ABSTRACT
Introduction: Immunization is one of the most cost effective public health interventions since it provides direct and effective protection against preventable morbidity and mortality. Objectives : To identify the challenges and barriers associated with immunization coverage. Also to implement innovative strategies to overcome these challenges before session of Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) and compare the coverage levels in areas with versus without use of innovative Mathod: Two slum areas were selected from the South zone of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and out of those one was from UHTC of AMC MET Medical College which was the intervention area in this study. Families with incomplete immunization of children <2 years were included in the study. In intervention area, personal visit by investigator, one to one health education, mobile reminders and support of local influencers was taken to increase the coverage. Data of both the areas were collected in a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma and analysed. Qualitative analysis of reasons for not accepting immunization services was also carried out Result: Coverage of BCG, fIPV 1, OPV1 and Pentavalent-1 was 100% in both the areas. Coverage of OPV2 and Pentavalent-2 was 100% and 57% in intervention and non-intervention areas respectively. Overall coverage of all other vaccines was more in the UHC Isanpur which was the intervention area. Further even in the non-intervention area, more experience of ASHA was significantly associated with better coverage. Qualitative analysis revealed not informed about IMI round, fears and religious beliefs etc. as reasons for not accepting immunization services. Conclusion: Personal visits, Involvement of community leader, Motivation and mobile reminders about the round of IMI was highly effective in improving coverage of IMI from due list
ABSTRACT
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases. Dietary factors are the major modifiable factors through which many of the external forces promoting weight gain act. Thus, with the objective of examining the snacking pattern of the people living in Vadodara city, a cross-sectional study was conducted among the urban population of Vadodara city. In all 60 households were surveyed, 15 from each ward representing each zone. Qualitative data was collected in a pre-structured questionnaire by interviewing the subjects through house to house visits. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel package. The prevalence of overweight and obesity by Asia pacific classification was found to be 21.7% and 48.3% respectively. The major type of snacks consumed by the people was found to be shallow fried foods, bakery products and deep fried foods. Thus, there is a need to promote healthy snacking habits among the people of Vadodara.