ABSTRACT
Aim: To study Ante Natal Care Service (ANC) Utilization & Factors Affecting Them in Rural Bidar, Karnataka. Objectives: 1.To study the ANC utilization of study population. 2. To study the factors influencing the utilization of ANC services in study population. Materials & Method: A cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological study was carried out among 57 women who recently delivered during last three month in Kamthana PHC of Bidar Taluka, Karnataka. Results: Adequate utilization of ANC services was only 61.4%. It means that 22 (38.6%) pregnant women had underutilized or not utilized the services. Education, religion, type of family & head of the family were significantly associated with utilization of ANC services. Main reasons for underutilization of ANC services were financial, obstacles from family members, unavailability of transport facilities & tradition. Conclusion: Developing “Friendly Maternal Care” services will improve ANC service utilization.
ABSTRACT
Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTI), including sexually transmitted infections (STI), impose a burden of mortality & morbidity through their impact on reproductive & child health, resulting in serious economic, social & psychological consequences. Appropriate treatment of RTI/STI in combination with health education is of major public health importance. Objectives: To study prevalence of STI & factors affecting STIs among married women of reproductive age group in rural area of Parol Primary Health Centre under Thane district. Materials & Method: A community based, cross-sectional study was carried out among 415 married women of reproductive age group selected by stratified simple random sampling from each villages of respective sub centres of Parol PHC for a period of one year. Results: Of the surveyed women (415), prevalence of STI symptomatically was 39% & clinically 32.3%. The most common presenting symptom was vaginal discharge (42%) followed by Burning Micturition (24.7%), Vulval itching (17.3%), Lower abdominal pain (12.3%) & Genital ulcer (3.7%). Out of 415 surveyed women, 49.3% women were diagnosed as having cervicitis & 50.7% women were diagnosed as PID clinically. Almost more than half of the symptom-positive women were of 25-34 years of age. The prevalence of STI decreased with the level of education. Higher prevalence of STI was found in lower socio-economic group, women living in joint families, those having more number of children & women who were using reused cloth during menstruation. Conclusion: In view of the higher prevalence of STI among rural women, primary health care level needs to be strengthened in respect of reproductive health & awareness about reproductive health issues should be raised through suitable communication in order to bring about a positive behaviour change.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mamta divas is an important health program implemented in India to reduce maternal and infant mortality rate. According to WHO, most maternal deaths are preventable if women have access to basic medical care during pregnancy, delivery and post partum period. Objectives: To assess utilization of Antenatal services by pregnant women attending Mamta Divas in rural areas of Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. Methods: A community based, cross-sectional study was carried out in 22 sessions (Mamta divas) selected by simple random sampling from 11 Talukas of Bhavnagar district & 210 pregnant women interviewed by pre tested questionnaires. Results: Most of the pregnant women were registered in first trimester (61.4%). Only 63% and 65.3% of them received two doses of tetanus toxoid & Iron folic acid supplemetaion respectively. During their visit, 23.8% of pregnant women were counselled for nutrition, 25.2% for danger sign of pregnancy and 20.5% for institutional deliveries. Conclusion: Health education of all pregnant women should be done at individual level by female health worker. All pregnant women should be counselled for institutional deliveries & all components of Antenatal care. More emphasis should be put on identifying the danger signs, examining the abdomen, & Hb and urine examination during visit at Mamta divas.
ABSTRACT
Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for females still it is associated with some degree of sufferings & embarrassment. In spite of relative openness in the society, the menstrual hygienic practices have not changed much. Objectives: To study the menstrual pattern, disorders & hygiene practices among Adolescent girls of Mahila College in Bhavnagar City. Materials & Method: Present cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 adolescents from Mrs. N.C.Gandhi & Mrs. B.V.Gandhi Mahila Arts & Commerce College, Bhavnagar city. Information was obtained in a self administered questionnaire in a local language related to menstruation after verbal consent. Once the girls have finished filling up the Performa, open discussion & health education was given to the adolescents regarding menstruation & myths related to it. Results: The mean age of menarche was 14.5. Most of the girls (85.3%) had the prior information about menstruation & the most common source of information was from family members (mother & sister) & least common was school teacher. The most common menstrual pattern was >30/3-5 days. Dysmenorrhea was the main menstrual problem reported by them (66.2 %). 66.2 % girls used old plain cloth as menstrual absorbent. Conclusion: Menstrual problems particularly dysmenorrhea is common among adolescent girls. In most of the girls’ menstrual hygiene practices found to be poor. So the teachers, family members, health educators & media play very important role in improving menstrual hygiene in adolescence, so there won’t be any misconception to adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene.