What is Chhaya?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO - 2021

Explanation

Chhaya is the brand name for a non-hormonal, non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill provided by the Government of India.
Its active ingredient is Centchroman (also called Ormeloxifene), which makes it a unique, non-hormonal option.
It is taken on a weekly basis after an initial 3-month bi-weekly schedule, distinguishing it from daily hormonal pills.
It is also sold in the private market under the brand name 'Saheli'.

Option B: Chhaya is a contraceptive, not a painkiller. Painkillers (analgesics) like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are used to relieve pain.
Option C: Chhaya prevents pregnancy; it does not terminate an existing one. Abortion pills, such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol, are used for medical termination of pregnancy.
Option D: Chhaya is not an anti-vomiting (antiemetic) pill. Drugs like Ondansetron or Domperidone are used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Contraceptive methods in India's National Family Planning Program as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Chhaya is a crucial option for women who have contraindications to hormonal contraceptives (e.g., history of thromboembolism, certain cancers, or liver disease) or who experience significant side effects from them.
As a non-steroidal pill, it offers a different safety profile, with the most common side effect being delayed menses rather than the systemic effects associated with hormonal pills.
What if a patient reports missing a dose of Chhaya? If it's within the first 3 months (bi-weekly schedule), she should take it as soon as she remembers and continue the schedule. If on the weekly schedule, she should take the missed pill immediately and the next one on her regular day. Backup contraception should be advised for a week.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on knowledge of public health programs in India.
First, identify the keyword in the question, which is 'Chhaya'.
Recall or deduce its association with the National Family Planning Program.
Evaluate the options. 'Chhaya' and 'Saheli' are well-known brand names for a specific type of contraceptive pill.
Eliminate the other options (painkiller, abortion, anti-vomiting) as they belong to different pharmacological classes.
Select 'Contraceptive pills' as the correct category for Chhaya.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Contraceptive methods in India's National Family Planning Program.
Stem keywords: Chhaya
Lead-in keywords: What is

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) pp. 198-200, 194-196

Practise the full Bihar CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.