ABSTRACT
Background: Childhood obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases and is an important determinant of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes etc. This can largely be attributed to the transformation in the lifestyles of children. There is still lack of knowledge about obesity among high school children. Objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of risk factors of obesity among school children and to find out the knowledge of hazards and preventive measures of obesity among school children.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students aged between 13-14 years from 9 randomly selected schools. The total sample included 480 students.Results: Out of 480 subjects 70.4% had heard about obesity, 62.3% were aware about the increasing prevalence of obesity among the youngsters, 26.7% thought unhealthy dietary factors and 29% thought mental stress were the main factors leading to obesity and non-communicable diseases. More than 75% students had correct knowledge of dietary factors associated with obesity like eating larger portion of food, eating fried foods, having junk foods. 51-75% of the students responded correctly for the factors i.e. using motorcycle for short distance.Conclusions: More than half of the students had knowledge of specific dietary and physical activity risk factors. Majority of the students identified high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problem as hazards of obesity. Only one third of the students knew preventive measures like adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, limiting unhealthy snacks and limiting screen time to prevent obesity.
ABSTRACT
Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is the care given to pregnant women for safe pregnancy and healthy babies. It is the most effective health intervention for preventing maternal morbidity and mortality. Health knowledge is an important element which enables women to be aware of their health status and promotes service utilization which further improves the health of the beneficiaries. This study was conducted among mothers of rural area of Belagavi with an objective to determine the level of knowledge related to ANC and the factors associated with the same.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in February-April 2018 among mothers who had delivered within one year from date of study and who had registered and availed antenatal services in field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, BIMS, Belagavi. Sample size was calculated as 161. Mothers were selected using systematic sampling. Data was collected after obtaining an informed, written consent from the participants and was compiled, tabulated and analysed in MS Excel. The results are presented as percentage and proportions and chi square test has been applied.Results: 50% participants had fair knowledge regarding ANC. The level of knowledge was found to be statistically significant with employment status and BPL status.Conclusions: The study found adequate knowledge among majority of mothers.