Indian Journal of Community Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Human Resource Compliance with Indian Public Health Standards 2022: An Assessment of Health and Wellness Centers in a District of Northwestern India.","authors":"Ramandeep Kaur, Sanjeev Mahajan, Preeti Padda","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_636_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_636_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since 1952, basic health care in India has been provided through primary health centers (PHCs). Recently, the government has expanded services with health and wellness centers (HWCs) to offer comprehensive primary care. The Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) were last updated in 2022 to guide these enhancements. Despite concerns about insufficient human resources, no studies have assessed HR compliance with the 2022 IPHS in Punjab's border district. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among eight urban primary health centers (UPHCs), 17 rural PHCs (R-PHC), and 28 sub-health centers (SHCs) of Amritsar district (selected by simple random sampling), where available human resource was assessed using a checklist developed on basis of IPHS 2022. Data were collected by observation, record review and interview with medical officer and community health officer. Based on the checklist, overall scores were calculated where availability/nonavailability of HR was scored as 1 and 0, respectively. The HWCs were then classified into very good (>80%), good (60-80%), average (40-60%), poor (<40%). 24 * 7 UPHCs showed only 7% deficiency compared to 48% in non-24 * 7 UPHCs. SHCs demonstrated just 3% overall deficiency, while R-PHCs faced significant challenges about 45-46% deficiency in both 24 * 7 and non-24 * 7 facilities. Overall, 66% of all centers were rated very good or good. 24 * 7 UPHCs and SHCs were generally performing better than non-24 * 7 UPHCs and RPHCs. Targeted efforts should be made to address HR shortages in underperforming centers, with emphasis on equitable distribution of human resources between urban and rural areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"838-842"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Healthcare-Seeking Behavior among Transgenders in Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"A Aswani, Susan Thomas, Mary Shimi S Gomez, Evan C Rebello","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_721_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_721_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Transgender individuals face significant health disparities, including limited access to appropriate healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the oral healthcare-seeking behavior (HSB) of transgender people in Kerala. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and September 2023 among 120 transgender individuals by using snowball sampling. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing their oral HSB. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the association of sociodemographic variables with oral health knowledge, attitude, and dental service utilization. Statistical significance was set at <i>P</i> < 0.05. The mean age of the participants was 29.12 ± 8.19 (95% Cl = 27.6-30.6) years. Transwomen comprised 70.8% (95% Cl = 61-78) of the participants, compared to 29.2% (95% Cl = 21-38) of transmen. Participants with good oral health knowledge comprised 60.8% (95% Cl = 51-69), and 57.5% (95% Cl = 48-66) had a positive attitude. The majority (82.5%) (95% Cl = 74-88) utilized dental services for toothaches and restorations. Bivariate analysis revealed higher dental service utilization among participants with higher education (<i>P</i> = 0.03), and a significant difference between transmen and transwomen was seen (<i>P</i> = 0.04, OR = 2.69, 95% Cl = 1.0-7.0). The main barriers were treatment costs (<i>P</i> = 0.001 OR = 5.3, 95% Cl = 1.94-14.4) and discrimination. Financial constraints and gender discrimination hinder transgender individuals' access to oral healthcare. Sensitizing oral healthcare providers and implementing targeted policies can reduce disparities and promote health equity.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"843-848"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470334/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sweetened Areca Nut, A Risk in Dental Caries among Adolescents in Pune, Maharashtra? A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Sahana Hegde Shetiya, Sudhir L Jadhav, Supriya Kheur, Ravi Shirahatti, Rakesh Gupta, Ruttika Desai","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_93_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_93_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Smokeless tobacco (SLT) causes dental caries and so does chewing of areca nut (sweetened supari) due to the presence of sugar. Since conflicting views exist about whether areca nut causes dental caries or not, and since studies are undertaken in adults and data on adolescents are not available, this study was carried out. Since those were cross-sectional or longitudinal studies, this case-control study was undertaken to understand if flavored/sweetened areca nut is a risk factor for dental caries.</p><p><strong>Material and method: </strong>This unmatched case-control study was conducted among the male students of 8^th to 10^th standard in the age group of 12-16 of four Madhyamik Vidyalaya's (MVs) in Pimpri-Chinchwad (urban area), Pune. