ABSTRACT
Background: Industrial workers working in various industries have exposure to different kind of pollutants. Exposure to various types of dust causes pneumoconiosis, a rising cause of impairment in factory workers. This study sought to analyze the effect of quantity and quality of dust variety and the duration of exposure on the pulmonary function test of the workers.Methods: Pulmonary function testing (PFT) was done using PC based spirometer in 4 different industries of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar cities. The PFT values obtained were compared with normal values and the number of workers with impaired PFT was found. Associations were observed between types and amount of exposure with pulmonary impairment.Results: Out of 909 workers, 408 (44.88%) had pulmonary impairment of which 330 (80.88%) presented with restrictive lung function. It was found that maximum restrictive lung functions were found in workers exposed to metallic dust (51.4%) followed by metallic gases (43.8%). Whereas office administrative workers not having any direct exposure were having less impairment (p<0.005). Also, with increased duration of work in the industry, pulmonary impairment was also increasing. (χ2=119.89; p<0.005).Conclusions: Exposure to various types of dust impairs lung functions. The severity increases with the increase in the amount and duration of exposure. Proper protective measures should be taken by the workers and regular check-ups should be done to know any pulmonary impairment. The workers with impairment should be removed from exposure and relocated.
ABSTRACT
Background: Tobacco consumption in the form of chewing and smoking is one of the biggest addictions. It causes various oral pre-malignant lesions which mainly include oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSMF) caused by betel nut consumption and tobacco quid lesion, leukoplakia, erythroplakia and smoker's palate caused by chewing and smoking tobacco. Methods: The data about the past and present consumption of tobacco was collected from 909 individuals. Based on the tobacco habits, the oral cavity findings were assessed and the statistical analysis was carried out to find the significance of associations observed between tobacco consumption and lesions. Results: Out of 909 subjects, 537 were consuming tobacco, out of which 284 were chewers, 65 were smokers and 76 were consuming in both forms. Out of the 284 tobacco chewers, 43% had oral lesions (19.4% had OSMF and 21.5% had tobacco quid) as compared to just 1% of workers having oral lesions (OSMF) amongst those who had no addiction. There was a high prevalence of lesion in tobacco chewers (p<0.005). Out of total smokers, 15.8% had smoker's palate whereas no lesion was seen in the non-addicted workers. The odds of developing oral pre-malignant lesion are 43.62 times higher in exposed individuals. Conclusions: The tobacco consumption in any form is hazardous. Betel nut exposure causes more harmful effect which goes unnoticed. Awareness should be created about various lesions caused by tobacco as well as betel nut and special steps should be taken for early diagnosis and its treatment.
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Background: Because many Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in India do not openly acknowledge their sexual behaviour, this has resulted in scanty knowledge about their sex behavior and its context. Without this knowledge it is difficult to plan effective MSM-related HIV prevention. The objective was to study the different socio-demographic characteristics of the MSM population, their pattern of sexual behavior and practices and to find out various reasons for sexual acts with men. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted amongst 410 MSM in Drop In Centers of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working for MSM in Ahmedabad city through purposive sampling during the period of December 2010 – December 2011. Results: The mean age of the study population was 33.6 ± 9.4 years. The sexual practices of MSM were not limited to male partners only. 74.6% MSM had their first sexual act in adolescent age group (10-19 years) and the mean age of the first sexual act was only 17.2 ± 4.3 years. First sexual partner of MSM was a male friend (57.3%) followed by girlfriend (12.7%), relative (10%) etc. MSM had an average 3.8 different male partner per month with weekly average frequency of sexual act 7.4 which indicates more frequent sexual act with multiple male sexual partners. Preferred place for sexual act was at home (57.3%) followed by at Hotel (31.2%). The commonest reasons for sexual act of men with men given were for specific sexual acts either anal or oral sex (67.8%), desire for other men gender and or sexual orientation (66.1%) etc. Only 42.2% MSM were using condom consistently and 9.5% did not have knowledge that HIV can be transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse while knowledge regarding HIV transmission by infected blood contact, infected needle and syringes and parent to child transmission were 57.8%, 48.5% and 27.6% respectively. Conclusions: MSM had more frequent sexual act with multiple male sexual partners preferably at home and 47.8% MSM were not using condom consistently.
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Background: The basic principle of inventory control is Always Better Control (ABC) based on cost criteria and Vital Essential Desirable (VED) on criticality. Inequity in drug prioritization and expenses directly affects the health of the community. Study design: Based on ABC-VED matrix, inventory analysis was done. Study area: Community health centre (CHC) - Singarva, two primary health centres (PHC) - Kanbha and Sanathal and two urban health centre (UHC) - Amraiwadi and Sabarmati. Study period: December 2012 to December 2013. Methods: The drugs were first categorized by ABC method and then by VED method. On coupling the two techniques, ABC-VED matrix was made and drugs were classified in to Category I (AV + BV +CV + AE + AD), Category II (BE + CE + BD) and Category III (CD). Results: According to VED analysis large amount of money was spent on D category that is; 35% of annual drug expenditure (ADE) from CHC, 7.6% and 23.4% from both the PHC respectively, 20.1% and 24.7% from both the UHCs. On considering the ABC-VED matrix analysis the ADE spent on Class III was 6.6% among CHC, 1.2% and 1.5% among PHC, 2.6% and 7.2% among the UHC. Conclusion: The ADE used among the ABC-VED Class III should be avoided and the ADE on Class II drugs should be controlled and used judiciously.
