ABSTRACT
Non-communicable diseases have emerged as a predominant cause of deaths for women worldwide. Earlier post-menopausal women were thought to be at higher risk for chronic degenerative diseases, as protective effect of oestrogen is lost after menopause. Whereas in the last decade, alarming trends for these diseases are seen among women in their child bearing age. Hence the aim of the study was to assess non-invasive risk factors of noncommunicable diseases among adult females with a focus on menopause. For this purpose, 408 females were screened and after excluding cases of peri-menopause, under-nutrition, pregnancy and hysterectomy, based on consent detailed non-invasive risk analysis was performed on 131 female subjects. The results revealed that the prevalence of selfreported history of hypertension and diabetes was around 21% and 11% respectively. About 75% of the subjects were overweight or obese according to Asia Pacific Classification. Post-menopausal women had significantly high prevalence of high body fat per cent (OR 6.52, 95%CI 1.32-62.3) and high blood pressure (OR 4.4 95%CI 2.1-9.3). Mean waist circumference, waist hip ratio, waist stature ratio, body fat and systolic blood pressure were above the normal cut-offs depicting presence of risks in both the groups. A trend of high per capita consumption of oil, salt and sugar at household level was seen. The frequency of practice of regular health check-up and awareness regarding selfbreast examination was very low among the subjects. The study indicates high prevalence of non-communicable disease risks among both pre and post-menopausal women, emphasizing the need to create awareness among young female population to adapt healthy lifestyle practices.
ABSTRACT
The effect of deworming vs deworming and weekly Iron-Folic acid (IFA) on growth, hemoglobin level, and physical work capacity of children was studied. Children from three rural schools studying from 4th to 7th standard were selected. One set of school children were given deworming tablet (400 mg albendezole) once in six months while the second school children received deworming tablet along with weekly dose of Iron Folic acid Tablet (60 mg of elemental iron and 0.5 mg folic acid). Anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin, and physical work capacity was estimated. No significant change was noticed in the prevalence of malnutrition or physical work capacity of the children. As compared to only deworming, IFA + Deworming showed 17.3 % increase in the hemoglobin levels (P<0.001). Thus weekly IFA along with deworming has shown beneficial effect on the hemoglobin levels of the children.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mid Day Meal (MDM) program has been launched by the government of India with objective to improve nutritional status of school children. Objective: To assess the impact of MDM on nutritional status of children. Methods: 1503 students from 4 schools were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements and MDM consumption data was collected. Results: Prevalence of underweight ranged from 71.3 % according to CDC 2000 standards while it was 67.8 % according to WHO 2007 standard. The prevalence of stunting was almost 33 % signifying long standing chronic malnutrition. MDM consumption ranged from 52.8 % in one school to 63.6 % in other school. MDM consumption was maximum in December (66.6%) and January (61.7 %). Weekly consumption pattern varied from 58 % to 74 % according to likes and dislikes of the children Conclusion: Proper monitoring of the program should be done to improve the nutritional status of school children.
ABSTRACT
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases. Dietary factors are the major modifiable factors through which many of the external forces promoting weight gain act. Thus, with the objective of examining the snacking pattern of the people living in Vadodara city, a cross-sectional study was conducted among the urban population of Vadodara city. In all 60 households were surveyed, 15 from each ward representing each zone. Qualitative data was collected in a pre-structured questionnaire by interviewing the subjects through house to house visits. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel package. The prevalence of overweight and obesity by Asia pacific classification was found to be 21.7% and 48.3% respectively. The major type of snacks consumed by the people was found to be shallow fried foods, bakery products and deep fried foods. Thus, there is a need to promote healthy snacking habits among the people of Vadodara.
ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted for mapping the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in free living populations of Vadodara & Godhra. Multistage sampling (cluster and systematic random sampling) was used to draw a sample of 351 subjects. Anthropometric data, medical history, lifestyle and dietary practices were elicited using standard procedures. Overweight and obesity were comparable in both the cities (Overweight: 24% v/s 25%, Obesity: 48% and 42%). Diabetes and hypertension, were higher in Godhra (diabetes: 19%, Hypertension: 36%) as compared to Vadodara (diabetes: 12%, Hypertension: 24%). Predictor variables identified were family history of diabetes, high BMI, waist circumference, hypertension, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol, tobacco abuse, low intake of fruits and vegetables and low intake of green leafy vegetables. Majority of the subjects (79%) had 2-5 risk factors. Thus, prevalence of multiple risk-factors calls for development of a surveillance system to monitor and reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases.
ABSTRACT
Approximately 21.4 % of Indian population comprises of adolescents. In India, large number of adolescents suffers from chronic malnutrition which adversely affects their health. The study assessed the nutritional status of urban and rural adolescents of Vadodara district and found the determinants of malnutrition. Anthropometric measurements, dietary history, activity pattern were collected on a sample of 376 children. Location specific factors that influence adolescence nutritional status and lifestyle were studied. There were 120 urban and 256 rural students. The overall prevalence of obesity ranged from 0.4-0.8 % in rural setup and 0.8-3.3 % in urban setup. Thus dual burden of malnutrition was seen in both the settings. With regard to dietary assessment, it was seen that nutrient intake of the adolescent children was grossly inadequate in relation to energy, protein, iron and fiber, which was more pronounced in the rural children than urban. The determinants for undrenutrition were mother’s education, Per Capita Income (PCI) and energy intake of the children. Dual burden of malnutrition scenario calls for health promotion approaches to tackle the problem in adolescent children.
ABSTRACT
With the objective of assessing the role of nutrition and physical training on fitness in tennis players of Vadodara city, we conducted this study, employing a case-control design, wherein, 46 players from a tennis academy and 46 age and sex matched controls were studied. Socio-economic attributes, anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, nutrient intakes, energy expenditure, blood hemoglobin and mental well-being of the participants were evaluated using the standard protocols. BMI, WHR and weight/WC did not vary among the tennis players and controls. Nutrient intake (macronutrients and iron) and energy expenditure were significantly higher in tennis players than controls. Physical fitness and iron sufficiency were significantly higher in tennis players. Majority (75%) demonstrated good level of mental well-being. Hemoglobin levels correlated significantly with total fitness scores (r=0.26, p<0.005). To conclude, macronutrient intake and hemoglobin levels emerged as significant determinants of fitness levels of tennis players.