Weeds are unwanted plants and these are also called as silent robbers of plant nutrients, solar energy, soil moisture and space which would otherwise be available to the main crop. Approximately ten percent of all plant species are weed species and they reduce the quality and quantity of agricultural production and they also produce allergens which adversely affect the health of humanbeings and animals. In the present study the distribution pattern of weeds was studied in Gautam Budh Nagar district in different season. The significant increase in growth and reproductive potential of weeds was observed under the conditions of elevated temperature in summer season.

Occupational and environmental health related problems are found in every workstation and country. Still the budget allocation for prevention and control of such diseases is poor. Simple measures such as cleanliness, personal protection can be adopted by all workers and employers can ensure its implementation. In a series of organizing conferences and workshops for last 5 years, seven preconference workshops and an international conference with theme of clean, safe and healthy environment-from home to workplace was organized in 2016 with the objective of increasing the skills among occupational health professionals. More than 129 research papers were presented by the young scholars and doctors. Proceedings of the conference and workshops have been given in the present article.

Objective: Occupational health, today, looks at a new idea, i.e., psychological health and safety which is about safeguarding the psychological health of employee by providing a workplace that promotes employees’ psychological well-being by preventing psychological harm to employee. The purpose of this study is to assess the psychosocial work environment among sanitation workers. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out during June-July, 2016 among women sanitation workers of Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, South India. Institutional Ethical Committee clearance and the permission from the work supervisor were obtained. Out of 33 women sanitation workers, 10 women fulfilling the inclusion criteria, selected by purposive and criterion sampling, were identified as the discussion participants. Informed consent was obtained. Focus group discussion was conducted to explore the opinions and views on their psychological wellbeing influenced by job satisfaction, psychosocial safety, social support, workload and physical health. The observations were recorded and qualitative data analysis was done by ordering and coding. Results: The preliminary thematic analysis of data showed that all of them agree on job satisfaction, social support, good interpersonal relations and sufficient time to complete the allotted work on a single working day of 8 hours duration, hence psychological safety and protection. Most of them opined that they did not have to quit the job due to work related health issues but were of the view that in the long run, they would develop knee joint problems and backache. They suggested that incentives and rewards need to be given to boost them. Job insecurity was a common fear among them as it is contractual in nature. Conclusions: Good interpersonal relationship, social support and good psychosocial environment are the common themes. They should be given assurance on job security with periodic performance appraisal.

Background: The migrant intervention in India was initiated during the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) Phase-2 (2002-2007). Even by the end of NACP Phase-3 (2010-11); the coverage of migrants remained very low. USAID PHFI-PIPPSE project in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organization worked on development of Migrant Service Delivery System (MSDS) to track migrant’s movement and to enhance coverage of migrants across source-destination corridors. In India, there are three important migration corridors; this abstract presents the experience of MSDS across Thane-Uttar Pradesh (UP) Corridor. Description: MSDS is a web-enabled system, designed and rolled out to track migrants’ movements across corridors. Under MSDS, migrants at Thane (destination) were enrolled into the program and were given unique IDs to track their service uptake across the source-destination corridor. All registered migrants were classified by their service requirements and movement pattern. For migrants visiting source districts in UP, pre-departure information was shared online (through MSDS) from Thane with program implementers at source districts in UP for identifying geographies of high out migration and deciding on the timing for conducting health camps during their stay in native state. Lessons learned: The 83 health camps organized in UP during 2015-16 indicated that footfalls of migrants per camp was 132 where geography and timing for organizing camps was done through MSDS compared to 82 per camp organized in non-MSDS sites. Moreover, with the strategic planning of the health camps, yieldin MSDS sites in terms of HIV positivity was twice (1.1% in MSDS sites vs 0.5% in non MSDS sites). Conclusions/Next steps: MSDS provided an innovative way of identifying the geographies (blocks and villages) of high out migration. This helped in organizing health camps at prioritized locations leading to increase in coverage and HIV testing yield.

