Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences

Challenges in Engaging the Private Sector for Ensuring Standards of TB Care: A Case Study from Delhi, India

2026-02-02T13:01:33+00:00

Introduction: Despite many efforts by the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), ensuring standards of TB care for people with TB have not been really converted into routine practice in the private sector of the state of Delhi. The current study aims at documenting the challenges faced by the Delhi state to partner with formal private healthcare delivery providers for ensuring quality TB care. Methods: A case study approach was adopted to understand the case through a primary descriptive exploration. A scoping review of nine research studies and analysis of data from various TB annual reports from 2015 to 2024 and project reports were performed. 23 In-depth interviews with private providers, policy makers, and program staff were conducted. The grounded theory approach was used to generate a single theory of the case itself that explains it. Results: With limited human resources and their managerial capacity, NTEP found it difficult to reach out to the fragmented multitude of private healthcare providers. Private sector had various concerns to engage with NTEP including breach in the confidentiality of the clients and cumbersome documentation process. TB care indicators improved in terms of quality service delivery from the private sector when a third-party agency was engaged by NTEP; however, the same started declining with the project closure. Poor stakeholder interests, lack of mutual trust, lack of sustained interaction between the sectors, and lack of a system for co-ordination were major challenges leading to poor sustainability beyond the project duration. Conclusion: A proactive effort by the public sector with a strategic policy direction for private sector engagement, understanding and addressing the concerns of the private sector and gaining their trust, capacity building of NTEP staff to deal with private sector, making the documentation process simple, and creating a platform for dialog between sectors can enhance further engagement.

A KAP Study on the Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Pattern of School-going Adolescents (13–17 years) of Kolkata and Post Intervention Analysis

2026-03-06T08:06:58+00:00

Introduction: Diet and lifestyle patterns play a significant role on the quality of life of adolescents and it is a key time to address nutritional deficiencies to support adequate growth and foster sound dietary practices for the future. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the dietary habits and lifestyle patterns and their impact on the quality of life on school going adolescents in Kolkata, West Bengal. Methodology: A survey was conducted among 400 respondents aged 13–17 years by a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire, selected by purposive random sampling in different zones of Kolkata. An intervention program was also implemented through a “Nutrition Education Program” to raise awareness about healthier eating choices and better lifestyle habits along with the introduction of fiber rich snack to offer a healthier snack option. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that dietary habits and lifestyle patterns are significantly interrelated. 62% adolescents showed increased screen time and affected by social media and societal influences, while 85% engaged in physical activities with adequate sleep. However, 27% showed lack of regular fiber intake along with high consumption of packaged snacks. Binge eating along with skipping meals were also observed among respondents. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the dietary habits and lifestyle pattern create absolute impact on the quality of life of adolescent with predominant gut health issues and the changes in the dietary habits and lifestyle pattern was observed in post-intervention reducing the clinical manifestation significantly.

Epidemiological Study of Menstrual Health and Associated Sociodemographic Factors among School-Going Adolescent Girls Aged 12–16 Years in Rural Coastal Andhra Pradesh

2026-03-06T08:21:25+00:00

Background: Menstrual health is a critical component of adolescent well-being, yet substantial disparities persist in low-resource settings where awareness, infrastructure, and support systems remain inadequate. This study assessed menstrual health patterns and examined the association of menstrual problems, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with sociodemographic factors among school-going adolescent girls in rural coastal Andhra Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 155 adolescent girls aged 12–16 years selected using simple random sampling in Tuni Mandal, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual history, hygiene practices, and menstrual disorders. Descriptive statistics and stratified analyses were used. Results: The mean age at menarche was 12.25 years (SD = 1.90). Irregular menstrual cycles were reported by 76.8% of participants, PMS by 58.7%, painful periods by 25.8%, and heavy discharge by 14.2%. Higher prevalence of menstrual problems was observed among girls from low-income households and among those whose parents were illiterate. Conclusion: We identified a substantial burden of menstrual problems among adolescent girls in rural coastal Andhra Pradesh. Sociodemographic disadvantage appears to be an important contextual determinant, underscoring the need for school-based menstrual hygiene interventions and community-level strategies to strengthen parental awareness and support.