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was drawn to determine the independent variables to be selected for the study and minimal variables to be adjusted during data analysis. Selection of cases was based on diagnostic and eligibility criteria. The data on the use of sweetened areca nuts and the presence of caries were collected through oral examination and a semistructured questionnaire administered by the principal investigator on a one-to-one basis between August 2022 and October 2022. Data were analyzed using epiinfo^TM 7.2.5.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study of 146 males in the age group of 13 to 16 years had 61 students as cases and 85 as controls. No significant difference was observed between the group with (cases) and without (controls) dental caries for areca nut use (pack years) whether consumed daily or less frequently for 1 year or more. While the exposure rate to areca nut among cases was 44.26%, for the control group it was 36.47%. The odds ratio of sweetened areca nut as being the risk factor for dental caries was 1.38 at 95% CI (0.70-2.71) with <i>P</i> = 0.44.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed that the adolescent users of sweetened areca nuts studying in government schools had a higher exposure odds ratio for dental caries. However, it was not significant statistically. Information bias including recall may have influenced the outcome.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"766-771"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470350/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk of Substance Use Among LGBTQI+ Community Affected by Lifetime and Day-to-day Discrimination - Results from a Cross-sectional Study Performed in South India.","authors":"Divya Ramanathan, Neethu George, Aparna Menon, Kiran Kanthasamy, Rock Britto Dharmaraj","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_762_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_762_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stressors from discrimination (lifetime and day-to-day) can be precipitated as mental health problems particularly substance use among marginalized subjects including LGBTQI+ community. The study assessed substance use among LGBTQI+ adults and its association with lifetime and day-to-day discrimination.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study was performed as a cross-sectional design among 254 LGBTQI+ adults above the age of 18 years where substance use was measured using WHO - ASSIST V.3 questionnaire and discrimination was evaluated using a lifetime and day-to-day assessing questionnaire. The analysis of risk of substance use amid discrimination was measured using logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the subjects 64.2% were Gay men with a mean (SD) age of 30.67 (6.05) years. In lifetime discrimination, experience of discrimination was found to be always present during the enquiries for any housing among 11 (4.3%) while in day-to-day discrimination, the experience was always present in public places among 11 (4.3%) and public transport 13 (5.1%). In substance use risk score, 169 (66.5%) subjects showed a moderate risk for using any alcohol beverages and 135 (53.1%) showed a moderate risk in using any tobacco related products. The analysis showed a significant positive association between the discrimination and substance use (alcohol and tobacco related) among LGBTQI+ adults.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The increased proportion of substance use among the LGBTQI+ community is linked with the discrimination suffered by the individuals, which is to be addressed by society in a deeper and specific manner.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"752-758"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Generalized and Abdominal Overweight-Obesity among Adolescents from Punjab State: Their Possible Risk Drivers.","authors":"Shivangi Choudhary, Anmol Bhandari, Suninder Tung, Gurcharan Kaur","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_88_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_88_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood overweight/obesity is currently most pressing public health concerns in the 21^st century. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of generalized and abdominal overweight/obesity and their correlations in adolescents from State of Punjab, India. The study further assessed various lifestyle habits as possible risk drivers of overweight/obesity such as dietary habits, physical activity, sleep time, screen time, etc.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional study was performed on 1408 adolescents aged 10-16 years from seven schools in Punjab, India. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was measured using four criteria Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Waist Hip ratio, and Waist/Height ratio were taken as indicators of generalized and abdominal obesity. The cut-off of >23^rd and >27^th adult equivalent BMI for overweight and obesity was used. 545 adolescents (healthy weight and overweight/obese) were then randomly selected for their lifestyle assessment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity based on BMI was 18.6% and 12.4% respectively. Abdominal obesity was 11% by WC, 32.4% by WHR, and 24.6% by WHtR. All three waist indices showed significant correlation with BMI (<i>P</i> < 0.001). The prevalence of overweight/obesity among boys was significantly higher than girls when measured by BMI Vs WC, WHR, and WHtR. Significant association was also observed between measures of obesity and age, with higher prevalence in adolescents of 10-13 than 14-16 years. Overweight/obesity was not significantly associated with their possible lifestyle risk drivers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overweight/obesity in adolescents showed significant association with gender and age, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was found to be significantly higher as compared to the previous reports from India.