Background: To achieve sustainable development goal 3.8, countries must prioritise the provision of palliative care. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of palliative care needs in India.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in databases of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host. We included community-based studies published in English between inception and April 30, 2023. We excluded hospital-based studies that were conducted solely including diseased patients. Data were extracted independently, and a quality assessment was performed. To estimate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI), we used the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I²test. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the study site, urban–rural distribution, gender, and age groups. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger test. STATA software was used for data analysis.Results: Out of the 2632 articles identified, 8 cross-sectional studies were included. Using the random-effects model, the pooled estimate of palliative care needs was found to be 6.21/1000 population (95% CI: 2.42–11.64). The southern region showed a prevalence of 10.83/1000 compared to 2.24/1000 in the northern region. Urban areas had a prevalence of 3.34/1000, while rural areas had a prevalence of 7.69/1000. Among females, the prevalence was 9.64/1000, compared to 6.77/1000 among males. Notably, individuals aged over 60 years had a higher prevalence of palliative care needs, with a rate of 37.86/1000 population.Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight a substantial need for palliative care in India, with a prevalence of 6.21 individuals/1000 population.

Frailty, a biologic syndrome of decreased reserve and resistance to stressors, affects 5 % to 17 % of older adults and is linked to factors like low BMI, female sex, and low exercise levels. With India's older population expected to double by 2050, frailty presents major public health and economic challenges. This study summarizes the prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling Indians. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines to determine the prevalence of frailty among adults in India. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science, up to January 16, 2024, excluding hospital-based studies and reviews. Data were analyzed using STATA software with a random-effects model, and quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled frailty prevalence of 36 % (95 % CI: 29 % to 44 %) among 330,007 community-dwelling adults in India, with significant heterogeneity across studies (I² = 99.95 %). Frailty prevalence varied by assessment method, with 48 % using the frailty index and 31 % using the Fried phenotype. Subgroup analyses indicated significant variability in frailty prevalence by gender, data source, and assessment tool, with no significant publication bias detected. This meta-analysis found a pooled frailty prevalence of 36 % and pre-frailty prevalence of 48 % among adults in India, with higher frailty in women (45 %) than men (35 %) and variation across assessment tools. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and developing tailored frailty assessment tools.

Background: Tobacco use has become a modern-day epidemic which significantly impacts health, socioeconomic status, and environmental sustainability. The readiness to quit or stop using tobacco is a crucial first step in changing one’s behavior. Hence, the current study sought to assess the prevalence of willingness to quit and associated factors among tobacco users. Methods: This study was conducted on 425 tobacco users selected using multi-stage random sampling from the outpatient departments (OPDs) of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India. A pre-designed, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information. Logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of independent factors on the willingness to quit. Findings: The mean age of the study participants was 39.37 years (S.D.=±12.99). The majority of the participants were male (400, 94.1%), and 25 (6.9%) were female. Overall, the prevalence of willingness to quit in the current study was 70% among the study participants. The results of the multivariable analysis showed that those belonging to urban areas, tobacco users with a duration of≤10 years, and those who received advice from a doctor to quit had a significantly higher willingness to quit than their counterparts. However, age, gender, marital status, education, religion, age of initiation of tobacco use, and nicotine dependence were not found to have a statistically significant relationship with the willingness to quit tobacco products. Conclusion: Willingness to quit was high among the study participants. The data in this study suggested that belonging to urban areas, duration of tobacco use, and doctor’s advice to quit are important factors which need to be considered when framing future tobacco cessation programs.

This review analyses the trends, prevalence, causes and disparities of child mortality in children up to 5 years of age in India using the latest data from the Sample Registration System and the National Family Health Survey. In 2020, approximately 26.1 million births and 0.84 million child deaths were estimated in India, with neonatal mortality accounting for 63.5% of all child deaths under five years of age. 60% of child deaths occurring in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. The analysis highlights that despite substantial reductions in the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) from 1970 to 2020, the current rate of reduction is insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In 2020, India achieved a U5MR of 25/1000 live births, with IMR, neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and early NMR at 28, 20 and 15/1000 live births, respectively. Rural areas and lower socioeconomic groups exhibit higher mortality rates, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. The primary causes of death include prematurity, low birth weight, pneumonia and birth asphyxia. To meet SDGs, India required an accelerated annual reduction rate of 2.1% for U5MR and 4% for NMR. The review underscores the need for high-impact interventions, especially in high-burden states and districts, to further reduce child mortality and ensure equitable health outcomes across the nation.

Rabies is a life-threatening zoonotic disease in India, leading to numerous fatalities annually. Despite the availability of effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), compliance with completing the vaccination regimen remains low, impeding efforts to control and eliminate the disease. This study aimed to assess PEP compliance rates among individuals exposed to rabies in India and identify key factors contributing to non-compliance. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies on PEP compliance in India. Eligible studies were community-based or hospital-based and published in English. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool assessed study quality. A random effects model calculated pooled compliance rates, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic and a Chi-square-based Q test. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses, as well as Egger’s test, were performed to explore variations and check for publication bias. The analysis included 30 studies, with a pooled compliance rate of 57% and high heterogeneity (I² =99.69%). Compliance was higher with the intradermal (ID) regimen than the intramuscular (IM) regimen, though adherence decreased over time. Economic constraints, logistical challenges, lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, and fear of side effects were major barriers to completion. Compliance was higher among those with severe bites. PEP compliance in India is low, hindered by various barriers. The ID regimen showed better adherence but also faced declining compliance over time. Improving PEP adherence requires targeted interventions such as education, logistical support, and promoting shorter ID regimens.

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide, with India bearing a significant burden. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), an under-recognized respiratory pathogen, has been implicated in ARI, yet its prevalence in India remains inadequately characterized. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HMPV among children with ARI in India and assess regional, temporal, and demographic trends to guide public health interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted from 30 studies encompassing 12,534 children with ARI across India from 2004 to 2024. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses to explore heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test and funnel plots. The pooled prevalence of HMPV was 5% (95% confidence interval: 4-6%), with significant heterogeneity (I2=95%). Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence in the northeast region (7%) and among children under 5 years (6%), compared to older age groups (2%). No significant differences were observed in prevalence pre- and post-COVID-19. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings, with minimal impact from publication bias. HMPV is a significant contributor to pediatric ARI in India, particularly among children under 5 years, highlighting its public health importance. The lack of a post-COVID-19 surge in prevalence suggests sustained circulation and widespread immunity. These findings underscore the need for enhanced diagnostic capacities, routine surveillance, and targeted interventions to mitigate the burden of HMPV-related ARI in vulnerable populations.