Epidemiology International (E-ISSN: 2455-7048)

Epidemiological profile of substance use among male adolescents in rural southern Haryana: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abhishek Singh — 2026-04-22

Background: Substance abuse among adolescents represents a significant public health challenge in rural India, with limited epidemiological data available from aspirational districts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of substance use among male adolescents in rural southern Haryana.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 male adolescents aged 15-19 years in rural areas of the district Nuh, Haryana, from November 2021 to December 2022. A multistage sampling technique was employed for participant selection. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire based on the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights framework. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of substance use was 44.7% (n=144). Tobacco products were the predominant substances used (41.9%, n=135), encompassing both smokeless and smoked forms. Alcohol consumption was reported by 1.6% (n=5) participants, while opioids and pharmaceutical preparations were used by 0.6% (n=2) and 0.3% (n=1), respectively. Cannabis use was minimal (0.3%, n=1). Among substance users, 77.1% (n=111) had friends who engaged in substance use. The primary motivational factors included mood enhancement (36.1%, n = 52) and peer influence (35.4%, n=51). Academic performance decline preceded substance initiation in 24.3% ( n = 35) of cases.
Conclusion: The substantial burden of substance use (44.7%) among rural male adolescents, with an average initiation age of 14.8 years, necessitates urgent implementation of targeted prevention strategies. The predominance of tobacco uses and strong peer influence patterns highlight the need for comprehensive school and community-based interventions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202508

How to cite this article:
Singh A, Kumar A. Epidemiological Profile of Substance uses among Male Adolescents in Rural Southern Haryana: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Epidem Int. 2025;10(3):12-16.

Evaluating the Economic and Health Impact of Sales Tax on Personal Protective Equipment: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Exemption

Phuntsho Dendup — 2026-04-23

Background: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial for safeguarding workers across all industries. This paper investigates the rationale for and potential impacts of a sales tax exemption on PPE in Bhutan.
Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study combined survey data from 32 PPE suppliers in Thimphu with secondary data from the Ministry of Health and Department of Labor. The study assessed market prices, sales taxes, and workplace injury costs to evaluate the economic impact of PPE provision on employers and the healthcare system.
Results: This study reveals significant economic inefficiencies. While the government collects Nu. 19.3 million annually from PPE sales taxes, based on consumption by 41,428 workers, it simultaneously bears Nu. 650.1 million in injury-related healthcare costs for the construction sector. This yields a government cost-benefit ratio of just 0.03, indicating that tax revenue covers less than 3% of the healthcare burden. For employers, providing PPE at an average cost of Nu. 347 per worker proves 3,400 to 4,100 times more economical than bearing the average injury costs, which range from Nu. 1.2 million to Nu. 1.4 million per incident. Sector-specific analysis highlights particularly high risks for construction workers, with injury rates of 39% and associated costs of Nu. 23.6 million per 100 workers annually.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that the sales tax discourages investment in quality PPE, reduces compliance, and consequently increases the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. This leads to substantial healthcare expenditures and productivity losses. The study concludes with policy recommendations, including the elimination of the sales tax on PPE and the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms, including mandatory certification of PPE, to enhance occupational safety, reduce public healthcare burdens, and promote sustainable economic growth.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202509

How to cite this article:
Dendup P, Samdrup J, Dorjee S G. Evaluating the Economic and Health Impact of Sales Tax on Personal Protective Equipment: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Exemption. Epidem Int. 2025;10(3): 3-11.

Media and Social media influence on Obesity

Mitasha Singh — 2026-04-22

Social media platforms simultaneously fuel body image pressures driving unhealthy habits while offering supportive communities for sustainable weight management journeys. This digital paradox both perpetuates unrealistic standards and democratizes evidence-based health information—making our scrolling either our greatest obstacle or ally in addressing obesity.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202510

How to cite this article:
Singh M, Parashar M. Media and Social Media Influence on Obesity. Epidem Int. 2025;10(3):1-2.