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"745-751"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementing and Evaluating Risk Assessment as a New Learning Tool in Family Adoption Program: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Madhivanan Arulmozhi, Aswathy Raveendran, Kalaiselvan Ganapathy, Premanandh Kandasamy","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_47_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_47_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Training and engaging undergraduates in Family Adoption Program (FAP) is challenging due to increased visits, a large batch of students, limited resources, and less community cooperation. Routinely students are involved in history taking and community diagnosis. Risk assessment has the potential to be a part of the learning tool in FAP as it has not been utilized. To explore the perceptions of students, faculty, and villagers on risk assessment tool application in FAP and understand its challenges and suggest solutions.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Various risk-scoring scales and screening tests were introduced to the second-year students. It was a program development and evaluation design using qualitative techniques. By purposive sampling, focus group discussions were conducted with students, in-depth interviews obtained from villagers, and written feedback from the faculty. Data were collected till information saturation and manual thematic analysis was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This method showed improved student knowledge and clinical skills, enhanced communication, health education, early case identification, and management. The impact on villagers was increased awareness, improved trust in community response, and positive behavior change. Faculty perceived it as an effective utilization of visit timings with educational benefits and engaged students as it is a task- and outcome-based learning. Challenges included limited resources, community mobilization, language barriers, and insufficient training. Adequate student training and preparedness, provision of learning resources, improved patient referrals, and follow-up care were the major solutions suggested.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Adopting risk assessment tool learning in the FAP curriculum facilitates better student learning and engagement, along with improved community response and patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"815-821"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of the Community-based SPARSH Program on Control of Selected NCDs: Mixed Methods Evaluation.","authors":"Dhara Chaudhari, Amol R Dongre, Mayur K Shinde, Pradeep R Deshmukh","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_78_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_78_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In community settings, lack of availability of care, nonadherence to medication, high cost of treatment, and poor outcomes of treatment are the core problems in noncommunicable disease (NCD) management. Is there an effect of the community-based SPARSH program on treatment adherence, treatment expenditure, and control among selected NCDs? What are the reasons for low treatment adherence to treatment from patients' point of view?</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>It was a community-based explanatory type of mixed method evaluation design, where major quantitative (cross-sectional survey) design followed a minor qualitative (free list) component. A representative sample of 850 NCD patients were selected by two-stage cluster sampling. Structured interviews were done to collect information on history of tobacco and alcohol consumption, treatment adherence, measurement of obesity, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels among known NCD patients. A directed acyclic graph was developed, and path analysis was performed using STATA software. Free list was done with patients who were found to have low adherence to treatment. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As revealed from path analysis, NCD patients enrolled in the SPARSH program had better treatment adherence, which ultimately led to control of hypertension and diabetes.</p><p><p>Ninety percent of patients enrolled in SPARSH had high adherence to treatment, and 90% of them had control in their NCD status. Patients with low adherence to medication reported three major reasons for it: 1) <i>forgetting to take the medicines due to a busy schedule</i>, 2) <i>lack of money to purchase medicines</i>, and 3) <i>feeling better, so felt not necessary to take medicines</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The SPARSH program was found to be effective to control hypertension and diabetes among enrolled patients for its services by improving treatment adherence among them. The key strategy of the program based on home visits to patients, counseling, and doorstep delivery of prescribed medication through trained village health workers contributed to treatment adherence and control status.