A cross-sectional study among 497 male workers working for more than 5 years in a cotton spinning mill in a rural area was conducted to assess prevalence and some epidemiological factors associated with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and to measure noise levels in various sections to which workers are exposed. The NIHL was assessed as per WHO definition by diagnostic audiometer ELKON -EDA -3N3. The noise level assessment was done in different working shift timings by BOSSTEK -7 Range Sound Level Meter. Though there was no profound hearing impairment in any of the study subjects, 78.07% of the study subjects have shown definite NIHL amongst them. Though NIHL was universal amongst the study subjects exposed to category III noise level, 68.35% of study subjects amongst 79 study subjects exposed to category II were also found to have NIHL. Even amongst the 158 study subjects exposed to category I noise level, 46.83% were having NIHL. Among study population, 68.2% of the study subjects were exposed to noise level of more than 85 dB, out of which 260 study subjects (52.31%) were exposed to category III noise level, where NIHL was universal, i.e., 100%. It has been observed that the Doubling and Ring Frame sections were the noisiest sections, where 52.31% of the study subjects were working. Though 16.1% of the study subjects were using ear plugs, they were from Category II and Category III noise levels. Even at Category III noise level (>90 dB), the PPD usage was 18.85% where NIHL prevalence was 100%. The prevalence of NIHL had statistically significant association with age of worker, their educational status, length of service, workplace noise level and use of personal protective devices. Considering the high prevalence of NIHL among these workers, certain proactive measures including engineering measures are strongly recommended for the control and prevention of this preventable morbidity.

Background: Microenterprises contribute in employment generation and are often the main source of income in urban slums. The main challenges in microenterprise workers include occupational hazards and inadequate safety and health standards. Still there is very limited data on occupational exposure and health problems in this informal sector. Objectives: 1.To assess occupational hazards and health problems in microenterprise workers. 2. To assess the knowledge and practices regarding health problems and personal protective equipment’s (PPEs) among them. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among all the available and consenting microenterprise workers who met the inclusion criteria. Data was collected using a questionnaire containing items to assess the occupational hazards and health problems. It also included items to assess their knowledge and practices regarding occupational health. Results: 1306 workers were interviewed. All the workers were exposed to at least one occupational hazard. The most common exposure was dust/smoke (61.7%) followed by noise (45%). Other exposures include chemical/metal, fumes/vapours, heat, radiation and vibration. There was a high level of self-reported occupational health problems (87.6%). Musculoskeletal symptoms (76%) were the most predominant symptom followed by ocular complaints (41.6%). Majority of the workers were aware of the health problems associated with their occupation and 7.8% were aware of PPEs. However, only 3.2% were using PPEs. Conclusion: Our study suggests that workers have exposure to multiple health hazards and that use of PPE is poor. Musculoskeletal symptom was the most common health problem. There is a need for improved occupational health and safety provision.

Introduction: The practice of self-medication is becoming more common worldwide and currently plays a major role in self-care. The objectives of our study were to determine the perception and level of awareness, attitude and pattern of self-medication among the medical students. Methods: The study was conducted among 464 MBBS students of a medical college of Haryana using a self-administered questionnaire from March- April, 2016. Results: 84% participants consumed OTC medications which commonly were supplements and vitamins followed by painkillers, flu/cough remedies and sore throat products. Easy access, convenience and time saving were the most frequent reasons for self-medication. Conclusion: Lack of awareness regarding drug interaction is an issue that warrants further intervention by increasing the knowledge so as to prevent adverse events from the drugs.

Background: Globally, around 2.5% of HIV and 40% of HBV among Health Care Workers (HCWs) are attributed to occupational exposure with an overall incidence of occupational exposure to blood/body fluids among HCW as 32.3%. There exists a gap between the knowledge and practice of standard infection control practices among HCW. Failure to follow these standard protocols leads to loss of precious work hours of this skilled work force. Methods: To know the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding standard infection control protocols, a community based, cross- sectional, analytical, non –interventional study was planned among health care workers at a Rural Community Health Centre (CHC) , Dighal of district Jhajjar (Haryana). A total of 50 HCWs were included in the study. The study was conducted during the months of July –August, 2016. Results: About 56% of HCWs were having the knowledge about the correct steps of hand washing but only 20% were actually practicing hand washing before administrating injections. Only 28% of participants were correctly using hub-cutter and needle destroyers after the injection practices. It was observed that 42% of subjects were still trying to re-cap needles after the injections. 60% of subjects felt that using standard precautions was cumbersome. 74% of the subjects felt that using standard precautions was expensive. 54% of study subjects felt that it was difficult to follow stand precautions in government institutions due to logistics issues. Only 28% of the participants had received complete vaccination against Hepatitis B. Conclusion: There exists a huge gap between the knowledge and practice of standard infection control protocols. Among most of the HCWs, the attitude was not positive towards using standard precautions despite having knowledge. Lack of initiative from the higher up officials, poor training, poor monitoring further complex the issue. Regular monitoring and supervision, capacity building of HCWs along with regular logistic supply are recommended.

