Dhruv Parmar
Biographic Data
| ID | 288831 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Dhruv Parmar |
| GIVEN NAMES | Dhruv |
| FAMILY NAME | Parmar |
| SIGNATURE | PARMAR D |
| AFFILIATIONS | King's College London |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-7979-3140 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 43 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 21 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2010 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
What safety can we talk about when all we see is difficulty? The impact of geographic and cultural determinants of unintentional injury in rural and mountainous Mugu, Nepal
Introduction: Unintentional injuries are a significant health concern in rural Nepal, where geographic isolation and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate their impact. In the remote district of Mugu, primary caregivers of children navigate complex physical and social landscapes daily. This study explores how primary caregivers perceive the determinants of injury. By examining the interplay of environmental, social, and infrastructural det…
Physical activity levels and its associated factors among adults in Vihiga county, Kenya
Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which account for 8% of Kenya’s non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. Prevalence of physical inactivity remains high globally. There is paucity of data on physical activity levels in rural Sub-Saharan Africa to inform effective interventions. This study sought to establish levels and factors associated with physical activity in a rural population in Kenya. This was a c…
Access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Accra, Ghana: An exploratory qualitative study
Nearly 31% of the Ghanaian population are adolescents, and these populations persistently face high rates of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions. This is despite sexual and reproductive health (SRH) being taught in the school curriculum. In this qualitative study, we explore the factors affecting adolescents' access to, and experiences of, SRH services in Accra, Ghana. We conducted 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescents and 13 ke…
Awareness of India’s national health insurance scheme (PM-JAY): A cross-sectional study across six states
The literature suggests that a first barrier towards accessing benefits of health insurance in low- and middle-income countries is lack of awareness of one’s benefits. Yet, across settings and emerging schemes, limited scientific evidence is available on levels of awareness and their determinants. To fill this gap, we assessed socio-demographic and economic determinants of beneficiaries’ awareness of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY),…
The genesis of the PM-JAY health insurance scheme in India: Technical and political elements influencing a national reform towards universal health coverage
Many countries are using health insurance to advance progress towards universal health coverage (UHC). India launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) health insurance scheme in 2018. We examine the political economy context around PM-JAY policy formulation, by examining the perspectives of policy stakeholders shaping decisions around the reform. More specifically, we focus on early policy design at the central (national) level. We u…
Does local democracy improve public health interventions? Evidence from India
Health care decisions in many low‐income countries often require a close political agency relationship between healthcare decision makers and constituents. This is especially the case for maternal and child care as well as preventative interventions when resources are scarce. This article examines the effect of the introduction of the National Rural Health Mission in India, introducing Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNC), …
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hospital utilisation in Sierra Leone
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected health systems in many countries, but little is known about effects on health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the effects of COVID-19 on hospital utilisation in a sub-Saharan country, Sierra Leone. METHODS: Mixed-methods study using longitudinal nationwide hospital data (admissions, operations, deliveries and referrals) and qualitative interviews with healthcare workers…
Nonsuicidal self-injury and identity formation in Indian clinical and nonclinical samples: A comparative study
Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is being increasingly identified as an important emerging mental health issue in the West. Yet, NSSI has not been adequately studied in clinical and nonclinical contexts in countries like India. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare different features of NSSI between clinical and nonclinical samples in India. We also explored if the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identit…
Non-suicidal self-injury and its association with identity formation in India and Belgium: A cross-cultural case-control study
The aim of the present study was to compare different features of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in India and Belgium. We also explored whether the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identity formation-a risk factor that can increase vulnerability to NSSI-was similar in young adults from India and Belgium. Data regarding NSSI and identity formation were collected from 182 young adults in India (56% females, mean age = 2…
Mixed and Multi-Methods Protocol to Evaluate Implementation Processes and Early Effects of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme in Seven Indian States
In September 2018, India launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a nationally implemented government-funded health insurance scheme to improve access to quality inpatient care, increase financial protection, and reduce unmet need for the most vulnerable population groups. This protocol describes the methodology adopted to evaluate implementation processes and early effects of PM-JAY in seven Indian states. The study adopts a mixed and…
