ABSTRACT
Background: There are very few population-based studies on the prevalence of eczema among older persons Aims: To estimate the prevalence and types of eczema in those aged 65 years or more in the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based interventions for case finding. Methods: In the first stage of this cross-sectional survey, trained health workers of a non-governmental organization surveyed the eligible population and identified persons likely to have eczema. In the second stage, dermatologists examined such persons to ascertain the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7. Prevalence of eczema was expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used for comparing the difference in prevalence of eczema in various age groups and sex. Results: Health workers identified 98 persons as possible cases of eczema after interviewing 385 older persons in the community. Among them 95 persons were examined by dermatologists and 44 were confirmed to have eczema (diagnostic accuracy of health workers = 46.3%).Point prevalence of eczema was 11.4% (44/385). Prevalence was similar in males and females. It was greater (18.2 %) among persons aged 81 years or more. Asteatotic eczema, gravitational eczema and lichen simplex chronicus were the more common types of eczema. Limitations: Possible underestimation of the prevalence rates due to limited medical knowledge of health workers; limited facilities for examination and investigations at the medical camps and home visits. Conclusion: There appears to be a considerable burden of eczema among older persons in the community. A community-based approach involving non-governmental organizations has the potential to identify cases and offer care close to their homes
ABSTRACT
Background: With no systematic national screening programme, the rates of cervical epithelial cell abnormalities as reported by various studies range from 1.32% to 25% in India. Majority are epithelial squamous cell abnormalities that include atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). Worldwide incidence of adenocarcinoma and its precursors have increased over past few decades. Objectives were to study the clinical and cervical cytological profile among women attending camps in rural areas of Thrissur district of Kerala.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 214 women in the 25-65 years age group who attended cancer screening camps in rural areas of Thrissur district. Papanicolaou (Pap) smear was done using standard technique and reported using latest Bethesda classification. Pap smear results were considered as abnormal when the report was ASCUS, atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance, LSIL, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or invasive lesion.Results: Of all the smears, 41.6% were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. Inflammatory smears (nonspecific and specific infection associated) were seen in 57%. Glandular cell abnormality was found in 1.4% and these women were in 31-50 years age group. Among patients with glandular cell abnormality most common symptom was discharge per vaginum.Conclusions: The results of this study may be a pointer to an increase in glandular cytological abnormalities in our population and needs further large-scale studies to confirm. Current screening methods of Pap smear alone may not be adequate to pick up these lesions.