections among Indian women is well-documented, there is a need to understand HPV related dynamics among Indian men as well as an influencing factor in male reproductive health. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to HPV vaccination among male healthcare professionals in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), India. Methods: A mixed-method survey was conducted from March 2022 to April 2023 among young male healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds across public and private healthcare settings in the Delhi NCR of India. In the quantitative arm, convenience sampling was employed to recruit participants, with 299 complete responses recorded. For the qualitative arm, 37 participants were interviewed to gain an in-depth understanding of their perceptions of HPV infection and vaccination. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS Version 30.0), and qualitative data analysis was done using the manual transcription method employing the Grounded Theory Approach (GTA). Results: The mean age of the participants in the quantitative arm was 24.6 years. The overall knowledge score towards HPV vaccination was 59%, while the attitude score was 89%. Although 83.9% of participants were willing to promote HPV vaccination among men in India, only 11.4% got vaccinated for HPV. The engagement in unsafe sexual practices was significantly associated with age ( p = 0.006), occupation ( p = 0.004), education ( p < 0.001), and marital status of the participants ( p = 0.003). A significant association was also observed between marital status and the willingness to engage in HPV-related awareness within their personal networks ( p< 0.001). In the qualitative arm, the mean age was 32.4 ± 6.2 years. Four themes were generated after thematic analysis:1) HPV seen as female-specific, 2) Awareness not translating into action, 3) Systemic silence and missed opportunities, and 4) Cost-consciousness despite awareness. Out of 37 interviewees, 27% had misconceptions about HPV, 18.9% felt a lack of a male-focused HPV vaccination drive, and 29.7% expressed affordability concerns about getting an HPV vaccination due to the high vaccine cost. Conclusion: This study's findings lay the groundwork for more extensive research to understand the barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination among male healthcare professionals. Comprehensive educational, institutional, and policy interventions are required to improve vaccine uptake and support equitable implementation of gender-neutral HPV vaccination.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, with India bearing a substantial share of this burden. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine clinical care and accelerated the transition to telemedicine for chronic disease management. This study explores healthcare providers’ perspectives on the use of telemedicine for NCD care during and after the pandemic, including its perceived benefits, limitations, and future relevance within the broader digital health landscape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 purposively selected healthcare providers with experience in telemedicine for NCD care between February and June 2025, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVivo 15. Providers reported that telemedicine supported continuity of care, reduced the need for in-person visits, facilitated medication adherence, and offered reassurance for patients during periods of restricted mobility. However, limitations were identified, including the inability to conduct physical examinations, connectivity challenges, and low digital literacy, particularly among older adults. While overall satisfaction with telemedicine was positive, participants emphasized the need for strengthened digital infrastructure, greater patient awareness, and simplified platforms to improve usability. The findings underscore telemedicine’s continued relevance for NCD management beyond the pandemic, contingent on improved accessibility and system integration.

This review summarises the status of India’s health system in relation to newborn and child health care. The analysis suggests persistent state-level disparities in neonatal mortality rates (NMR) and lists the bottlenecks across key health system pillars. The review deliberates the extent to which the India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) has been effectively integrated into existing maternal and child health frameworks and identifies both progress and policy gaps. Key challenges include under-resourced Special Newborn Care Units, inconsistent implementation of evidence-based practices and limited access to timely and quality care, particularly in rural and underserved regions. The review recommends state and district-specific as well as context-specific INAP action plans, investments in health infrastructure, promotion of institutional deliveries and scaling up of proven interventions such as immediate Kangaroo mother care and early childhood intervention centres. Strengthening data systems and enhancing intersectoral coordination are also emphasised to improve accountability and impact. This review concludes that sustained and accelerated efforts are vital to achieving India’s goal of reducing NMR to single digits by 2030.

Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic autoimmune dermatosis that primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes. Juvenile pemphigus vulgaris (JPV), a pediatric variant of pemphigus vulgaris, displays unusual features that may mimic other mucosal lesions. This similarity leads to diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties, often causing delays in diagnosis. Primary treatment consists of systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, with biological therapies, such as rituximab, emerging as potential alternatives. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve prognosis and reduce complications related to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. A comprehensive electronic and manual literature search was conducted using various databases to consolidate the existing literature on JPV, focusing on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term outcomes in pediatric patients. A detailed review focusing on JPV has been conducted over the last 10 years (2014–2024). A literature review identified 37 cases of JPV in 16 studies. Owing to the rarity of JPV, much of the available evidence relies on case reports and case series, resulting in poorly defined response rates to different treatment options. Additionally, long-term monitoring of patients with disease recurrence is lacking. By identifying gaps in the current knowledge and offering a comprehensive overview, this review seeks to enhance awareness and guide future research and management strategies for JPV.

Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Over three-quarters of CVD-related deaths now occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); India accounts for one-fifth of global CVD-related deaths, especially among the younger population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CVD among the Indian adult population. We systematically searched Scopus and PubMed from January 2000 to December 2024 to identify relevant articles and pooled the prevalence of CVD using random-effects meta-analysis. Among the 14,647 records screened, 501 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 15 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of CVD was 11% (95% CI: 0.09–0.17). Subgroup analysis showed prevalence rates of 12% among males and 14% among females. Urban areas had a higher prevalence (12%) compared to rural areas (6%), with a significant difference. Our study shows the significant prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in India, particularly in urban areas, with slightly higher rates among females. Focused public health strategies are required to mitigate the growing burden of CVD, along with preventive measures, to reduce further increases in disease prevalence and related fatalities.

Introduction. Long COVID, a condition that follows the acute phase of COVID-19, presents diverse clinical, psychological, and socioeconomic challenges, with complications such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health conditions. Despite its impact, the burden of long COVID symptoms on public health remains underexplored. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the complications and challenges of long COVID to inform healthcare providers and policymakers. Material and methods. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published between January 2020 and August 2024. Articles were selected based on inclusion criteria, including both qualitative and quantitative studies. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the NIHR risk-of-bias tool. Results. A total of 23 studies from 17 countries were included. Findings presented a multifaceted burden, with physical symptoms such as fatigue (5.5%–84.4%), brain fog (67%), headaches (5%–76.6%) and sleep disturbances (22%–60.9%). Psychological impacts were also prominent, with anxiety and depression frequently reported. Socioeconomic consequences were substantial, with up to 42.3% of individuals unable to return to work. Conclusions. Long COVID poses significant challenges to individuals and public health systems. Despite emerging insights, there are substantial gaps in understanding and managing long COVID, underscoring the need for further research and comprehensive healthcare strategies.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in India led to a significant increase in healthcare costs and a decrease in patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire to gauge patient satisfaction with healthcare services during the COV-19 period in India. Methods: An e-Delphi method was used to design and validate the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 18 closed -ended questions aimed at assessing patient satisfaction levels among patients affected by the disease. The instrument was validated by a panel of experts, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health professionals, using a series of structured rounds. Results: The developed questionnaire was able to capture the multifaceted patient experiences during the period, providing an essential tool for both policymakers and healthcare providers, facilitating a deeper understanding of and response to patient needs. Moreover, the questionnaire was tailored to the cultural and healthcare-specific contexts of the Indian population, considering language, socio-cultural factors, and healthcare practices unique to the region, ensuring the instrument's relevance and effectiveness. Conclusions: This study aims to fill a critical gap in the assessment of patient satisfaction in the context of a healthcare crisis in India, emphasizing the need for use of Delphi Technique for the purpose of validating a questionnaire and obtaining accurate and meaningful data for healthcare improvements and surveys.

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, with significant gender disparities in mortality and disease burden. This study aims to investigate these disparities, using data from national health surveys, to inform gender-specific public health strategies and align with global health goals. Methodology: The study uses data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) and National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5). Result: The results from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) and National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5) indicate significant demographic and health-related variations among 65,562 participants. Key findings show gender disparities in lifestyle habits such as alcohol and tobacco use, and differences in health outcomes across age, education, and socioeconomic status. Notably, an increase in NCD prevalence, particularly hypertension and diabetes, was observed from NFHS-4 to NFHS-5, highlighting evolving health challenges in India. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of gender in the prevalence and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, advocating for public health strategies that address gender differences, socio-economic factors, and urban-rural disparities to achieve health equity.

Introduction: Amidst the challenges posed by Covid-19, assessing healthcare quality in India is crucial, particularly through patient satisfaction levels. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 277 participants in Jammu and Kashmir was conducted, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire and PSQ-18. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v25) including Chi-Square tests and Descriptive analysis. Results: Out of 277 participants, 70.8% expressed high satisfaction with medical care. Majority (70%) agreed that doctors explained medical tests well. Additionally, 70% strongly agreed that their doctor’s office was well-equipped. Dissatisfaction factors were notably low. Significant associations were found between age and alcohol use (p = 0.041), gender and alcohol use (p = 0.007), gender and tobacco use (p = 0.032), and education level and vaccination (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights high patient satisfaction during the pandemic. Improving accessibility and quality of primary healthcare and community centres is essential to meet patient needs effectively.