How do supply- and demand-side interventions influence equity in healthcare utilisation? Evidence from maternal healthcare in Senegal
Impact of an employment guarantee scheme on utilisation of maternal healthcare services: Results from a natural experiment in India
We assess the impact of India's National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) scheme, the world's largest workfare scheme, on healthcare utilisation - specifically maternal healthcare. The primary objective of NREG is to improve the income of rural households by guaranteeing 100 days of employment. We expect that by improving household income, thereby reducing some of the financial barriers, such as out-of-pocket payments, NREG can increase utilisat…
Treatment of tuberculosis in complex emergencies in developing countries: A scoping review
Almost 172 million people live in complex emergencies globally resulting from political and/or economic instability. The provision and continuity of health care in complex emergencies remain a significant challenge. Health agencies are often hesitant to implement tuberculosis programmes in particular because its treatment requires a longer commitment than most acute diseases. However, not treating tuberculosis promptly increases mortality and unt…
Equitable access to health insurance for socially excluded children? The case of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana
Disrespectful intrapartum care during facility-based delivery in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis of women's perceptions and experiences
The individual level cost of pregnancy termination in Zambia: A comparison of safe and unsafe abortion
Zambia has one of the most liberal abortion laws in sub-Saharan Africa. However, rates of unsafe abortion remain high with negative health and economic consequences. Little is known about the economic burden on women of abortion care-seeking in low income countries. The majority of studies focus on direct costs (e.g. hospital fees). This article estimates the individual-level economic burden of safe and unsafe abortion care-seeking in Zambia, inc…
Cost of abortions in Zambia: A comparison of safe abortion and post abortion care
Unsafe abortion is a significant but preventable cause of maternal mortality. Although induced abortion has been legal in Zambia since 1972, many women still face logistical, financial, social, and legal obstacles to access safe abortion services, and undergo unsafe abortion instead. This study provides the first estimates of costs of post abortion care (PAC) after an unsafe abortion and the cost of safe abortion in Zambia. In the absence of rout…
Using a community-based definition of poverty for targeting poor households for premium subsidies in the context of a community health insurance in Burkina Faso
Policies targeting the poorest require the establishment of effective selection strategies. These policies are well-conditioned by proper identification of the poor people. Community perceptions and criteria of poverty are grounded in reality, to better appreciate the issue. It is crucial to take these perceptions into account in undertaking community development actions which target the poor. For most community-based health insurance schemes wit…
Do community-based health insurance schemes fulfil the promise of equity? A study from Burkina Faso
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme in Burkina Faso has been effective in providing equitable healthcare access to poor individuals, women, children and those living far from health facilities. METHODS: We used the Nouna Health District Household Survey to collect panel data on 990 households during 2004-08. By applying a series of random effects regressions and using concentration curves, we first stu…
Enrolment of older people in social health protection programs in West Africa - Does social exclusion play a part
Although the population of older people in Africa is increasing, and older people are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to urbanisation, breakdown of family structures and rising healthcare costs, most African countries have no social health protection for older people. Two exceptions include Senegal's Plan Sesame, a user fees exemption for older people and Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) where older people are exempt from payi…
Using community wealth ranking to identify the poor for subsidies: A case study of community-based health insurance in Nouna, Burkina Faso
Access to health-care is low in developing countries. Poor people are less likely to seek care than those who are better off. Community-based health insurance (CBI) aims to improve healthcare utilisation by removing financial barriers, unfortunately CBI has been less effective in securing equity than expected. Poor people, who probably require greater protection from catastrophic health expenses, are less likely to enrol in such schemes. Therefor…
Enrolment of older people in social health protection programs in West Africa - Does social exclusion play a part
Although the population of older people in Africa is increasing, and older people are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to urbanisation, breakdown of family structures and rising healthcare costs, most African countries have no social health protection for older people. Two exceptions include Senegal's Plan Sesame, a user fees exemption for older people and Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) where older people are exempt from payi…
The individual level cost of pregnancy termination in Zambia: A comparison of safe and unsafe abortion
Zambia has one of the most liberal abortion laws in sub-Saharan Africa. However, rates of unsafe abortion remain high with negative health and economic consequences. Little is known about the economic burden on women of abortion care-seeking in low income countries. The majority of studies focus on direct costs (e.g. hospital fees). This article estimates the individual-level economic burden of safe and unsafe abortion care-seeking in Zambia, inc…
Do community-based health insurance schemes fulfil the promise of equity? A study from Burkina Faso
