ABSTRACT
Introduction: Warranting access to modern family planning methods constitutes a basic human right and globally around 270 million women of reproductive age group have an unmet need for contraception. Objective : To estimate the knowledge, misconceptions and practices related to family planning methods among women of reproductive age group attending primary health centre. Method: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in four health centers from January to February 2019 among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years). Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices pertaining to family planning methods were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses like mean, proportions, Chi-square and Multivariable logistic regression were conducted. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study 348 women were enrolled, of which 39.4% had adequate knowledge regarding family planning methods. Most participants had a healthy attitude towards the use of family planning methods and considered them beneficial whereas 59% stated their religious faith and cultural beliefs restricted the use of contraceptives. Unmet need of contraceptives was 60.2% while 39.8% used any one of the modern contraceptive methods. Lower age (AOR-1.26), Primi-parous (AOR-2.76) and women having a lower monthly income (AOR-2.51) were more likely to have an unmet need of contraception. Conclusion: Despite easy accessibility and low cost of the contraceptives, their use was limited. The high proportion of unmet needs mandates the scaling up of activities to increase the awareness regarding modern contraceptives. Additionally, behavioral change communication strategies are in great need for implementation to counter the negative attitudes pertaining to family planning practices.
ABSTRACT
Background: The child rearing practices differ in communities, depending on their social customs, traditional beliefs and prejudices. Understanding these practices is important for the successful delivery of health messages and services. The present study was conducted in a rural setting to determine the child rearing practices as well as to determine its association with relevant socio-demographic factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 369 mothers residing in Kshetrigao area under Kshetrigao Urban Health Centre, Porompat, Imphal East. A pre-tested interview schedule developed by the investigator was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics like mean, percentage and proportion as well as chi-square and t-test were used for data analysis.Results: Majority (79%) of the mothers breast-fed their newborn within 6 hours after birth. Almost half (46%) of the mothers gave pre-lacteal feeds to their newborn. Majority of the mothers (57%) did not practice exclusive breastfeeding. About 90% of the children were completely immunized for age. Mothers who got married before the age of 20 years, being Muslim and who had caesarean section were significantly less likely to practice exclusive breast feeding (p value of 0.025, 0.012 and 0.000 respectively). Children whose mother belongs to Muslim religion, lower educational status, lower family income and who delivered at home were significantly less likely to be completely immunized (p value of 0.001, 0.003, 0.014 and 0.003 respectively).Conclusions: Giving pre-lacteal feed and not practicing exclusive breast-feeding were very common among the studied population.
ABSTRACT
Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus causing viral encephalitis in many countries of Asia with an estimated 68,000 clinical cases every year. Due to the occurrence of recent outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in the state, this study was taken up to determine the level of knowledge and preventive practices of mosquito borne diseases and also to determine the factors associated with the level of knowledge. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done among the adults (18 years & above) living in selected villages in Imphal East District from 11 th August 2016 to 7 th September 2016. Villages were sampled randomly using probability proportionate to size. Oral questionnaire was developed to collect information through interview schedule. Questions related to knowledge were given scores and summated (0-12). Results: Around half (48.1%) of the respondents could name two mosquito borne diseases correctly whereas only 0.4% of them could name four diseases correctly. Seventy five percent knew about involvement of any domestic animals in the transmission of JE. The participants came to know of mosquito borne disease from mostly radio (68.3%) and some from internet/social media (4%). Maximum responded use of mosquito coil as personal protective measures. Respondents have no knowledge about larvicidal fish/oil to control the breeding place of mosquitoes. Conclusion: Males, Christians, students and salaried govt employee have higher level of knowledge of mosquito borne disease. Higher the level of literacy more is the level of knowledge about mosquito borne disease.