ABSTRACT
Background: Urolithiasis is the third most common urological disease. The prevalence is on the rise due to various changes in the socio-demographic and other etiological factors in the north-eastern states of India in general and Manipur in particular. Aims & Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary stones and to assess the association between urolithiasis and selected variables of interest. Material and Methods: The study was conducted during September 2008 to August 2010 among wetland dwellers of Loktak Lake in Thanga, a rural area of Manipur. A representative sample of subjects, which included men and women 15 years of age and above were included in the study. Sample size was calculated based on a prevalence rate of 5.41% with an allowable error of 1.5 at 95% confidence level. Calculated sample size was 875. A pre-tested interview schedule was used for data collection. Results: A total of 875 individuals were studied. The prevalence rate of urolithiasis was 196(22.40%) and was more commonly present in the age group of 25-44 years. Urolithiasis was observed to be significantly more common among those individuals who are more educated, engaged in heavy work, with history of urinary tract infection (UTI), with history of stressful events in recent years, among those who consumed only 2-4 glasses of water per day and with family history of stones. Conclusion: Prevalence of urolithiasis was observed to be 196(22.4%). Information regarding the risk factors which have been identified in the present study can be utilized in formulating future health plans for preventive services.
ABSTRACT
The present study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about blood safety and donation among 1st and 2nd MBBS students of RIMS, Imphal and to determine any association between knowledge level and selected variables like gender, those who had ever donated blood and were willing to donate in future. This cross sectional study was conducted in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal during September to December 2010. Students were interviewed face to face using a pre-tested, pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Students’ level of knowledge was assessed by scoring scale. Data were presented in percentages, mean and standard deviation. Pearson’ chi square test was used for significance testing. The proportion of students having adequate knowledge was 33.1% with the mean score of 12.2±2. 89.8% intended to donate blood in future, but only 13.9% had ever donated blood and out of which, 64.8% of donors were first timers. Knowledge on blood safety and donation was significantly associated with blood donation status. Regular CMEs and seminars should be conducted to increase awareness about blood safety and donation and to increase the number of voluntary blood donation.