Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Pages: 493-498
Pujan Sharma (Psychologist Manmohan Memorial Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Swoyambhu, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Self-esteem refers to the positive or negative attitude towards self. Self-esteem is affected by stressors. The descriptive study of self-esteem attempts to assess the level of self-esteem and to assess the contributions of personal factors to self-esteem (age, gender, marital status, and type of family, area in which they are living, occupation, Monthly income and province). This study included 231 samples collected from online. The tools used in the study are: 1) Rosenberg Self-esteem scale 2) Personal data sheet (gender, age, occupation, monthly income…etc.). In order to collect data Quantitative method was used. Descriptive statistics, independent t-Test, one way ANOVA test were used to analyze the result of quantitative measures. The total score of self-esteem mean is 18.22 which indicate low level of self-esteem. The study showed that there are significant statistical differences at (α≤0.05) in self-esteem level due to gender. This study will contribute to the concerned authority to plan awareness and methods to uplift self-esteem.

Pages: 507-513
Vitasta Dhawan (Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)
Tejpreet Kaur Kang (Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)
Seema Sharma (Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

The present study was conducted to assess the ‘locale differences in internet addiction among adolescents’. The study was based on 240 adolescents (i.e. 120 rural and urban) in the age range of 18-20 years. The sample was randomly drawn from eight degree colleges purposively selected from rural as well as urban areas of Ludhiana district. Internet Addiction Test by Young (1995) was used to assess internet addiction among respondents. The scale consists of 20 items representing six dimensions of internet addiction namely salience, excessive use, neglect work, anticipation, lack of control, and neglect social life. Results revealed significant locale differences in internet addiction among adolescents. Key words: Internet Addiction, rural and urban adolescents, Locale

Pages: 524-530
Yasir Hassan Rather (Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Sri Nagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Masood Maqbool (Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Sri Nagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Zoya Shafat Mir (Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Sri Nagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Fatimah Ali Wani (Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Sri Nagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Qurat Ul Ann (Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Sri Nagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Saima Banoo (Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences-Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Sri Nagar, Jammu & Kashmir

In the times of COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty, a range of psychological reactions are expected from the common masses. The current study aims at assessing existential anxiety, depression, anxiety reaction and post-traumatic stress symptoms among patients with COVID-19 infection in Kashmir Valley. For the same, a total of 53 patients and 31 healthy controls participated in the study. Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Howard Trauma Questionnaire-16 and Existential Anxiety Questionnaire were used to assess the depression, anxiety, PTSD and Existential Anxiety respectively. Results showed that depression was significantly high among normal controls than patients with COVID-19 infection. While as existential anxiety and anxiety symptoms didn’t show any significant difference between the groups.

Pages: 534-539
Riya Khurana (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Sector- 43, Faridabad, Haryana)
Madhvi Awasthi (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Sector- 43, Faridabad, Haryana)

Background: Studies suggest that body weight is directly linked to body image. Body image perception is how an individual thinks about his/ her body. Perceptions change with time due to change in body type and mood of an individual. Increase in concern regarding body image, body image perception both positive and negative are leading to paradigmatic shift in eating patterns, nutritional status etc. Though body image is a fairly researched field there are less comparative studies in Indian context. Aim: The study was carried with the objective to study the effect of educational background on the eating habits of selected nutrition/ non nutrition students and to find a relation between eating practices and body perception of the nutrition and non- nutrition students. Methods and materials: This study follows a cross sectional study design. A survey research was undertaken with the help of pre-standardized questionnaires. Result: 42.85% nutrition students and 32% non- nutrition students were currently dieting to lose weight. In order to achieve their desired weight methods such as skipping meals (75.5% in nutrition and 78% in non- nutrition), fasting (28.5% in nutrition and 38% in non- nutrition) and starvation (12.24% in nutrition and 12% in non- nutrition) were being used by the participants. Analysis also showed that students of both the categories desired body silhouettes smaller than their current self. 24.48% nutrition participants and 22% non- nutrition participants had EAT score above 30 which displayed abnormal eating behavior. Discussion: Widespread implementation of a program that supports and encourages social emotional learning (SEL) enhancing social- emotional competence of the students. Apart from imparting students intellectual, reflective, cultural knowledge; an effective education system should be able to teach young people to practice positive and safe health behaviors.

Pages: 548-551
Mehak Bath (Department of Behavioral Health, Hunjan Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab)
Gurpreet Kaur (Department of Psychiatry, Collage of Nursing, Sigma Nursing Training Institute, Ludhiana Punjab)

Nomophobia is a recently coined term to define the fear of getting out of contact with cell phones, People especially youngsters become very anxious and agitated when they lose contact with their mobile phones even for short period of time due to battery run.

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.