Background: Concerning one's appearance too much can result in sadness, anxiety disorders, disrupted eating habits, and nutritional deficiencies. In India, the idea of body image has received less attention, particularly among young females. The objective of the study is to assess the body image perception and satisfaction among female medical students of Private Medical College, Mysuru. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 female medical students of a Private Medical College in Mysuru using a self-administered questionnaire containing details of sociodemographic information and a validated visual analogue scale. Anthropometric measurements were taken using calibrated instruments. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. The percentage was calculated for descriptive variables. The chi-square test was applied for analysing categorical variables. Results: The majority of the participants (37.1%) had a neutral perception regarding their body image followed by 33.8% are satisfied and 24.2% are unsatisfied regarding their body image. Body image perception showed that the majority (52.3%) of them had normal weight. Unhealthy weight-changing patterns like skipping meals (24%), and increasing the quantity and frequency of meals (17%) were reported among study participants. Conclusions: From the present study, it can be concluded that 37% had a neutral perception and 24% are unsatisfied with their body image. Psychological parameters like feeling anxious, lack of confidence, and attempts to change their body weight are associated with body image perception which may further result in affecting their mental health.

Background: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is among the largest government-funded health insurance schemes globally, aimed at providing financial protection for secondary and tertiary healthcare to economically vulnerable populations. Awareness and understanding are crucial for the scheme’s successful implementation and optimal utilization. Objectives were to assess the knowledge, utilization, and perception regarding AB-PMJAY among Mysuru residents and examine associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mysuru over a period of two months, from December 2024 to February 2025. A total of 350 participants were selected through simple random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data, awareness, and utilization of AB-PMJAY. Data were analysed using SPSS version 30. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, 55.7% had poor awareness, 30.9% had average awareness, and only 13.4% had good awareness of AB-PMJAY. Utilization of scheme benefits was reported by 33.7% of respondents, while 66.3% had not availed any services. Regarding perceptions, 38.0% felt the scheme had improved healthcare access, 6.6% disagreed, and 55.4% were uncertain. A statistically significant association (p=0.011) was observed between awareness and monthly household income, with higher awareness among those earning less than ₹5000. Conclusions: The study highlights suboptimal awareness and utilization of AB-PMJAY among Mysuru residents. Targeted awareness campaigns and community engagement strategies are essential to enhance public understanding and uptake of the scheme.

Background: Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, significantly impacts medical students due to the high levels of stress and demanding academic schedules. The educational environment of medical students, marked by intense competition and high expectations, often contributes to chronic stress, a known precursor to sleep disturbances. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of insomnia among medical students in government and private medical colleges and assess the factors contributing to insomnia in these groups. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 490 medical students from government and private medical colleges over three months (April to June 2024). Systematic sampling was used to select participants, and data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic information and the Athens insomnia scale. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 26.0, with chi-square tests for qualitative data and Mann-Whitney U tests for insomnia comparisons. Results: The study revealed a significantly higher prevalence of insomnia in private medical college students (40.8%) compared to government college students (11.8%). Significant associations were found between insomnia and insufficient sleep, stress, and depression in both groups. Additionally, the use of mobile devices at night and irregular sleep patterns during exams were linked to higher insomnia rates. The median insomnia score was higher in private medical college students compared to government college students, indicating a statistically significant difference (p value <0.05). Conclusions: Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and mental health support are crucial for this population. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions.

