ABSTRACT
With the advent of HIV infection an increased awareness has arisen on its effect on the incidence of various diseases. In the Indian context an increased incidence of Tuberculosis has been expected. The Army is a controlled relatively healthy constituent of the general population. It hence provides an ideal sample for gauging any dramatic change in incidence. The present paper covers the secular trend of the disease from the days of independence and highlights the differing rates in the stratum of society within the Army. With increased awareness and improvement in diagnostic facilities an increased incidence of the disease has been noticed. However a prospective study to further study various features of the disease as well its correlation if any with HIV is necessary. The paper also touches upon manpower wastage and age profile of Tuberculosis in the Army, which is an important concern to them.
Subject(s)
Adult , Age Factors , Hospitalization , Humans , Incidence , India/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Military Personnel , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/epidemiologyABSTRACT
In the present study 1123 Naval personnel posted in one of the Naval bases were interviewed to find out the existing level of knowledge regarding AIDS and its prevention. The personnel had reasonably fair idea about the disease, modes of transmission and its prevention. It was interesting to observe that personnel had information about heterosexual transmission of disease and it is relevant in our context as in India and other Asian countries, the main transmission is through heterosexual route. About 19.31% of sailors as compared to 2.44% of officers had misconception that the disease is curable. The role of refresher health education efforts for imparting factual up-to-date information to the Naval community has been brought out.