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"759-765"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in Utilization of Contraceptive and Pregnancy-Related Services around COVID-19 Pandemic through Public Health Facilities: A Secondary Data Analysis.","authors":"Shabana Khan, Deepti Tandon, Ranjan Prusty, M K Bhavya, Rita Kabra, Komal Allagh, Beena Joshi","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_193_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_193_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Essential health services that by no means suffered due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic of which family planning was one of them. World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a multi-country study (India, Nigeria, and Tanzania) in 2021 to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public health system to deliver family planning (FP) services and the trends in the uptake of contraceptive services in health facilities. As a part of major mixed-method study, secondary data from India's Health Management Information System (HMIS) was analyzed to assess the trends in contraceptive and pregnancy-related services during the pre-and post-COVID-19 phases. During the first wave, the suspension of elective surgery including sterilization camps, Migration, and fear of visiting health facilities were some of the reasons that indirectly affected the trends in utilization of family planning services causing unintended pregnancies and increased ANC registration. Health system should continue providing family planning and abortion services during the pandemic as essential health services. Promotion and advocacy of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives could help in future health emergencies that can prevent the beneficiary from frequent visits to a health facility.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"854-857"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Addressing the Intersection of Homelessness and Mental Illness: A Critical Analysis of Treatment and Rehabilitation Frameworks in India.","authors":"Arif Ali, Jahanara M Gajendragad","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_518_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_518_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Homelessness, particularly among persons with mental illness, poses a significant social challenge in India. This article examines the intersection of homelessness and mental health, addressing the complex factors contributing to this issue. Despite legislative progress, practical implementation remains hindered by inadequate infrastructure and societal neglect. The present article underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach to address the needs of homeless persons with mental illness (HPMI), including access to mental health services, rehabilitation, and social integration. In addressing the needs of HPMI, the role of various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the judiciary, in supporting the rehabilitation of this vulnerable population is very crucial. There is a need for a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging technological advancements and fostering collaboration between public sectors to effectively address the challenges faced by HPMI. There is a need for a multistage approach encompassing prevention, intervention, and system-based responses to tackle the complexities associated with homelessness among persons with mental illness in India. The issue of homelessness, particularly concerning HPMI, is a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive response.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"719-723"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sexual Harassment among Female Healthcare Workers, its Consequences and Barriers in Seeking Help in India's Health Sector.","authors":"Farzana Islam, Yasir Alvi, Richa Gautam, Aqsa Shaikh, Meely Panda, Archana Thakur, Rambha Pathak, Varun Sharma, R C Jiloha","doi":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_225_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_225_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Women in healthcare sector, due to their gendered roles and long working hours, are more vulnerable to sexual harassment (SH). This study investigates the prevalence of SH among female healthcare workers (HCWs) in India, explores barriers to seeking help and examines the consequences on their lives.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A mixed method study was conducted over one year enrolling female healthcare workers from government and private settings. Quantitative data was collected via face-to-face interviews and Google forms using revised Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ)-5. This was followed by focus group discussions to gain a deeper understanding of barriers in seeking help and the effects on personal and social life, utilizing framework analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>High prevalence was seen, 50.7% % (95% CI: 46.7-54.8) in the last 12 month, and 92.2% (95% CI: 89.8-94.1) of HCWs ever experienced SH. While 47.1% were aware about legal provisions, only 17.4% who experienced SH reported to the authorities. Fear, distrust in authority and redressal system, lack of knowledge and support, emotional and psychological barriers, and societal stigma emerged as major barriers in reporting such incidents and seeking help. SH had a huge effect on their personal and social lives, with some HCWs even leaving their jobs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High prevalence and poor knowledge and underreporting necessitate stricter enforcement of SH regulations. Pre-employment briefings on workplace SH, regular sensitization sessions on reporting mechanisms, and creating a supportive work environment are crucial. This will encourage female HCWs to come forward and report such incidents, without any fear of victimization and stigmatization.</p>","PeriodicalId":45040,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Community Medicine","volume":"50 5","pages":"808-814"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12470406/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145187135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}