ABSTRACT
Background: Housekeeping staff play an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the hospitals. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that more than 125 million workers are victims of occupational accidents and diseases in a single year. Each year an estimated 2.2 million men and women die from work related injuries and diseases and 160 million cases of new diseases arise globally. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of existing morbidities among housekeeping workers at a tertiary care hospital in South India.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken in a private tertiary care hospital in south India for a period of one year (2017 September – 2018 September). Housekeeping workers who had work experience of more than one year in the current work place were enrolled in the study (n=168). The health of the workers was assessed to pick up the prevalence of various morbidities.Results: In the study population majority 133 (79.2%) were females and most of them 117 (69.64%) were in the age group of 30-49 years. There was statistically significant difference between work tenure and hypertension and diabetes (p<0.05). The common morbidities found among the study population was dental carries 111 (66.0%), pallor 24 (14.0%) and musculoskeletal disorders 20 (11.9%).Conclusions: Periodic examination and immediate corrective measures are advisable to protect the health of employees at risk. Stress management principles can be implemented to enhance physical and mental health. There is need for safety training program for housekeeping workers in the hospital.
ABSTRACT
Background: Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly vulnerable are the rural women in a rural setting. A lactating mother‟s nutritional requirement should meet needs of self and that of an infant. In most rural communities this situation is further complicated by food taboos, consequently either adding to or leading to additional negative balance of nutrients. Aims: To assess the food practices and beliefs during pregnancy and lactation among women residing in a rural area of Bangalore urban district. Methods: Study was conducted during the period of January to March 2014 among the women residing under the Sarjapur PHC, Bangalore. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in Depth Interviews (IDIs). Thematic frame work approach was used for data analysis. Results: A total of four FGDs and twelve IDIs were conducted. Good practices included consuming green leafy vegetables, rice, bread, jowar, meat, egg and fruits like apple and mosambi. The practices which may potentially harm the health included avoidance of food items like ragi, papaya, mango and guava during pregnancy and reduced water consumption during the post natal period. Beliefs like “casting an evil eye” or “colour of the baby” had an influence on the food given to antenatal mother. Conclusions: The study found numerous food items which are nutritious and safe and available locally either restricted or denied thus making women (pregnant and lactating) and infants vulnerable. There is need for health education programs in rural areas regarding nutrition which will in turn improve the maternal and child health.