ABSTRACT
Background: Since 1976, several JE outbreaks have been reported from most of the districts of Assam. Objectives: The present study aims to conduct a descriptive and spatial analysis to understand the spatiotemporal distribution of JE cases of Dibrugarh district. Methods: Spatiotemporal distribution of JE cases from 2014 to 2018 at village level was described in maps using Geographical Information System. Spatial association between JE reporting places in the study area has been analyzed using spatial statistics analytical techniques. Temporal distribution of JE cases from 2014 to 2018 for different variable were described in tables. Results: During the period 2014–2018, incidence rate of JE cases ranged between 2.7/100,000 and 5.9/100,000 population and highest case fatality rate was 18.3% in 2014. Highest numbers of JE cases were reported in the age group 0–10 years. Most of the JE cases were from rural areas (84.2%). There was a seasonal pattern of JE which peaked in July. There were hotspots around Dibrugarh Municipality area, Duliajan oil town, Hatiali gaon, Naharkatiya chah bagicha, Nagaon Dhadumia gaon, and Nahortoli Tea Estate. Conclusion: On the basis of the study, JE hotspots can be identified that would help health authorities to further investigate and identify the factors responsible for its occurrence.
ABSTRACT
Background: Early or timely initiation of breastfeeding, specifically within 1 hour of birth has benefits for survival and beyond and it is recommended by the World Health Organization. Breastfeeding initiation after the first hour of birth doubles the risk of neonatal mortality. The present study has been conducted to estimate the prevalence and determine the factors affecting early initiation of breastfeeding in rural areas of Dibrugarh, district, Assam. Methods: Community based cross sectional study from May 2017 to April 2018 among mothers having children in the age group 0 to 23 months in the rural areas of Dibrugarh district. The sample size calculated for the study was 360 children. Results: The results were analyzed for 334 children. Prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was found to be 54.8%. On multivariate regression analysis the occupation and education of mothers, number of antenatal checkup visits, type of delivery and religion were found to be independently associated with early initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusions: This study reveals that the early initiation of breast feeding is lower in rural areas of Dibrugarh district. The findings clearly highlight the importance of imparting health education to family members and mothers right from antenatal period on infant and child feeding practices.