Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Pages: 556-558
Annu Panghal (I. C. College of Home Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar)
Bimla Dhanda (I. C. College of Home Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar)

Genes account for between approximately 60-80 % variations in intellectual abilities. Measures of intelligence were collected in 100 pairs of twins with 6-8 years age group from two districts of State Haryana, as a part of research project on intelligence. Intelligence was measured with the WISC-R, a well known intelligence test consisting of 12 sub-scales (six on verbal scale and six on the performance scale) and the home environment of twins was assessed by (HOME) Inventory by Bradley was administered (8 sub-scales). Heritability estimate is mathematical estimate to find out the contribution of genetic in the development of cognitive abilities of twins. The heritability estimates for intellectual abilities were 74 per cent and 76 per cent (6-7 years) in Hisar and Bhiwani District and 64 per cent and 60 per cent (7-8 years) in Hisar and Bhiwani district. The results clearly revealed that the genetic contribution was more in intellectual abilities were as compared to environmental circumstances.Genetic impacts seem to be the main source of power behind continuity in intellectual abilities. The monozygotic twins more related than dizygotic twins in intellectual abilities. The home environmental influences were responsible for stability as well as change in the development of intellectual abilities.

Pages: 564-571
Akanksha Jayant Rajguru (Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health- Tata Institute of Social Sciences Chennai)
Garima Srivastava (Aryabhatta College Benito Juarez Marg New Delhi)

The study recognizes that people rely on technology and features available on smart-phones, special/custom devices and computers to easily access different psychological tools and techniques which can be used for relaxation as compared to professionals for psychological guidance. The current study focussed on assessing the effectiveness of Conventional Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (C-JPMR) versus Technology aided Jacobson’s Muscle Relaxation (T-JPMR). It further assessed the gender differences associated with effectiveness of both these interventions. The study comprised a sample of 72 (n= 72; 36 females and 36 males) college students in the age group of 17- 25 years (36 for C-JPMR and 36 T-JPMR). The study was conducted in two segments for T-JPMR and C-JPMR respectively. Each segment had two phases; Phase 1 comprised of the pre-test administration of Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) while Phase 2 involved purposive sampling using a preliminary test to control the extraneous variable (major life stressors), delivery of the intervention and post-test administration. The intervention in T-JPMR was administered electronically using an audio- visual medium and the intervention in C-JPMR was administered with psychological guidance. Both the phases were conducted in quick succession over 2 days. A pilot study* was conducted on 40 college students prior to the current study. The findings of the present study are indicative of C-JPMR being more effective than T-JPMR. However, no significant gender differences were found.

Pages: 576-580
Charan Singh (Department of Processing and Food Engineering, CAET, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-Gujarat)
Neha (Department of Foods And Nutrition, I.C. COHS)
Raveena (Department of Foods And Nutrition, I.C. COHS)
Ravi Kumar (Department of Processing and Food Engineering, COAE&T, CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar-Haryana)
Joshi Nirav Umeshbhai (Department of Processing and Food Engineering, CAET, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-Gujarat)

India is well known throughout the world for its treasure of tremendous varieties of spices and medicinal plants. In early history spices and herbs have been in use for culinary and therapeutic purposes because of their wide range of pharmacological and physiological properties. Spices and herbs offer several presumptive health benefits hence been in use for medical practices from ancient times. Apart from their properties to enhance the aroma, flavor, and color of food and beverages they also safeguard the human body from various acute, chronic diseases and chronic infections. Spices and herbs exhibit antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, glucose-lowering, and antioxidant properties. They offer a wide range of health benefits which is attributed to their wide range of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, sulfur-containing compounds, curcumin, alkaloids, thymol, andpiperine, etc. Most of the species such as ginger, turmeric, liquorice, and holy basil, etc. are an excellent source of phenolic compounds which makes them an excellent antioxidant source. The recurrent ingestion of spicy foods lowers the risk of cancer, ischemic heart, and respiratory disorders. Apart from their several health benefits, spices and herbs are also a good source of phytochemicals hence can be used for the preservation of food and beverages. The pandemic of COVID-19 has increased the importance of body immunity power which can be achieved by the consumption of spices and herbs. In this literature, we will discuss major spices and herbs of India and their potential health benefits.

