Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vitamin a Deficiency in Children and Women of Child Bearing Age

Background: Vitamin A also plays a role in the morphology and physiology of the eyeball. The present study was conducted to assess prevalence and risk factors of vitamin A deficiency among children and women. Methods: The present study was conducted on 96 children of age ranged 5-12 years and their mothers of both genders. Parents of toddlers were asked for symptoms, suggesting that the child may have poor vision in dim light. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum retinol levels were measured for all participants high-performance liquid. Results: Out of 96 patients, boys were 54 and girls were 42. Out of 54 boys, 7 boys and out of 42 girls, 4 girls had vitamin A deficiency. 56 mothers had low SES, 28 had medium and 12 had high. Mother education was upto college level in 28 and upto high school in 78. Number of children in family was >2 seen in 52 and 2 in 44 parents. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was found to be 11.45%. Risk factors were low socio- economic status, >2 children in family and low education level of mothers.

Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Individuals Having Type- II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a devastating metabolic disorder that places an economic burden. The present study was conducted to assess prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type II diabetics. Methods: The present study was conducted on 114 type II diabetes patients of both genders. Patients were subjected to fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin to know diabetic status. A thorough clinical examination was done. Physical signs such as numbness, ulcerations loss of reflexes were recorded. Results: Out of 114 patients, males were 64 and females were 50. Out of 114 patients, 46 (40.3%) had PNP. In patients with PDN, 32 had ulcerations and 38 had numbness of limbs. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). There were 2 cases of DPN with 5 years, 10 cases with 5-10 years and 34 cases with >10 years of DPN. The difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that among type II diabetic patients, 46 had diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Knowledge of general public and health professionals about tetanus immunization.

OBJECTIVE: To study the awareness among general public and health care providers about tetanus immunization in relation to injuries, and their knowledge about tetanus immunization schedules in children, pregnant females and adults. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study done at a perfect health mela and all the government allopathic health agencies in Delhi. RESULTS: The knowledge of tetanus immunization was poor among general public as well as health care providers. A substantial proportion of them indicated tetanus injection after every injury, which was unwarranted. The knowledge of tetanus immunization schedule for adults was poor among all categories of respondents, though it was comparatively better for pregnant females, but only 75% of doctors and 51.1% of nursing personnel correctly knew the immunization schedule against tetanus in children. CONCLUSION: There is a need to upgrade the level of knowledge among health care providers so as to ensure that schedules of tetanus are followed properly and unnecessary repeated immunizations are avoided and the same knowledge is passed on to the general public also.

A study of ocular infections amongst primary school children in Delhi.

The present study of ocular infections was conducted amongst primary school children residing in an urban slum and rural area of Delhi. A total of four schools were selected, two from urban slum in Central Delhi Rouse Avenue and two from a peripheral village on the outskirts of Delhi. All the children studying in the above mentioned schools and residing in the same area were covered. All the study subjects were interviewed, clinically examined and given a proforma to be filled by their parents. Of the total 775 subjects only 91 (11.74%) had ocular infections. Conjunctivitis was the most prevalent infection followed by trachoma, stye, blepharitis and chalazion. The type and prevalence of infection was similar, in both sexes and both areas, rural and urban. There was a significant rising trend of ocular infection with increase in age. A significant association was found between ocular infections and religion but the association with per capita income was not significant.

Knowledge regarding tetanus toxoid immunization among persons attending health mela in Delhi.

Although vaccine against tetanus has been in use for more than two decades, often people are not aware of tetanus immunization schedules and its significance in preventing tetanus. The current cross-sectional study was carried out to (1) assess knowledge about tetanus immunization (in relation to injury) among persons attending a health mela and (2) To assess their knowledge about tetanus immunization schedules in children, pregnant women and adults. Every tenth person above 15 years of age, who came to health post in the mela was interviewed. A total of 231 persons attending a health mela in Delhi in October 2003 were interviewed. About two third of them were males. Majority (55%) were graduates or above. Only half of them indicated that they would give tetanus immunization after an injury, two fifth indicated it after animal bite and only one fourth indicated it after burns. Knowledge was higher among females and with higher education. However, knowledge regarding correct immunization schedules, prevention of tetanus by DPT and when to give booster in case of injury after primary immunization was poor. There is need to create greater awareness among people about immunization against tetanus, duration of immunity and disease prevented by it. This is to ensure immunization when it is needed and avoid unnecessary repeated immunization.