The rate of obesity in the world has grown significantly over the past decades, becoming one of the most urgent issues of global public health. The escalating prevalence in all age groups and geographies has been strongly associated with heightened risks of metabolic illnesses, cardiovascular disorders, and premature deaths, and high social and economic expenses. It is estimated that, without effective preventive measures, the prevalence rates of obesity will rise due to the lack of preventive measures [1-3]. This article aims to discuss the idea of prevention and policy-based interventions to decrease the burden of obesity in the whole world, and not to concentrate on the interventions at the individual level (behavioral ones). The article synthesizes evidence-based views on obesity prevention in various areas, primarily focusing on food systems, promoting physical activity, health equity, and governance structures that influence obesity outcomes. Some of the major areas of prevention that have been discussed are food and nutrition policies to enhance dietary conditions, physical activity-conducive policies integrated into urban planning and health systems, and equity-based policies that deal with disproportionate effects of obesity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Another issue that the article raises, which is important to note, is the principle of multisectoral governance and the coordinated policy action to combat the multifaceted and interrelated causes of obesity on the national and global fronts. The policy implications highlight the necessity of holistic, evidence-based, and equity-focused policies that go beyond individual blame and response and focus on structural factors that cause obesity. It is necessary to strengthen preventive policies at the food systems level, physical activity environment, and social protection to end up with sustainable reductions in obesity prevalence. To sum up, prevention and policy interventions must be considered as the key means to enhance the health of people in the global community: therefore, addressing the global obesity epidemic needs an urgent, coordinated, public health response.

Background: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a leading cause of childhood diarrhea in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular mechanisms of EPEC-induced diarrhea in children, with particular focus on intestinal barrier function and inflammatory response. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 120 children with diarrhea and 40 healthy controls. EPEC detection was performed using polymerase chain reaction. Clinical parameters including diarrhea type, duration, frequency and dehydration status were assessed. Intestinal biopsy samples were analyzed for tight junction protein ZO-1 and inflammatory marker IL-8 expression using quantitative real-time PCR. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: EPEC was detected in 35 of 120 (29.2%) children with diarrhea. EPEC-positive children showed significantly different clinical presentations compared to EPEC-negative cases, including predominant watery diarrhea (71.4% vs 56.5%, p = 0.037), longer duration (median 7 vs 4 days, p<0.001), higher frequency (median 7 vs 5 episodes/day, p = 0.003) and more severe dehydration (17.1% vs 4.7% with severe dehydration, p = 0.014). Molecular analysis revealed significant intestinal barrier dysfunction in EPEC-positive patients, with reduced ZO-1 expression (0.42±0.15 vs 1.00±0.00 fold change, p<0.001) and elevated IL-8 expression (5.60±1.70 vs 1.00±0.00 fold change, p<0.001) compared to controls. Typical EPEC (eae+/bfp+) caused more severe molecular alterations than atypical EPEC (eae+/bfp). Strong correlations were observed between molecular markers and clinical severity: ZO-1 expression negatively correlated with diarrhea duration (r = -0.67, p<0.001) and frequency (r = -0.59, p<0.001), while IL-8 expression showed positive correlations with these parameters (r = 0.62 and r = 0.54, respectively, p≤0.001). Conclusion: EPEC infection in children is associated with distinctive clinical features including prolonged watery diarrhea and severe dehydration. The study demonstrates that EPEC-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation directly correlate with clinical disease severity, providing mechanistic insight into EPEC pathogenesis. Typical EPEC strains cause more severe molecular and clinical manifestations than atypical strains. These findings highlight the importance of early EPEC detection and may inform targeted therapeutic approaches for childhood diarrhea.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in India, which bears the highest global burden despite decades of control efforts under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). Misconceptions about TB transmission, particularly regarding non-airborne routes, continue to impede early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction. Understanding community-level knowledge and its socio-demographic determinants is essential for designing targeted interventions, especially in geographically unique settings such as Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, where urban and rural populations coexist within challenging mountainous terrain. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan to March 2025 among 400 adults (≥18 years) residing in Shimla district. Data were collected using a bilingual (English/Hindi) structured questionnaire hosted on Google Forms, distributed via social media, community networks, and local health workers to ensure representation from both urban and rural areas. The survey captured socio-demographic characteristics and responses to 20 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge and misconceptions about TB transmission. Each correct answer scored 1 point (range: 0–20), with knowledge classified as very good (16–20), good (12–15), fair (8–11), or poor (0–7). