ABSTRACT
Perinatal mortality is one of the most sensitive indices of maternal and child health. The perinatal mortality rate is an indicator of the extent of pregnancy wastage as well as of the quality and quantity of health care available to the mother and the newborn. A community based prospective study carried out on 13,214 births in South Kanara district between Oct. 1991-Sept. 1992 revealed a perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) of 44.65/1000 births. Among the various factors influencing perinatal mortality, breech deliveries and babies of multiple pregnancies had a very high perinatal mortality rate of 180.81/1000 births (adjusted odd's ratio: 4.90) and 128/1000 births (adjusted odd's ratio: 2.64). The previous bad obstetric history of the mother, parity and sex of the newborn were among the other important factors influencing the PNMR.
Subject(s)
Adult , Cause of Death , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant Mortality/trends , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Rural Population/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
The influence of parental literacy and socio-economic status (SES) on infant mortality rate (IMR) was studied. This report is only a part of much larger community-based prospective study conducted to determine the factors influencing infant mortality in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, with the financial assistance form IDRC, Canada. A total of 12,857 livebirths during the period of October 1, 1991, to September 30, 1992, where registered and followed up for one year. There were 391 infant deaths which gives an IMR of 30.4 per 1,000 livebirths. Univariate analysis and subsequent stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that, literacy and SES have a very significant role in reducing IMR.
Subject(s)
Cause of Death , Developing Countries , Educational Status , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant , Infant Mortality , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prospective Studies , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
A study of the knowledge and attitude towards infant feeding was conducted in South India on a group of 300 mothers whose babies' ages from 3 days to 17 months. Most of the mothers opined that breast-feeding had to be initiated within 24 hours of birth. However, only 32% felt that breast milk should be the first feed, whereas 68% considered prelacteal feeds a necessity. 71% of the mothers considered 3 to 5 months to be the optimum duration of exclusive breast-feeding. 90% felt that cow's milk was an ideal supplement. 78.3% subscribed to the view that breast-feeding should continue beyond one year. A sizeable proportion expressed the need to discontinue breastfeeds during babies' or maternal illness, particularly diarrhoea. Our results will form the babies of the content and the target groups in our future health education programme.
Subject(s)
Adult , Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data , Educational Status , Feeding Methods , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , India , Infant , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Infant, Newborn , Interviews as Topic , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
An analysis of hospital records at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal for 8 years revealed a declining trend of paralytic poliomyelitis cases. A lameness survey carried out in children of 5-9 years age group in the community showed an incidence of 0.56 per 1000 children in 0-4 years age group. Vaccination survey carried out in the same community showed coverage of 70 per cent with OPV. Number of children with poliomyelitis having history of full immunization showed an increasing trend.