ABSTRACT
Background: Sexual behavior is an important determinant of sexually transmitted diseases transmission. It is essential to understand the HIV-related high-risk behavior among high-risk groups like migrants to design evidence-based intervention. Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess HIV-related high-risk behavior and awareness among male construction workers. Materials and Methods: A total of 404 male workers were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a construction area in Karnataka. Behavioral Surveillance Survey questionnaire was used to collect information regarding sexual behavior and their knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. Results: The mean age of workers was 25.6 ± 7.3 years. Among workers, 82.2% of them heard about AIDS and 66.8% (270) could tell at least two correct mode of transmission of HIV. Mean age of first sexual intercourse was 22 ± 9.4 years among married and 18.9 ± 2.8 years among unmarried. Nearly 25% and 56% had their first sexual intercourse <18 years among married and unmarried, respectively. Among married workers, 21.9% used condoms during last sexual intercourse with spouse and 10.8% used condoms with other partners. About 15.7% of them had multiple sexual partners. Among unmarried workers, 27.9% of them ever had sex and 22.2% of them used condom during last sexual intercourse. Nearly 30% of them had multiple sexual partners. Higher age, educational status, and high-income associated with better awareness. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding AIDS and sexual transmission was good. However, condom usage was found to be poor among the workers. In addition to that, multiple sexual partners which included commercial sex workers among both married and unmarried workers are an important risk factor for HIV. Adequate interventions should be done in this group to address this issue.
ABSTRACT
Background: Falls are extremely common among elderly population, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality, and are often potentially preventable. Approximately 28-35% of people aged 65 yrs & above fall every year, increasing to 32-42% for those over 70 yrs (WHO). This study was designed for identification of risk factors among elderly, so that the future falls can be prevented. Objective: 1.To assess the prevalence of falls in elderly aged ≥60 yrs residing in a rural area in Bangalore 2.To assess the risk for falls and 3.To study the factors associated with the falls risk among these elderly. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a village in Bangalore Urban District, Bangalore of Karnataka, among people aged ≥60 yrs during the period of July to August 2011. Demographic details, history of fall in the last one year were col-lected and falls risk was assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS16. Results: A total of 124 people aged ≥60 yrs participated in the study, 51(41%) were males and 73(59%) females. Prevalence of falls: 39(31.45%) people had history of at least one fall in the last one year averaging 1.25 falls per person per year. 32(82%) of them had one fall and 7(17.95%) experienced recurrent falls. Slip was the most common cause (51.3%) of the last fall. Risk for falls: 78(63%) elderly were having low risk, 12(9.6%) were in medium risk and 34(27.4%) were having high risk for falls. Risk was highest in 70–79 yrs age group and in females (P=0.003). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, people with hearing impairment (OR=10.09, CI=1.24-81.94), psychological im-pairment (OR=3.0, CI=1.19-7.55) and with history of falls in the last one year (OR=5.17, CI=1.98-13.49) had higher risk for falls and hypertensives (OR=0.25, CI=0.09-0.64) had lower risk. Conclusion: The study showed that there is a high prevalence of falls in elderly and more than 1/4th of the study population was at high risk. Psychological impairment, hearing impairment and history of previous falls significantly increased the risk of falling. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and address these problems and educate them on falls preven-tion.