ABSTRACT
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as birth weight less than 2,500 grams. In India, 30-35% babies are LBW. LBW is closely associated with foetal and neonatal mortality as well as morbidity and has a very complex aetiology. Aims & Objective: The present study was undertaken with the objectives of ascertaining epidemiological determinants of LBW. Materials and Methods: A facility based case-control study was carried out in all the 3 tertiary hospitals of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation during April-2012 to September-2012. A total of 100 cases weighing < 2.5 kg and controls weighing > 2.5 kg each were selected during the study period. Crude and adjusted odd’s ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate independent effect of maternal characteristic on LBW. Results: A significant association was observed between LBW and maternal age at consummation < 20 years, maternal education, socio-economic status, inter-pregnancy interval, antenatal visit < 3, maternal height <145cm, pre-pregnancy maternal weight, habit of tobacco chewing, previous history of abortion and anaemia. These variables were further entered in multiple logistic regression model and factors such as maternal age at consummation < 20 years, inter-pregnancy interval, antenatal visit < 3, maternal height, pre-pregnancy maternal weight < 45 kg, habit of tobacco chewing, previous history of abortion and anaemia were found to be significant independent risk factor for LBW. Conclusion: For reducing LBW emphasis should be given on reducing teen age pregnancy, improving nutrition during adolescence, increasing coverage of antenatal visits, encouraging wider birth interval and avoiding tobacco chewing.
ABSTRACT
Background: One of the main reasons that Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies are at greater risk of illness and death is that they lack ability to control their body temperature. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a powerful method to promote the health and well-being of LBW babies. Aims & Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of Health care providers (HCPs) regarding practice of KMC. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 health centres located in Ahmedabad district during February, 2012-May, 2012 among 145 HCPs. Results: Mean age and work experience of HCPs was 37.83 ± 7.09years and 7.09 ± 2.13years respectively. A total of 47 (32.4%) HCPs had knowledge regarding LBW babies. When enquired about the components of KMC, 48 (33.1%) could correctly enlist all components. Only 20 (13.8%) HCPs could correctly answer that KMC can be given by any family member. A total of 107 (73.8%) HCPs replied that KMC should be given while transporting the baby to a higher centre and for prevention of hypothermia. KMC is beneficial both to mother as well as baby and it increases bonding between mother and baby was believed by 46 (31.7%) HCPs. A statistically significant association was observed between training status of the HCPs and their total score regarding knowledge related to KMC (p<0.001) as well as their age and total score (p<0.01). Conclusion: Knowledge related to KMC was poor among HCPs, although a statistically significant association was observed between their knowledge and training status. Hence, training opportunities should be created and regular training should be conducted to enhance their knowledge.
ABSTRACT
Background: In India, the traditional drugs like opium, charas, bhang and ganja were used by sections of the society partly as leisure time activity and partly as part of the religious ceremony. Therefore, their consumptions did not invite much negative sanction from the society. The addictive potential of a drug varies from substance to substance, and from individual to individual. Dose, frequency, pharmacokinetics of a particular substance, route of administration, and time are critical factors for developing a drug addiction. Aims & Objective: (1) To identify the socio-demographic characteristics of the substance abusers; (2) To identify the substances commonly used other than tobacco; (3) To identify the effects of positive family history on starting the substance. Material and Methods: Interview based Cross-Sectional study was conducted among Substance abusers who were attending De-addiction centres “Naya Jivan Vyasan Mukti Kendra, Ahmedabad” Results: Substance abuse was commonly seen in the age group of 25-45 years (66.3%) and also in class IV and V (69.0%). Only males were found to get treatment in de-addiction centre for various addiction and 80.6% of them were married. 58.3% Substance abusers (58.3%) were living in nuclear families. Substance abuse was higher (75.8%) in less educated people (secondary or below). Age of initiation of substance was below 30 years of age (86.1%). Mean age for starting substance was 23.96 + 6.96 years. Commonly abused substances for which patients were coming to de-addiction centre were Alcohol (62.1%), Cannabis (13.6%), Brown sugar (13.6%), Alprazolam (2.9%), Cough syrup (1.9%), White Ink (2.9%). Friends were mostly responsible for initiating the substance abuse (81.6%). Headache (12.6%), vertigo (11.7%) and insomnia (11.7%) were most common presenting symptoms seen in substance abusers. Conclusion: The mean age of initiation of substance abuse was early twenties. Alcohol addiction was significantly associated with the positive family history of alcohol intake (p value <0.0001). Commonly abused substances for patients which were coming were Alcohol (62.1%), Cannabis (13.6%) etc.