ABSTRACT
Birth weight is the most important factor that affects infant and child mortality. This one year study was conducted in a cohort of pregnant women to study the proportion of low birth weight babies and to find out the socio-economic and maternal risk factors affecting the birth weight of newborns and its medico-legal significance. Information regarding socio-economic status, obstetric history and present pregnancy was collected. These women were followed up till their delivery and birth weight was recorded with 24 hours of delivery. Birth weight was available for 256 births. The overall prevalence of low birth weight was 34.37%. Overall mean birth weight was found to be 2.64±0.444 with 95% confidence interval of 2.59-2.69. Primigravida mothers showed the highest prevalence of low birth weight (30.86%, p< 0.001). The main factors which were significantly associated with LBW were maternal education, stature, age at delivery; short inter pregnancy interval, inadequate antenatal care, and per capita income of family.
Subject(s)
Birth Weight/organization & administration , Body Mass Index , Female , Humans , Infant, Low Birth Weight , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy/legislation & jurisprudence , Pregnancy Outcome/organization & administration , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
This study was conducted to assess the trends of drunk driving offences in Mauritius, and the relationship with motor vehicle accidents. It is well known that driving under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Data obtained from police road safety unit (1999–2001) and forensic science laboratory (1992–2000) were analyzed. More than 85% of drunk drivers had BAC above 0.08%. In 2003, the permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit had been lowered from 0.08 to 0.05. This article provides a summary of the evidence regarding the benefits of reducing the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for driving. Although moderate alcohol intake (20 grams ethanol; two standard drinks or less) may not violate BAC laws, it still carries significant risk of motor-vehicle accidents.
ABSTRACT
Torture in custody is a global problem. Many declarations and conventions by different agencies throughout the world have sought to address this issue. Health professionals are required to detect, treat, and rehabilitate victims of torture. In the last few years, medical personnel have emphasised their stand against the practice of torture. We surveyed 155 second- and third-year medical graduates in Mauritius to assess their knowledge of and attitudes towards torture. A majority of the students have a basic awareness and would like to learn more about torture as a human rights issue. However, more than 37 per cent of students were in favour of beating in custody. Torture could be reduced if the medical profession maintains high standards of practice and ethics. Medical education for the prevention of torture should be included in the undergraduate medical curriculum.
Subject(s)
Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Awareness , Clinical Competence , Curriculum , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Educational Measurement , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Services Needs and Demand , Human Rights/education , Humans , Mandatory Reporting , Mauritius , Physician's Role , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Surveys and Questionnaires , Students, Medical/psychology , Global HealthABSTRACT
A healthy cornea is an essential component of clear vision. Any condition that distorts the clarity of the cornea to a greater extent has to be treated by keratoplasty. This article discusses by large about the various aspects of corneal transplants like modes of storage and their legal aspects with an emphasis on the scenario in Mauritius