NI Projects

The objective of this ICMR funded collaborative project with Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College is to examine the usefulness and effectiveness of a telephone-based system to support dietary self-management among diabetic patients in urban and rural settings in a randomized controlled clinical trial over a period of 2 years. The goal of the study is to enhance diet related Knowledge, attitudes and practice among diabetic patients.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and readability of health information on the internet about Metabolic Syndrome.The websites were gathered using keywords “Metabolic syndrome”, “Metabolic syndrome causes”, “Metabolic syndrome diagnosis”, “Metabolic syndrome prevention”, and “Metabolic syndrome management” on the search engine Google. Twenty-six unique websites were evaluated. The mean DISCERN score (out of 80) for all websites was 56.51 ± 7.50 suggesting ‘good’ quality. Nine websites had excellent quality. The information available on the internet websites was difficult to read and can be comprehended by people achieving approximately US Grade 10.

The study assessed the quality and readability of health information on the internet on Osteoporosis. Keywords used in the Google search engine were “Osteoporosis”, “Osteoporosis causes”, “Osteoporosis diagnosis”, “Osteoporosis prevention”, and “Osteoporosis management”. Validated tools DISCERN and Flesch-Kincaid were used to assess the quality and readability. In total 41 unique websites were evaluated. The mean DISCERN score (out of 80) was 52.35±6.90 (Good quality). The average DISCERN score was the highest for the .gov websites. Only one website had an excellent quality of information. Overall, the information available on the internet was difficult to read with a readability grade above seventh grade. 

The study aimed to evaluate the quality and readability of diabetes-related online health information. Webpages were gathered by using the keywords “Diabetes mellitus”, “Diabetes mellitus causes”, “Diabetes mellitus diagnosis”, “Diabetes mellitus prevention”, and “Diabetes mellitus management” on Google. Previously validated DISCERN and Flesch-Kincaid Tools were used by the four raters to assess 37 unique websites. Overall DISCERN score (out of 80) for 37 included websites was 49.40 ± 5.83 denoting ‘fair’ quality of information. The .org websites were of good quality (52.2 ± 5.82). Sixteen websites had a good quality of information. Out of the 37 selected websites, only 14 (37.84%) of the websites had HONcode labels.  The information available on the internet regarding diabetes was difficult to read and could be comprehended by individuals who achieved approximately US Grade 10th.

The objective of the study was to assess the features of childhood obesity apps available in the google play store. We examined the inclusion of scientific evidence-based strategies in the apps for the management of childhood obesity. To achieve this, a search was conducted for childhood obesity apps in the Google play store in February 2021. A total of 250 apps were retrieved. After applying inclusion, exclusion criteria, and removing the duplicate apps, the final 66 apps were identified and analyzed for the present study.

The objective of the study was to assess the features and content of Anemia apps available on the google play store to help manage anemia. The search was conducted for apps related to different types of anemia apps on the Google play store and Apple App Store in June 2021. A total of 51 apps were included in the analysis after screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Digital interventions have tremendous potential to enhance and support lifestyle among individuals with chronic NCDS in developing countries. They have gained acknowledgment in interventions for the management of a healthy lifestyle. This study aims to assess the behaviour change digital health interventions implemented on maintaining a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular physical activity, healthy habits, and proper dietary patterns) among individuals with chronic NCDS in developing countries.

Explore and elucidate the competencies and skills acquired through the Certificate in Health and Nutrition Informatics.

The objective of implementing SHINE intervention is to utilize technology to deliver personalized nutrition education, guidance, and support to individuals. This intervention aims to promote healthier dietary behaviors, improve nutritional knowledge, and encourage sustainable lifestyle changes. By leveraging calls and messaging platforms, the objective is to enhance accessibility to nutritional information, facilitate ongoing communication between healthcare providers and patients, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their diet and overall health.

Analyze the features and functionalities of apps available on the Google Play Store designed to assist in self-management of hypertension, specifically tailored for the Indian demographic.