ABSTRACT
Background: Iodine deficiency disorders are recognized as major public health problem in India and the simplest, most effective and inexpensive preventive method is the consumption of Iodized salt. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of goitre among children aged 6 to 12 years in rural areas of Koppal district, to determine various factors associated with goiter among children, to estimate the level of urinary iodine excretion among urine samples collected from children and to estimate the level of iodine content among salt samples collected in the study setting.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for a duration of 6 months from June 2018 to November 2018 in rural areas of Koppal district among 3047 school children aged 6 to 12 years selected by cluster sampling technique. Goiter was detected and graded using standard techniques and the collected salt and urine samples were sent to MRHRU, Sirwar, Raichur for analysis. Data was collected using pretested and semistructured questionnaire and was analyzed using WHO Epi info software version 3.5.4.Results: The prevalence of goitre among school children in Koppal district was 442 (14.5%) and it was found to be significantly associated with age and source of drinking water. Majority i.e., 65.96% of urine samples had iodine content less than 100 µg/l and majority i.e., 79.15% of salt samples had iodine content less than 15 PPM.Conclusions: Goiter is mild public health problem in Koppal district with majority of urine samples excreting iodine below optimum levels and majority of salt samples being inadequately iodized.
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in general and most common cancer among women in both the developed and developing countries. Its incidence is on the raise due to increased life expectancy of people, increased urbanization and adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. An awareness of brest cancer and its presentation is essential among women for detection at an early stage and timely treatment for better prognosis. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices towards breast cancer among female students in the study setting.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted for duration of 3 months from July 2018 to September 2018 among female students at a degree college in Koppal city, Karnataka. A total of 396 students were included and data was collected using a pre tested and semi structured questionnaire after taking an informed consent. Data thus obtained was entered and analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2013.Results: More than 80% of study participants had heard about breast cancer in the present study but their knowledge on its various aspects was limited. More than half were positive in their attitude believing that they are not at risk of breast cancer and were willing to practice breast self-examination (BSE) in future but only 5.28% of them admitted to have done BSE in the past. Most common source of information about disease was school in the present study.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated KAP gap among graduate female students which needs to be tackled through proper educational interventions.