Health care delivery practices in the rural part of the Yavatmal district regarding IUD insertion.

A cross-sectional survey of Cu T users in a rural area of the Yavatmal district was carried out using stratified sampling, to identify interventions that can improve intrauterine device (IUD) service provision processes and their acceptance. The average age at Cu T insertion was 23.8 years. Cu T acceptance with one child was 55.5%. 80.8% of Cu Ts were inserted within 10 days of menstruation, while there were no post-partum Cu T insertions. 51.8% Cu Ts were inserted in PHC's. At the time of the survey, 48.2% users already have their Cu T removed. Only 22.7% couples utilized some alternate contraception after Cu T removal. Post-discontinuation contraceptive use was lower in a tribal area. 30% Cu T acceptors received less than two health checkups. 78.8% (58.1% in a tribal area and 84.9% in a non-tribal area) beneficiaries received information about Cu T from health workers. Only 6.6% Cu T acceptors received specific advice of checking the Cu T string. Utilization of private facility was more common among tribals. Reach of health service regarding Cu T need to be improved in tribal areas. Health service providers need to be more proactive, especially about utilization of the immediate post-partum period for Cu T insertion, clients counseling, and follow up of users.

Assessment of oral health status and its association with some epidemiological factors in population of Nagpur, India.

Present cross sectional study was undertaken in field practice area of Urban Health Training centre, Bapunagar, Nagpur to assess oral health status of community and to study the relationship of some epidemiological factors with it. Observations of the present study reveal that dental caries (43.2%) and periodontal diseases (34.8%) were the most common dental disorders. Other disorders were dentofacial anamoly (24.2%), opacities and enamel disorders (18.7%) and oral mucosal lesions 7.1%). Oral precancerous lesions (2.4%) also found to be an important problem. Prevalence of oral cancer was 0.1%. In general oral problems were more common in lower socioeconomic group and in habiters i.e. ghutka chewers, pan, tobacco eaters, candies eaters. Also use of tooth brush and tooth powder for cleaning teeth were found to be associated with lower prevalence of oro-dental disorders. Most of the problems were common in younger and middle aged population except cancer and precancerous lesions which were common in middle and older population. But oral submucous fibrosis was exclusively found in younger and middle aged subjects.

Maternal age as a risk factor for stillbirth.

To Detect the risk of still birth in different maternal age, five year (1st January 1993 to 31st December 1997) record of Government Medical College, Nagpur were analysed. The rate of stillbirth was 2.5% (1138 stillbirth out of 46,443 deliveries) which was significantly associated with increasing maternal age (x2 = 182.3, df = 4, p < 0.001). Teenage pregnancy and elderly pregnancy were in significant risk as compared to 20-29 years age group for stillbirth (OR = 1.6, 95% C1 1.1-2.5; OR 2.6, 95% CI = 1.9-3.5 respectively).

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in hairdressers.

The present cross sectional study with comparison group was undertaken to assess the lung function of hairdressers by Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) using Wright peak flow meter. Total 385 hairdressers and 770 controls were included in the study. PEFR was observed to be reduced in hairdressers compared with controls. The difference was significant (P < 0.01) above 45 years of age. Also with increasing duration of exposure observed PEFR was reduced than expected. Above 20 years of length of service, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Smokers in hairdressing occupation had reduced PEFR than in control group, though this difference was not significant. Thus, we conclude that hairdresser's environment adversly affects their lung function and smoking may potentiate the adverse effect.

Knowledge and practices about HIV transmission among barbers of Nagpur City.

The present study was carried out in south zone of Nagpur city to assess knowledge and practices regarding HIV transmission of 375 barbers selected randomly from three different categories of saloons. A significantly large proportion of the roadside barbers were ignorant about modes of transmission of HIV, particularly through the blades. The practices observed by barbers ae found to be favourable for transmission of HIV, more so in roadside barbers. Hence it can be concluded that practices observed by barbers may favour transmission of HIV and there is a scope for educational intervention.

Teenage pregnancy outcome: a record based study.

Present record based study was undertaken in Medical record section of Government medical college, Nagpur, to assess teenage as a risk factor for pregnancy complications, outcome, and operative or assisted delivery. Five year (January 1993 to December 1997) data was scanned, which gave sample of 1830 teenage pregnancies; while equal number of subsequent partly matched controls (> 20.29 years) were taken. Results showed proportion of low birth weight baby to be significantly greater in teenagers (p < 0.001). Operative interference was significantly greater in adult pregnancies (p < 0.001). Though stillbirth and preterm delivery was more in cases, difference was not statistically significant. Similarly toxaemia of pregnancy, premature rupture of membrane, placenta previa, accidental haemorrhage though more in adult pregnancies was statistically not significant. There were no differences in cogenital anamoly and twins between cases and controls. But breech deliveries were significantly (p < 0.001) more in adults.