Pages: 585-588
Kuheli Mukhopadhyay (Department of Economics, Sonamukhi College, Sonamukhi, Bankura)

The novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic is not only playing havoc with the physical health of the general population across the globe, but is also impacting the mental health conditions of a large number of individuals worldwide. Quarantine, constant threat of getting contaminated, social distancing, restrictions in people’s usual activities, job loss-all these are triggering the levels of loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress among the masses and thereby deteriorating their mental health status. The problem seems to be distinctly acute in developing countries like India where mental health services are far from being adequateand where only a small section of the affected lot gets the most basic treatment. Various reports, interview extracts of mental health experts, online surveys conducted in India have brought out a grim picture and have revealed a sharp rise in the number of people who are in need of mental health care during this unusual time. Although some initiatives to lend psychological support to those who are in need have been undertaken at the government level to battle the crisis, yet formulation of comprehensive strategies and activities is the need of the hour so as to assimilate mental health facilities and resources into the common pandemic health care system.

Pages: 596-599
Pages: 596-599
Kavita Kumari (Development and Family Studies, I.C. College of Home Sciences, CCS HAU, Hisar Haryana)
Bimla Dhanda (Development and Family Studies, I.C. College of Home Sciences, CCS HAU, Hisar Haryana)

Presently, women are significantly contributing to the nation’s overall progress by balancing domestic life as well as professional life and playing a vital role in the economic and social development of the nation and their participation in income generation activities gives them satisfaction at their home up to a greater extent. Working women with dual roles are leading to stress in their lives as still they perform most of the household chores including, child and elder care with equivalent to her full-time jobs. The double work pressure affects their life satisfaction, adjustment, happiness, and mental health. Women have been playing vital roles in households since ages but they had stress due to their multiple roles, discrimination and stereotyping. So, present study was conducted in Hisar districtto assess the stress among working women. Study found that nearly forty seven percent of the respondents were having low level of stress followed by medium and high level of stress. Mean scores indicated that rural respondents had more perceived stress (M=16.71) as compared to urban respondents (M=8.98). Comparison of stress on the basis of area resulted significant difference (Z=2.76*) at 0.05 level of significance for rural and urban working women.There was significant (Z =7.23*) differences between social interaction anxiety of respondents in rural and urban areas were observed. It is suggested that one should be more assertive and communicate his or her concern in an open and respectful way.

Pages: 605-606
Beneyam Lake Yimer (Department of Psychology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia)

Michael Hogg was learned at school of Bristol Grammar and Birmingham university and to take his Ph.D. from Uristol university. Group behavior, intergroup relations, and social identity processes are research interests of him. He is publishing about 270 scientific books, chapters, and articles. Moreover, he is an associate editor of the journal of experimental social psychology, and senior consulting editor of the SAGE social psychology program. Graham Vaughan has received a professor of psychology at the university of Auckland and worked twelve years as department head. Attitudes and attitude development, group processes and intergroup relations, ethnic relations and identity, culture, and the history of social psychology are his primary areas of interest in social psychology.

Pages: 276-281
Neha Raval (Medical Affairs, Eris Lifesciences Limited, Ahmedabad, Gujarat)

Having affected more than 10 million individuals globally, novel Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has imparted detrimental effects on all walks of life, including mental health. India, for the first time in its history, has witnessed more than 75 day of being under lockdown to keep hold of this pandemic, which is increasing by the rate of >25,000 cases per day. There has been critical impact of this on psychological well-being of general population due to heightened fear, isolation and information overload. This review article summarizes the interplay of COVID19 and these factors and how it has affected mental health of special groups of Indian population those under lockdown, women, elderly, internal migrants, youth and those dealing with psychiatric illnesses.

Pages: 288-292
Arshiya Khosla (Carmel Convent School, Sector 9B, Chandigarh )
Gaurav Verma (Department of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh (formerly)

The present pandemic Covid-19 has set us thinking that despite such scientific advances, the whole world is literally on its knees when dealing with its spread and containment. While humanity is aiming for Mars and beyond, yet when it comes to handling life peacefully on earth, we were found wanting. This article spells out some strategies and thoughts on how Covid19 and other pandemics which we may encounter can be better handled as a part of our life, without putting everything to a standstill. These steps will be useful as they are scientifically based and designed to counter the unchecked spread of any virus-like activity.

