ABSTRACT
Background: The two major deficiency syndromes affecting the preschool children in developing countries are protein energy malnutrition and nutritional anemia. Both these conditions have considerable impact on child’s physical and mental development. The objective of the study is to study and compare the prevalence of anemia among children in ICDS and non ICDS areas. Methods: A cross – sectional study with comparison group was carried out in urban slums of Nagpur city in the ICDS and Non-ICDS areas. In all 115 children were examined from each area and the prevalence of anaemia was estimated in both the areas separately. Results: prevalence of anaemia among 0-6 years children in ICDS and Non- ICDS areas was 47.9% (44.1% in male and 51% in female) and 56.1% (47.8% in male and 63.7% in female) respectively. Majority of the anaemia male children were having moderate grade of anaemia in both the groups i.e. 24.4% in ICDS and 29.9% in Non-ICDS area. Cases of severe grade of anaemia were seen in 1-3 years children in ICDS whereas in Non- ICDS group they were from 1-4 years age group. Majority of the anaemia female children were having moderate anaemia in both the groups (30.7% and 45.2%). Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia was found as in ICDS area was 47.9% compared to 56.1% in the non ICDS area. Statistically this difference was not significant. Infants showed least prevalence of anemia in both the groups.
ABSTRACT
Background: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st Century, affecting 5% of the country’s population. Childhood obesity is an emerging problem in urban Indian children and increase in childhood overweight and obesity may be a major contributor to adult obesity epidemic. Hence present study has been planned with the objective to study and compare the prevalence of obesity in government and private schools and also to study the risk factors associated with obesity. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was carried out among 718 school children of randomly selected government and private schools of Hyderabad city. Students were enquired about their physical activity and dietary habits as per the questionnaire. Anthropometry measurements like height and weight were recorded for each student. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Prevalence of obesity was found to be 21.09% among private school children and 19% in government school children. Physical activity factors like conveyance to school and less frequency of outdoor games were significantly associated with obesity. Diet related determinants like intake of soft drinks, sweets, pizza, fruits were found to be associated with obesity. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the prevalence of obesity in schools of Hyderabad is very high and it is positively associated with inappropriate exercise and improper dietary practices.
ABSTRACT
Background: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder, affecting approximately 4 – 8% of women in the reproductive age group. First degree relatives (FDRs) of women with PCOS are at high risk developing endocrine and metabolic co-morbidities of PCOS such as obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and impaired insulin sensitivity, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome (MBS). Present study was conducted with the objectives to evaluate the risk of metabolic syndrome in FDRs of women with PCOS and to compare the risk of metabolic syndrome in FDRs of women with PCOS with age, sex and relation matched FDRs of women with no PCOS. To give suitable recommendations based on the findings of the study. Methods: Hospital based cross sectional analytical study was carried out. 50 FDRs of women with PCOS were compared against same number of age, sex and relation matched FDRs of women with no PCOS. Results: The prevalence of MBS was significantly higher i.e. 34% among FDRsPCOS compared to FDRsControls (8%) (p < 0.05). The FDRsPCOS were 5.92 times more at risk of MBS than FDRsControls (p < 0.05). Relation wise it was found that the fatherPCOS and motherPCOS were 1.5 times at risk, brotherPCOS were 14.26 and sisterPCOS were 12.43 times at risk of MBS than their counterparts. Conclusions: Thus it is concluded that the FDRsPCOS are at high risk of MBS than FDRsControls.
ABSTRACT
In recent years substance use has increased greatly throughout the world. Adolescence is the critical period when the first initiation of substance use takes place. Interventions at the adolescent age are effective to bring about lifestyle modifications. A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out among 260 randomly selected adolescents in an urban slum area, with the objective of studying the prevalence and determinants of substance use among adolescents. The adolescent age group was selected as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) (10 - 19 years). The overall prevalence of substance use was 32.7%. About 31% initiated substance use at 13 - 15 years of age, and the reason was peer pressure in 52.9%. Education of the study subject, education of parents, and substance use by parents and by peers were significantly associated with substance use. Children and parents should be educated to prevent substance use. There was a need to change the social environment.