Dr. Laxmi Ramitha Koneti from School of Medical Sciences (SoMS), University of Hyderabad, pursing her PhD in Public Health recently presented her research work at the prestigious American Public Health Association (APHA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo held in Minneapolis, USA from 27th to 30th October 2024. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery and is currently working under the guidance of Prof. C.T. Anitha on tobacco cessation to prevent Non-Communicable Disease such as hypertension, stroke and oral cancers.
The APHA Annual Meeting, one of the largest and most influential gatherings for public health professionals, brings together experts from around the world to address important public health issues and share advancements in research, practice and policy. Laxmi Ramitha Koneti’s Ph.D abstract titled “Uncovering Hidden Public Health Concerns: Tobacco use and Precancerous Oral Lesions” was selected for Oral presentation. Another abstract titled ‘A study to Assess the Prevalence and Patterns of Tobacco use among GHMC workers’ was also selected for poster presentation at the same conference and it received significant interest from diverse audience. She shared insights into a targeted health education intervention to reduce tobacco consumption among this occupational group to promote their health and wellbeing. The work reflects University of Hyderabad’s commitment towards community-centered public health research thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
Laxmi Ramitha is in her final stages of PhD and will soon be defending the thesis. Her Doctoral Research Committee members comprise of Dr. Ajitha Katta and Dr. Naga Seema (Centre for Psychology) of the SoMS lead by the Dean, Prof. Geeta K.Vemuganti. The travel was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and the logistic support from Institution of Eminence- University of Hyderabad.