ABSTRACT
Background: Children of commercial sex workers [CSW] are deprived from almost all the rights of the society. More attention is paid to the CSWs but their children are neglected. This study was conducted to estimate the morbidity and psychosocial behaviour of children of CSWs and their needs. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Results: Among 152 children, 72% were malnourished. Exclusive breast feeding [EBF] practices were poor. Only 47% were immunized and health status was not at par with national averages. The high prevalence of cerebral palsy may reflect poor antenatal, perinatal and essential new born care. The most popular desired profession was teacher [20%] followed by player, doctor, and artist. 7% wanted to become soldier while 8% felt very bad about themselves and 10.5% could not sleep well at night. Conclusion: The indirectly elucidated needs regarding health and behaviour of the children of CSWs are only the tip of the iceberg. The children need formal and non-formal health and life skill education and the caregivers need behavioural change communication on health and hygiene
ABSTRACT
Background: Poor nutritional status during adolescence is an important determinant of health outcome. The adolescents have different needs and have diverse problems. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and find out the morbidity pattern of the school going adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescents, 11-19 years studying in various schools of Naxalbari block of Darjeeling district in 2007. A two stage sampling design was used to draw representative sample. Participants were clinically examined, anthropometric measurements were made and pre-tested questionnaire was dispensed. BMI-forage and height-for-age were considered as the indicators. Results: The study population comprise of 420 participants [39% girls]. 40% of the adolescents were under nourished. Severe malnutrition was found in 27% of male and 29% of female population. 44% of the study participants were stunted and 14% were severely stunted. Pallor was present in 40% participants. One fourth of the adolescents complained of psychological problems. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to intensify efforts to improve the nutritional profile of children to optimize human resource development
ABSTRACT
Background: Unmet need for contraceptive is a hurdle in the way to achieve the goal of family planning in India. The present study was conducted to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, ascertain the knowledge-practice regarding contraceptives including natural methods and to assess the unmet need for contraceptives. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 326 women were recruited [19-40 years] among mothers coming for immunization of their babies in the immunization clinic of RGKar Medical College, Kolkata, India. Considering response of wife as a proxy for the couple's contraceptive behaviour, only married fecund women were approached. A pre-tested questionnaire was dispensed. The study was conducted from April till June, 2010. Results: Contraceptive knowledge was universal and the practice was 92%. Natural/traditional methods were known to 80% and being used by a substantial number of participants [41%]. Of all the methods coitus interrupts [22%] ranked on the top closely followed by condom [20%]. Knowledge and overall practice of permanent methods were low [20%] and 3% participants knew about tubectomy and vasectomy while, only 13.5% adopted tubectomy. Overall, the unmet need for contraceptive was found to be 7% considering the use of all methods; 5% for spacing and 2% for limiting birth. Conclusion: Closing the gap between contraceptive need and practice requires increase in contraceptive options by incorporation of natural and traditional contraceptive methods which are safe and simple and should be promoted by healthcare providers