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme in Burkina Faso has been effective in providing equitable healthcare access to poor individuals, women, children and those living far from health facilities. METHODS: We used the Nouna Health District Household Survey to collect panel data on 990 households during 2004-08. By applying a series of random effects regressions and using concentration curves, we first stu…
Does local democracy improve public health interventions? Evidence from India
Health care decisions in many low‐income countries often require a close political agency relationship between healthcare decision makers and constituents. This is especially the case for maternal and child care as well as preventative interventions when resources are scarce. This article examines the effect of the introduction of the National Rural Health Mission in India, introducing Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNC), …
How do supply- and demand-side interventions influence equity in healthcare utilisation? Evidence from maternal healthcare in Senegal
Equitable access to health insurance for socially excluded children? The case of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana
Non-suicidal self-injury and its association with identity formation in India and Belgium: A cross-cultural case-control study
The aim of the present study was to compare different features of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in India and Belgium. We also explored whether the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identity formation-a risk factor that can increase vulnerability to NSSI-was similar in young adults from India and Belgium. Data regarding NSSI and identity formation were collected from 182 young adults in India (56% females, mean age = 2…
Using community wealth ranking to identify the poor for subsidies: A case study of community-based health insurance in Nouna, Burkina Faso
Access to health-care is low in developing countries. Poor people are less likely to seek care than those who are better off. Community-based health insurance (CBI) aims to improve healthcare utilisation by removing financial barriers, unfortunately CBI has been less effective in securing equity than expected. Poor people, who probably require greater protection from catastrophic health expenses, are less likely to enrol in such schemes. Therefor…
Do community-based health insurance schemes fulfil the promise of equity? A study from Burkina Faso
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme in Burkina Faso has been effective in providing equitable healthcare access to poor individuals, women, children and those living far from health facilities. METHODS: We used the Nouna Health District Household Survey to collect panel data on 990 households during 2004-08. By applying a series of random effects regressions and using concentration curves, we first stu…
Enrolment of older people in social health protection programs in West Africa - Does social exclusion play a part
Although the population of older people in Africa is increasing, and older people are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to urbanisation, breakdown of family structures and rising healthcare costs, most African countries have no social health protection for older people. Two exceptions include Senegal's Plan Sesame, a user fees exemption for older people and Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) where older people are exempt from payi…
Cost of abortions in Zambia: A comparison of safe abortion and post abortion care
Unsafe abortion is a significant but preventable cause of maternal mortality. Although induced abortion has been legal in Zambia since 1972, many women still face logistical, financial, social, and legal obstacles to access safe abortion services, and undergo unsafe abortion instead. This study provides the first estimates of costs of post abortion care (PAC) after an unsafe abortion and the cost of safe abortion in Zambia. In the absence of rout…
Using a community-based definition of poverty for targeting poor households for premium subsidies in the context of a community health insurance in Burkina Faso
Policies targeting the poorest require the establishment of effective selection strategies. These policies are well-conditioned by proper identification of the poor people. Community perceptions and criteria of poverty are grounded in reality, to better appreciate the issue. It is crucial to take these perceptions into account in undertaking community development actions which target the poor. For most community-based health insurance schemes wit…
Disrespectful intrapartum care during facility-based delivery in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis of women's perceptions and experiences
The individual level cost of pregnancy termination in Zambia: A comparison of safe and unsafe abortion
Zambia has one of the most liberal abortion laws in sub-Saharan Africa. However, rates of unsafe abortion remain high with negative health and economic consequences. Little is known about the economic burden on women of abortion care-seeking in low income countries. The majority of studies focus on direct costs (e.g. hospital fees). This article estimates the individual-level economic burden of safe and unsafe abortion care-seeking in Zambia, inc…
Equitable access to health insurance for socially excluded children? The case of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana
Treatment of tuberculosis in complex emergencies in developing countries: A scoping review
Almost 172 million people live in complex emergencies globally resulting from political and/or economic instability. The provision and continuity of health care in complex emergencies remain a significant challenge. Health agencies are often hesitant to implement tuberculosis programmes in particular because its treatment requires a longer commitment than most acute diseases. However, not treating tuberculosis promptly increases mortality and unt…
How do supply- and demand-side interventions influence equity in healthcare utilisation? Evidence from maternal healthcare in Senegal
Impact of an employment guarantee scheme on utilisation of maternal healthcare services: Results from a natural experiment in India