Introduction: Women empowerment is the empowerment of women, which helps them to take their own decisions by breaking all personal limitations of the society and family. Freedom of movement outside home is an important aspect of women’s autonomy and empowerment. The overall health of the society cannot improve without the involvement of women. Empowering women is to make them independent in all aspects from mind, thought, rights, decisions, etc., by leaving all the social and family limitations. It is to bring equality in the society for both male and female in all areas. Women empowerment is very necessary to make the future of the family, society and country bright. Women need fresh and more capable environment so that they can take their own right decisions in every area whether for themselves, family, society or country. In order to make the country fully developed, women empowerment is an essential tool to get the goal of development. Objectives: To assess the status of women empowerment in the study area; to suggest measures to improve the level of involvement of women in various issues impacting the health of the society. Study Design: Descriptive study. Involvement of all women aged 25 and above (married/divorced/widowed). Area of study is rural Muzaffarnagar. Sample size – 200 (purposive sampling). Semi-structured interview schedule. Study Duration: 1 st August to 31st August, 2016

Dentistry is an exacting and physically demanding profession which requires absolute accuracy and precision on part of the dentist. In the pursuit to bring that perfect smile on the face of the patient, the dentist many a times is subjected to pain and discomfort. Most of the clinical time of a dentist’s life constitutes long durations of an awkward posture, steady hands and precise movements. It is, hence, a profession hounded by musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) since its very inception. Dentists are forced into unhealthy postures and strained positions according to their working conditions for long stretches. Muscular pain and soreness are usually slow to appear in dental professionals. However, if the detrimental postures or movements continue to be repeated, they may finally pave the way for crippling conditions affecting different parts of the body including joints, muscles, tendons and nerves. This in turn results in decreased working capacity and efficiency.

Background: Urban slums in India are neglected communities as far as public health facilities are concerned. There is no health infrastructure since these slums are largely illegal and unauthorized. This community has poor awareness of health schemes and other social security benefits provided by the government. No initiatives have been taken to provide vocational training to empower this economically weaker and neglected section of the society. Objectives: To generate health awareness among the slum adolescents on various issues related to health, especially menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, household methods of water purification as well as safe disposal of waste and also make them economically independent. Methodology: A summer workshop was conducted for a period of one week by MBBS students in the urban slums of Bhangel, during the summer vacations time of school going children. Two groups of slum adolescents were recognized. One group had younger adolescents and the other had older adolescents who acted as guides for the younger group. Health awareness sessions were conducted for these children everyday on community relevant health topics like personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene, water purification techniques, etc., along with teaching them some vocational skills like first aid box making, mehendi application, lipstick making, making of dust bins, etc. They were also taught marketing and selling skills. Both these groups were asked to identify another group of young adolescents and teach them what they learnt in the workshop, under observation of the medical students.

Introduction: There exist deep-rooted stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family. The working women face tough challenges in maintaining a balance between their health and work i.e. personal and professional life. This affects their physical, emotional and social well-being. Aims & Objectives: To study ‘women of 21st century and their work and health’. To compare various health aspects and work related aspects of working and non-working married women. We hypothesize that at least 60% women in today’s world are satisfied with life. Design: It is a cross-sectional comparative study. The study was conducted among 35 housewives and 35 working women. The study took place from 1st to 10th July 2016. They were asked questions related to their work and health. Results: Our study showed that non-working women are 3.57 times more likely than working women to get married at age <,= 18 years and are also 5.53 times more likely to have more than two children. Some 31 (88.6%) of working and 19 (54.3%) of non working women agree that women work more than men. The non-working women were less supported at home for household chores than the working women. Working women are 7.67 times more likely to be financially independent than non working counterparts. The personal satisfaction level was found to be 31 (88.6%) in working and 29 (82.9%) in non-working women.

