Journal of Community and Social Health Nursing

A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Preventive and Curative Measures of Chandipura Virus among Mothers of Under-five Children in a Selected Area of Rajkot

Usha Vadhel, Ashish Gautam — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding preventive and curative measures of Chandipura virus among mothers of under-five children in a selected area of Rajkot. The objectives of this study are (a) to assess the knowledge of mothers of under-five children regarding preventive and curative measures of Chandipura virus, (b) to identify the level of knowledge among mothers in relation to socio-demographic variables, and (c) to determine the area of knowledge deficit to guide future health education programs. The research approach for this study was a quantitative research approach and a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study was conducted in a selected area of Rajkot. For this study, 60 mothers with children under five were included, and participants were chosen using a convenience sampling approach under the non-probability method. The researcher used a self-administered, structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of 15 items to collect the data regarding knowledge of the Chandipura virus. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The study indicates that among the subjects (60 mothers), 22 (36.67%) had poor knowledge, 24 (40%) had average knowledge, and 14 (23.33%) had good knowledge regarding Chandipura virus. The mean knowledge score was 8.23, and the standard deviation was 4.23, indicating a moderate level of knowledge among mothers. The study concluded that mothers of children under five had moderate knowledge regarding Chandipura virus, with a considerable proportion having poor knowledge. Therefore, there is a need for effective health education programs and awareness activities to improve maternal knowledge and promote preventive practices.

Nursing Care as a Source of Spiritual and Holistic Coping: A Qualitative Study of Incarcerated Women in a Philippine Provincial Jail

Habebah T. Basher, Ashley Ali Bangcola — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Incarceration poses significant physical, psychological, and social challenges, particularly among women, who often experience compounded vulnerabilities. While nursing care is expected to be holistic, its role in supporting spiritual well-being and coping in correctional settings remains underexplored, especially in culturally distinct contexts.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of incarcerated women and examine how nursing care is perceived as a source of spiritual and holistic coping in a provincial jail in the Philippines.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed. Five female Meranaw incarcerated individuals were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic phenomenological analysis. Rigor was ensured through member checking, audit trail, and reflexivity, consistent with COREQ standards.

Results: Six major themes emerged: (1) Structural and functional constraints in care access; (2) Relational dimensions of communication, empathy, and respect; (3) Spirituality as a primary coping resource with limited integration in nursing care; (4) Meaning-making and identity preservation; (5) Nursing care as a practical but limited coping mechanism; and (6) Advocacy for improved, accessible, and compassionate healthcare services. Findings revealed that while nursing care is often fragmented and focused on physical needs, relational interactions significantly influence dignity and well-being, and spirituality remains the dominant coping mechanism.

Conclusion: Nursing care in correctional settings is structurally constrained but relationally impactful. Integrating spiritual and culturally sensitive care into nursing practice is essential to enhance holistic well-being. These findings inform the development of patient-centered correctional healthcare and provide a basis for future research on holistic nursing interventions.

Epidemiology of Dog Bites: Global and Indian Trends with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu – A Systematic Review

R. Jayalakshmi, S. Rajesh, A. Padmavathy — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Dog bites constitute a major public health problem globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as India. They are associated with physical injury, psychological trauma, and the risk of rabies, a fatal yet preventable disease. India contributes a substantial share of the global dog bite and rabies burden, with southern states like Tamil Nadu reporting consistently high incidence.

Objective: To systematically review the epidemiology of dog bites, identify temporal trends, and summarise preventive strategies globally and in India, with special reference to Tamil Nadu.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for studies published up to 2025. Keywords included “dog bite,” “rabies,” “epidemiology,” “trends,” and “prevention.” Studies reporting incidence, prevalence, trends, or preventive interventions related to dog bites were included.

Results: Dog bites account for the majority of animal bite injuries worldwide. Children and males are the most affected groups. In India, dogs are responsible for more than three-fourths of reported animal bites. Tamil Nadu consistently reports a high number of dog bite cases, reflecting dense human-dog interactions in urban and semi-urban areas. Preventive strategies such as mass dog vaccination, public awareness, and timely post-exposure prophylaxis significantly reduce rabies risk.

Conclusion: Dog bites remain a persistent public health challenge. Integrated prevention strategies using a One Health approach are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-burden regions like Tamil Nadu.