We assess the impact of India's National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) scheme, the world's largest workfare scheme, on healthcare utilisation - specifically maternal healthcare. The primary objective of NREG is to improve the income of rural households by guaranteeing 100 days of employment. We expect that by improving household income, thereby reducing some of the financial barriers, such as out-of-pocket payments, NREG can increase utilisat…
Mixed and Multi-Methods Protocol to Evaluate Implementation Processes and Early Effects of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme in Seven Indian States
In September 2018, India launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a nationally implemented government-funded health insurance scheme to improve access to quality inpatient care, increase financial protection, and reduce unmet need for the most vulnerable population groups. This protocol describes the methodology adopted to evaluate implementation processes and early effects of PM-JAY in seven Indian states. The study adopts a mixed and…
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hospital utilisation in Sierra Leone
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected health systems in many countries, but little is known about effects on health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the effects of COVID-19 on hospital utilisation in a sub-Saharan country, Sierra Leone. METHODS: Mixed-methods study using longitudinal nationwide hospital data (admissions, operations, deliveries and referrals) and qualitative interviews with healthcare workers…
Nonsuicidal self-injury and identity formation in Indian clinical and nonclinical samples: A comparative study
Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is being increasingly identified as an important emerging mental health issue in the West. Yet, NSSI has not been adequately studied in clinical and nonclinical contexts in countries like India. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare different features of NSSI between clinical and nonclinical samples in India. We also explored if the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identit…
Non-suicidal self-injury and its association with identity formation in India and Belgium: A cross-cultural case-control study
The aim of the present study was to compare different features of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) in India and Belgium. We also explored whether the strength of the association between NSSI and disturbances in identity formation-a risk factor that can increase vulnerability to NSSI-was similar in young adults from India and Belgium. Data regarding NSSI and identity formation were collected from 182 young adults in India (56% females, mean age = 2…
Does local democracy improve public health interventions? Evidence from India
Health care decisions in many low‐income countries often require a close political agency relationship between healthcare decision makers and constituents. This is especially the case for maternal and child care as well as preventative interventions when resources are scarce. This article examines the effect of the introduction of the National Rural Health Mission in India, introducing Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNC), …
Awareness of India’s national health insurance scheme (PM-JAY): A cross-sectional study across six states
The literature suggests that a first barrier towards accessing benefits of health insurance in low- and middle-income countries is lack of awareness of one’s benefits. Yet, across settings and emerging schemes, limited scientific evidence is available on levels of awareness and their determinants. To fill this gap, we assessed socio-demographic and economic determinants of beneficiaries’ awareness of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY),…
The genesis of the PM-JAY health insurance scheme in India: Technical and political elements influencing a national reform towards universal health coverage
Many countries are using health insurance to advance progress towards universal health coverage (UHC). India launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) health insurance scheme in 2018. We examine the political economy context around PM-JAY policy formulation, by examining the perspectives of policy stakeholders shaping decisions around the reform. More specifically, we focus on early policy design at the central (national) level. We u…
Access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Accra, Ghana: An exploratory qualitative study
Nearly 31% of the Ghanaian population are adolescents, and these populations persistently face high rates of teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions. This is despite sexual and reproductive health (SRH) being taught in the school curriculum. In this qualitative study, we explore the factors affecting adolescents' access to, and experiences of, SRH services in Accra, Ghana. We conducted 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescents and 13 ke…
What safety can we talk about when all we see is difficulty? The impact of geographic and cultural determinants of unintentional injury in rural and mountainous Mugu, Nepal
Introduction: Unintentional injuries are a significant health concern in rural Nepal, where geographic isolation and limited healthcare infrastructure exacerbate their impact. In the remote district of Mugu, primary caregivers of children navigate complex physical and social landscapes daily. This study explores how primary caregivers perceive the determinants of injury. By examining the interplay of environmental, social, and infrastructural det…
Physical activity levels and its associated factors among adults in Vihiga county, Kenya
Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which account for 8% of Kenya’s non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. Prevalence of physical inactivity remains high globally. There is paucity of data on physical activity levels in rural Sub-Saharan Africa to inform effective interventions. This study sought to establish levels and factors associated with physical activity in a rural population in Kenya. This was a c…
Medicine (19 works) · Environmental health (16 works) · Economic growth (13 works) · Global Maternal and Child Health (12 works) · Economics (11 works) · Healthcare Systems and Reforms (10 works) · Business (9 works) · Health care (9 works) · Global Health Care Issues (8 works) · Political science (8 works)