Introduction: The “burnout” syndrome is characterized by three essential components: physical and/or psychological tiredness, denominated by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (D) and lack of personal accomplishment (PA). It’s a work-related condition which inevitably reduces the work performance and has been reported in various professional groups including physicians and dentists. Aim and Objective: To determine and compare the burnout levels among final year students and interns in medical and dental professional students in Delhi. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was carried among 120 medical and dental students including interns and final year students. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey, including the emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment scales, and the demographic information were used to evaluate level of burnout. Results: Moderate burnout levels were found among both the study groups. Personal accomplishment (PA) was significantly higher in dental students as compared to medical students. (p<0.05) Conclusion: In the present study significant prevalence of burnout was found among the medical and dental students which can adversely affect their performance and development. Every effort should be made to prevent it at early stages which call for modifications in the working environment as well as at the personal level. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to identifying stressors which contribute the most to burnout.

The Government of India has taken significant measures to curb the spread of HIV, at both national and state levels through National AIDS Control Program. During phase III of AIDS Control Program, the National policy on HIV/AIDS and the world of work, has been prepared with a focus to mobilize the organized and unorganized sectors of Industry for taking care of the health of the productive sections of their work force. At the same time, there have been examples of initiatives taken by the industries in the organized and unorganized sectors as well as industry associations such as CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM, in complementing the national program through provisions of HIV, STI prevention, care and treatment services to the work force.

As in Thailand, working population is accounted 56 % of total population. The Ministry of Public Health reported that this population has been facing with not only occupational diseases and injuries, but also the NCDs e.g. high cholesterol etc. The Ministry, therefore, has launched the policy in 2012 to reduce health problems; occupational diseases and injuries, NCDs, and increase happiness through the Healthy, Safety, and Happy Workplace Project. The committee from three main departments has set up the criteria for audits, checklist, and guidelines for workplaces to improve their health, safety, and happiness conditions. This paper is to elaborate process of development of safety guidelines for the project and describe its outcomes. Process of development of the safety guidelines includes; 1) Reviews of related safety regulations; 2) Analysis of contents for workplaces safety conditions improvement e.g. 5s, accident prevention, construction safety, machine and electrical safety, chemical safety, fire protection, PPE control, emergency plans, work conditions monitoring; 3) Synthesis the contents; and 4) Rewriting of new easy understanding guideline for workplaces to follow and improve safety conditions and prompts for audit by health officers. Workplaces would be informed and applied on their voluntary basis. Those passed the audit would be awarded the certificates issued by the Ministry. Since 2012, there were 1500 workplaces applied to this project. The health problems among these workplaces were the NCDs e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol from 20-60% through annual health examination. Good safety conditions were found in large enterprises, but quite poor in small enterprises. The safety guidelines was found useful for large and medium enterprises to improve their safety conditions, but for the small and local community enterprises the guidelines was found to be constraints for them and need to be improved for less rigid safety audit/checklist.

High levels of mortality and morbidity in sanitation workers can be attributable to the type of occupations they are engaged in, especially in India. Major diseases such as cardiac disorders, HIV and tuberculosis have an impact on their lives. Bacterial and viral infections are commonly observed among them. The nature of their work leads them towards alcoholism, smoking and unsafe sex. Overall, there is a better understanding of the physical environment to which the sanitation workers are exposed, but the psychosocial exposures to which the workers are thoroughly exposed needs a social approach while investigating social determinants. Thus the patterns of health, disease and well being of sanitation workers in biological sense can be explained in terms of social relations, in our case, caste, social environment and occupation. Caste is an important intrinsic feature which specifies the occupation allied to it. Sanitation workers are mostly ‘Dalits’ who stand in the lowest hierarchy in the Indian caste system. Due to the inter-generational transfer of occupation and stigma associated to the kind of occupation they are socially prohibited.