ABSTRACT
Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) refer to chronic diseases of long duration and generally with slow progression. NCDs are affecting Indian population, both in urban and rural areas. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the major NCDs is the leading cause of death worldwide. The rising prevalence of behavioral and anthropometric risk factors for these lifestyle diseases is postulated to be the cause for the alarming increase of NCDs including CVD. Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is also increasing in tribal population. Objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases among the tribal population aged 18 years and above.Methods: A community based, observational, descriptive study was conducted at Kharagpur-II block of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal from August 2013 to July 2014 among 540 tribal population aged 18 years and above selected by cluster random sampling method.Results: About 64% individuals were addicted to tobacco product. Prevalence of current smoking and tobacco chewing was 9.1% and 60.2% respectively. Prevalence of current alcohol consumption was 48.9%. About 91% individuals took extra salt with meal. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 7.8% and 3.5% only according to WHO recommended classification for Asian population. However, higher level of physical activity was found among the study population.Conclusions: The study revealed high prevalence of extra salt intake, tobacco and alcohol consumption among the study population which may endanger their life by increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) / Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) primarily affect sexually active population in the reproductive age group and are acquired through unprotected sexual act and bad hygiene. Apart from being serious diseases, STIs enhance transmission of HIV infection. Syndromic case management approach is very important strategy to manage (STIs) / (RTIs). Objective: To study the pattern of Reproductive Tract Infections including Sexually Transmitted Infections among the patients attending Changual block primary health centre of Kharagpur II block, Paschim Medinipur district. Methods: STI/RTI records of 164 patients attending the STI clinic of Changual BPHC, Kharagpur-II block from 1st April, 2012 to 31st March, 2013 were analysed. Results: About three fourth of the individuals were aged <30 years and only 5.5% individuals belonged to ≥40 years age. 97% study subjects were females. Most of the individuals were married (72.6%). More than half of the individuals were referred by general outdoor of Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC) or by doctor of PHCs under that BPHC. One fourth cases were self-reported. Half of the individuals presented with chief complaint of only white discharge per vagina. Most of individuals were suffering from vaginitis/VD syndrome (61.6%). More than 90% individuals were prescribed kit 1 and kit 2. About 5% individuals admitted (all females) that they had multiple partners. Only 13.4% individuals were referred to ICTC centre. Conclusions: There IEC activities should be carried out to increase awareness regarding avoidance of high risk behavior and availing services provided at health centre.