ABSTRACT
Background: Goiter is one of the most visible manifestations of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) that is caused due to overstimulation of thyroid as an adaptation to Iodine deficiency. IDD is among the major public health threats and important micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 6-12 years school children in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh from February to June 2019. The sample size of 336 was calculated and a total of 504 children from government schools were enrolled in the study. The assessment of goitre was done clinically by inspection and palpation of thyroid gland.Results: In this study, 504 school aged children of 6-12 yrs from district Chamba with mean age of 9±1.86 years were included. The prevalence of total goitre rate was 16% with mean age of 8.75±1.37 years. The highest prevalence (%) was observed in age of 10 years (28.4%) followed by 8 years and 9 years (25.9 % and 23.5% respectively).Conclusions: This study showed mild goitre prevalence in school aged children of 6-12 years in district Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. There is dire need of periodic survey to assess the magnitude of IDD in future.
ABSTRACT
Chamba is an ancient small town of Himachal Pradesh. The town is located at an altitude of 996 metres (3,268 ft) on the bank of the Ravi River.The population town is 19930 [Census 2011]. Since it is headquarter of district, the offices of various departments are situated here. There are large numbers of temples, palaces and because of its scenic beauty there is continuous visit of tourists to this place. All these conditions lead to heavy crowd of people in the town round the year.
ABSTRACT
Background: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by M. leprae bacilli and one of the important cause of preventable disability.Methods: This study was a cross sectional one, conducted at Leprosy Hospital, Sarol, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh over a period of two months, May and June 2018. The study used convenient sampling and all 20 disabled patients who were receiving treatment at Leprosy Hospital were included in the study. Socio demographic data which included age, marital status, occupation, type and duration of disability was collected and analyzed. To screen for activity limitation and safety awareness SALSA scale was used. A score of 25 or more points is indicative of activity limitation and disability.Results: In total 20 patients were evaluated, out of which 12 were male and 8 female and the mean age of patients was 51years. Around 90% of female patients were illiterate and financially dependent while on the contrary 90% male patients were literate and financially independent. All the patients presented with some or severe disability according to Salsa scale. There was significant association of age, education, marital status and employment status with disability.Conclusions: Inspite of elimination of leprosy in India, cases of disability and deformity have not declined as expected. Awareness about warning signs among patients and timely diagnosis by health professionals can curb cases of disability among leprosy patients.