ABSTRACT
Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as one of most serious public health problem in the country. ICTC (integrated counseling and testing centre) provides a key entry point for the 'continuum of care in HIV/AIDS' for all segments of the population. This study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among attendees of ICTC because awareness is only means to reduce prevalence of any disease in absence of availability of treatment and cure.Methods: The study was conducted among attendees of integrated counseling and testing centre who were visited at the centre for HIV testing. It was a cross-sectional, observational study and conducted at ICTC attached to Microbiology Department of Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar.Results: Majority of study subjects (34.96%) had a relatively poor knowledge about HIV/AIDS. In spite of having awareness, the respondents had lack of complete knowledge about the root cause of HIV/AIDS and had misconceptions about the mode of transmission.Conclusions: Gender, education, residence, caste and socio-economic status showed the significant association with knowledge score regarding HIV/AIDS. IEC activities should be planned in local language incorporating locally derived data pertaining to various social norms, cultural beliefs and sensitivities of community.
ABSTRACT
Background: Dengue is an arboviral, mosquito borne illness caused by bite of infected aedes mosquitoes which breed commonly on household water containers like cooler tank, fridge trays and flower pots. Though dengue is non fatal illness but it may lead to deaths from dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The objective of the study was to assess the community awareness regarding dengue and practices primarily being used as personal protection measures against mosquito bites and abolition of household breeding sites of mosquitoes.Methods: A cross sectional observational study done in 5 randomly selected wards of the municipal corporation Sagar. 400 households were studied, selecting 80 houses from each ward randomly. Pretested structured questionnaire was used for interview with the head of family/adult member of the family. The data collected was analysed using SPSS software and chi square test was applied as test of significance.Results: The households studied were mostly (28.2%) of lower middle class (modified B G Prasad scale). the dengue awareness in the community was fair (44.25%) and satisfactory (46.25) in Likert scale. Awareness regarding household breeding sites of mosquitoes was absolute (100%) but the use of personal protective measures was partial (50%).Conclusions: The knowledge and awareness to stop the mosquito breeding, biting should be enhanced and should be turned into action.
ABSTRACT
Background: Obesity is the major cause of various non-communicable diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension. The modifiable factors like stress, sedentary life, consumption of soft drinks and fast foods and lack of physical activity are responsible for it. Objective: to find dietary pattern, physical activity and status of overweight and obesity among medical students.Methods: It was a cross sectional observational study conducted on MBBS undergraduates studying in a g medical college at Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Out of nearly 500 medical students studying in different semesters, 300 students were participated in the study though the required sample size was 184 only. Structured questionnaire for interview, calibrated portable weight scale for weight measurement and stadiometer for height measurement were used.Results: The students were categorised into underweight, normal and overweight/obese on the basis of their calculated BMI (body mass index) value as per norms of World health organization for south Asian populations. 26.7% medical students were found to be overweight or obese based on BMI cut off value 23.00 kg/m2. There was lack of inclusion of fresh fruits and green vegetables in regular diet in 50% and nearly 95% of medical students respectively. The low level of physical activity was found in more than 85% of the medical students.Conclusions: The involvement of medical students in physical and sports activities is dire need for their good health.
ABSTRACT
Background: Health care workers (HCW) are at risk of an occupational exposure to blood borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B through accidental needle stick injuries. This study was conducted to assess the awareness regarding needle prick injuries among health care providers and their exposure to NSIs in a tertiary care medical college hospital with 750 bed capacity.Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted on 300 voluntarily participated HCWs out of total 650 HCWs. A semi structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge about exposure to blood and body fluids, needle stick injuries and associated risks and post exposure prophylaxis. Details of previous exposures to NSIs in last one year (2017-18) were also asked and their opinion about role and responsibilities of hospital administration for management of NSI was also recorded.Results: More than 90% HCWs were aware of exposure to blood and body fluids, 80.7% were aware of needle stick injuries, all 100% were aware of transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B from NSis and 78% were aware of post exposure prophylaxis. 97 cases of NSIs occurred in last one year which was higher than estimated EPInet data. Injection needle was most commonly (93.8%) involved in causing accidental NSIs.Conclusions: Practice of universal precautions and standard injection procedures by HCWs should be followed and education, training, and group insurance should be provided by hospital administration for prevention of NSIs.