Background and Objectives: Thin-section CT (TSCT) is currently the most sensitive imaging modality for detecting bronchiectasis. However, conventional TSCT or HRCT may overlook subtle lung involvement such as alveolar and interstitial changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analysis offers the potential to identify novel information on lung parenchymal involvement that is not easily detectable with traditional imaging techniques. This study aimed to assess lung involvement in patients with bronchiectasis using the Bronchiectasis Radiologically Indexed CT Score (BRICS) and AI-based quantitative lung texture analysis software (IMBIO, Version 2.2.0). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 subjects diagnosed with bronchiectasis. The BRICS severity score was used to classify the severity of bronchiectasis into four categories: Mild, Moderate, Severe, and tractional bronchiectasis. Lung texture mapping using the IMBIO AI software tool was performed to identify abnormal lung textures, specifically focusing on detecting alveolar and interstitial involvement. Results: Based on the Bronchiectasis Radiologically Indexed CT Score (BRICS), the severity of bronchiectasis was classified as Mild in 4 (8.9%) participants, Moderate in 14 (31.1%), Severe in 11 (24.4%), and tractional in 16 (35.6%). AI-based lung texture analysis using IMBIO identified significant alveolar and interstitial abnormalities, offering insights beyond conventional HRCT findings. This study revealed trends in lung hyperlucency, ground-glass opacity, reticular changes, and honeycombing across severity levels, with advanced disease stages showing more pronounced structural and vascular alterations. Elevated pulmonary vascular volume (PVV) was noted in cases with higher BRICSs, suggesting increased vascular remodeling in severe and tractional types. Conclusions: AI-based lung texture analysis provides valuable insights into lung parenchymal involvement in bronchiectasis that may not be detectable through conventional HRCT. Identifying significant alveolar and interstitial abnormalities underscores the potential impact of AI on improving the understanding of disease pathology and disease progression, and guiding future therapeutic strategies.

Background: Effective household solid waste management (SWM) is vital for public health, environmental quality, and sustainable living. With rising global waste production, understanding current practices is essential for policy and system improvements. Objectives were to assess the practice and perception of household SWM among rural population Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Suttur, Mysuru. Using systematic random sampling 200 households were selected. Data was collected using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire, including socio-demographic profiles, knowledge, and waste management practices. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 and chi-square tests were used to identify significant associations (p<0.05). Results: Participants aged 18-30 years constituted 48% of the sample, with a nearly balanced gender distribution (49.5% male, 50.5% female). Waste segregation was practiced by 70% of households. Daily waste disposal was reported by 58.5% of participants, primarily using corporation dustbins (72%). Significant associations were found between awareness scores and age (p<0.0001), education level (p<0.001), type of house (p<0.001), socio-economic status (p=0.007), and marital status (p=0.0001). Graduates demonstrated the highest levels of excellent knowledge (43.2%), while illiterates had a significant proportion of poor knowledge (50%). Conclusions: The study highlights the need for improved waste management systems, enhanced public awareness, and stricter regulations to address current environmental and health risks. Future research should focus on evaluating intervention effectiveness and exploring innovative waste management solutions in rural areas

Background: Biomedical waste (BMW) refers to waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals, posing risks to health and the environment if not managed properly. Proper knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals are essential for effective BMW management. This study assessed the KAP of healthcare workers regarding BMW in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 149 healthcare professionals at a private medical college from April 10 to May 10, 2023. Participants were selected using simple random sampling, including consultants, postgraduates, interns, nursing staff, laboratory technicians, and housekeeping staff. Data were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics and BMW-related KAP. Analysis was done using SPSS 28, with frequencies and percentages calculated for categorical variables. Results: Of the 149 participants, 98.7% had heard about BMW management, and 97.3% were aware of proper handling practices. While 98% adhered to color-coded waste segregation, only 21.5% used hub cutters for needle disposal, raising concerns about needle-stick injuries. Despite 71.8% having received BMW training, gaps in practical application remained. Attitudes were positive, with 94.6% recognizing BMW management's importance, and 83.9% willing to attend further training. Additionally, 83.2% of participants were vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Conclusion: While healthcare professionals demonstrated high awareness and positive attitudes towards BMW management, low compliance with needle disposal practiceshighlights the needfor regular training and stricter adherence to protocols. Improved practices can reduce injury risks and ensure a safer healthcare environment. Keywords: Biomedical waste management, waste segregation, compliance