Pages: 299-302
Balwinder Lamba (PT) and Kirandeep Kaur Rai (Department of Physiotherapy, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab)

Menstruation is a normal physiological event that occurs in females of reproductive age. Menstrual characteristics show a lot of variance within women and this variance is associated with behavioural, occupational, and environmental and host factors. In females, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) is a common phenomenon and it has many uncomfortable effects on day to day activities of females. The current schedule based survey study was conducted on 70 female physiotherapy students aged 18-25 years. Their demographic profiles and detailed menstrual characteristics were studied. Out of the total 70 participants, 44 (62.9 percent) participants attained menarche in the age of 12-14 years, bleeding lasted for 6 or less days (95.8 percent), and a positive family history of dysmenorrhea (62.9 percent) was reported. Majority of females reported back pain (78.5 percent), abdominal pain (70 percent) and pain in legs (62.8 percent) as the premenstrual symptoms. Among the symptoms experienced during menstruation, back pain, abdomen pain, tiredness, irritation, and altered mood were reported that affected their Activities of Daily Living. Only 18.6 percent participants opted to consult a gynaecologist for the discomfort experienced during menstruation. Rest and application of hot pack were commonly adopted methods to relieve symptoms associated with menstruation. Menstrual characteristics and symptoms associated with menstruation have a slightly negative impact on the activities of female physiotherapy students; therefore it is important to have a deeper insight into the management of dysmenorrheal.

Pages: 307-310
Sona Raghuvanshi (Amity Global Business School, Mumbai, Maharashtra)

The present study aims at exploring the relationship between parental factors and criminal behavior. The factors studied were level of Parental Education, Parental punishment and Parental love. The data was collected from 200 respondents including 100 criminals and 100 non-criminals. The criminals were selected from the four important jails of Bihar namely Patna, Buxar, Gaya and Bhagalpur and equal number of non-criminals (persons having noncriminals record) were also selected from the same four towns of Bihar mentioned above. The sample used was purposive one which consisted of only married male in the age range of 21 to 40, who had received education at least till seventh standard. Personal Data Schedule prepared by the researcher was used to collect the information. Chisquare was used to analyze the obtained data. The hypotheses formulated were: (1). The criminal group of subjects would differ in level of parental education from the non- criminal group of subjects. (2) Criminals and noncriminals would differ infrequency of parental punishment received in their childhood. (3) Criminals and noncriminals would differ in parental love received. The findings confirmed all three hypotheses.

Pages: 315-319
Suresh Kumar Mehta (Department of Psychiatry, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan)
Bhakti Murkey (Department of Psychiatry, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan)
Kapil Vyas (Department of Radiology, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan)

Intracranial Epidermoid cyst is a rare variant of benign brain tumors. Rarely, they present with psychiatric symptoms as their only manifestation. This report describes a case of Epidermoid cyst presenting with mental subnormalcy, seizures and psychotic symptoms in a young female. There is dearth of research on the occurrence, clinical implications and prognosis of this entity. This case highlights the importance of ruling out an organic etiology in cases presenting with psychiatric complaints.

Pages: 324-330
Megha Dhillon and Vaidehi Mishra (Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, New Delhi)

This study attempted to assess the lived experiences of the Covid-19 related lockdown on young Indians living in urban areas of the country. Psycho-social impacts of the lockdown on the self and on family interactions were studied. Fifteen participants (aged 18-25 years) were interviewed, nine weeks into the lockdown. All interviewees lived with their families and had one family member working as a front line healthcare worker in the fight against Covid-19. The data from the interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. The interviews revealed that the lockdown had adversely impacted the participants' sense of agency. The threat of the pandemic influenced the entire family system with tremendous concerns about the virus spreading to the entire family, particularly to grandparents. The impact of electronic mass media was said to be overwhelmingly negative, evoking feelings of anger and pessimism. For some participants the large amount of time spent in the vicinity of their family meant more disagreements. Yet for others, it brought the family closer. The main ways of coping with challenges were social support, developing new skills, being on social media and keeping the mind distracted. Several participants also reported that with time, they had adjusted to some of the demands of the lockdown and even seen positive changes in themselves. When asked if the participants would be open to consulting a mental health professional for the concerns they were experiencing, most did not consider their current situation dire enough to do so. Implications of the findings are discussed.