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of good knowledge (score ≥12). Results: Participants were evenly split between rural and urban areas (50% each) and represented diverse age, education, and income groups. Overall, 71.5% correctly identified the causative organism, 78.0% recognized airborne droplet transmission, and 85.5% knew TB is curable with proper treatment. However, misconceptions persisted—only 67.5% knew TB does not spread via handshakes and 65.5% rejected utensil-based transmission. Knowledge classification showed 29.5% with very good knowledge, 40.5% good, 21.0% fair, and 9.0% poor. Educational attainment and household income were strong, independent predictors of good knowledge: graduates had over four times higher odds (AOR=4.62, p<0.001) and those earning >INR 30,000 nearly four times higher odds (AOR=3.92, p<0.001) compared to the lowest reference groups. Conclusion: While TB-related knowledge in Shimla district is generally high, persistent misconceptions—particularly about non-airborne transmission—pose a barrier to effective TB control. Socio-economic factors, notably education and income, strongly influence knowledge levels. Tailored, precision-focused IEC strategies targeting low-education and low-income groups, alongside existing NTEP efforts, are essential to bridge knowledge gaps, combat stigma, and accelerate progress toward India’s 2025 TB elimination goal in this Himalayan setting.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, where access to screening and preventive services is limited. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause of cervical cancer, yet awareness about its prevention through vaccination and screening is inadequate in many regions. Himachal Pradesh, a largely rural and geographically challenging state, faces unique barriers that can hinder early detection and public understanding of the disease. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-month period in 2025 among 400 residents of Himachal Pradesh aged 18 years and above. A self-administered bilingual Google Form questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge regarding cervical cancer, its causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and related misconceptions. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling through online platforms. Knowledge was scored based on 20 multiple-choice questions, with cumulative scores categorized into four levels: very good, good, fair, and poor. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to explore associations between knowledge scores and demographic variables. Results: Among the 400 participants, 58% were female, 53% resided in rural areas, and a majority had secondary or higher education. While 66.3% demonstrated good to very good knowledge, significant misconceptions persisted—especially around Pap smear frequency (only 54.5% answered correctly), HPV transmission, and the belief that cervical cancer is hereditary. Statistically significant associations were observed between knowledge scores and age (p = 0.021), education level (p< 0.001), and residence (p = 0.009), with younger, urban, and more educated respondents displaying higher awareness levels. Gender differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.198). Conclusion: The study reveals a moderately satisfactory level of cervical cancer awareness among Himachal Pradesh’s population, with notable disparities based on age, education, and geographic location. Although basic awareness regarding prevention and curability exists, gaps in understanding key preventive practices highlight the urgent need for region-specific, culturally sensitive educational interventions. Strengthening community outreach, dispelling myths, and integrating awareness campaigns into existing public health frameworks are essential for reducing the cervical cancer burden in this Himalayan region.

Background: Spine-related disorders—such as chronic back pain, postural imbalances, disc degeneration, and spinal injuries—are a rising public health concern globally and particularly in India. In mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh, physically intensive lifestyles, occupational strain, poor ergonomics, and increasing sedentary behaviors contribute to heightened spinal risks. This study aimed to assess spine health awareness and preventive behaviors among adults in Himachal Pradesh and to identify socio-demographic factors influencing knowledge levels. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults (≥18 years) from both urban and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh. A bilingual, pre-validated Google Form questionnaire assessed socio-demographics, spine health awareness (20 MCQs), and self-reported preventive practices. Each correct answer earned one point (maximum score: 20). Participants were categorized into four awareness levels: Very Good (17–20), Good (13–16), Fair (9–12), and Poor (0–8). Data were analyzed using Epi Info Version 7, with Chi-square tests evaluating associations between awareness scores and demographic variables (p<0.05 considered significant). Results: Of the 400 participants, 30.3% exhibited Very Good awareness, 34.8% Good, 23.3% Fair, and 11.8% Poor. High awareness was observed for topics such as spinal function (74.0%), posture-related risks (68.0%), physical activity (69.0%), and lifting techniques (72.3%). However, knowledge gaps persisted regarding sciatica (61.3%), ergonomic practices (64.0%), and appropriate stretching intervals (63.5%). Significant associations were found between awareness levels and age (p = 0.032), education (p<0.001), occupation (p = 0.039), and residence (p = 0.027). Urban, educated, and professionally employed participants had higher awareness. Gender differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.194). Conclusion: While spine health awareness in Himachal Pradesh is moderately high, critical knowledge deficits exist, especially among older adults, rural residents, and those with limited education. These findings underscore the urgent need for community-based, culturally tailored educational interventions focusing on preventive spine care.