ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to the 2009 Global Health Risks report, substance abuse is one of the top 20 factors for death and disability worldwide. Globally, there is an increasing trend for people to use multiple substances, either together or at different times, which is likely to further increase the risks. This study was undertaken to know out the prevalence of substance abuse among male undergraduate students and to find out any influencing factor. Material & Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among male undergraduate students of G.S.V.M Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh in 2015. Data was recorded in a pre-designed and pretested questionnaire and analyzed using standard statistical tools Results: Nearly 40.5% of students accepted substance abuse. Peer pressure (41.97%) and anxiety or stress (37.03%) were the commonest reasons for initiation. Substance abuse by parents was found to be significantly associated with substance abuse by students (P<.001). Conclusion: Substance abuse is prevalent among male medical undergraduates. Peer pressure followed by anxiety or stress were the commonest reasons for initiation. Substance abuse by parents increases the likelihood of substance abuse by students.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Despite efforts by government and other agencies, neonatal mortality is still high in our country. Among all other reasons, lack of proper newborn care practices is one of the major contributors for such high rates of mortality. This study was undertaken to assess newborn care practices among mothers residing in slum areas. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 360 mothers of infants in slums of Kanpur. A pre designed and pre tested questionnaire was used. Percentages, chi-square & Fischer’s exact test was used to analyse data using SPSS. Results: Nearly 23.05% deliveries were conducted at home, mostly by untrained dais. Bathing the baby after birth was practiced in 44.45% of home deliveries. In case of home deliveries, eyes were cleaned in 69.95% cases , weight was taken in 29.02% newborns and cord was cut with unsterile blade in 19.2% cases. Turmeric powder with oil or ghee was applied on cord in 94% of home deliveries and in 17.3% of hospital deliveries after the child was brought home. A significant difference was seen in cord care practices in home and hospital deliveries. Early initiation of breast feeding and colostrum was given by 35.5% and prelacteal feed was given by 63.9%. Conclusion: Awareness regarding newborn care practices was good among mothers who delivered their babies in institutions, as depicted by various healthy practices followed by them which were significantly associated with institutional deliveries.