ABSTRACT
Background: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is a public health problem, especially in developing country like India. The associated odium with this reproductive morbidity is often a stumbling block in seeking health care. The aim was to study the prevalence of RTI symptoms and its socio-demographic corelates.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the rural field practice area of department of community medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, from July 2018 to September 2018. Total sample size calculated was 410. Random sampling was used to select eligible couple to whom a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured and anonymous interview schedule was administered after taking consent.Results: The prevalence of self-reported reproductive tract infections was found to be 41.2%. The prevalence was more in lower socio-economic classes, and it was statistically significant. Other socio-demographic corelates (age, education, occupation) did not showed any significant association.Conclusions: The reproductive tract infections prevalence is found to be considerably high in the women of reproductive age group. The frequency was higher among multigravida women and those using cloth during menstrual periods. RTIs are usually spurned by women and even the health care providers, so there is a need to give due consideration to this aspect of reproductive health.
ABSTRACT
Background: Rabies is a highly infectious zoonotic disease with a high case fatality rate. In India, approximately 20,000 deaths among 17.4 million exposed people occur every year. The data on animal bites is scarce and unreliable due to poor surveillance and hence, the projected figures are far less from the actual numbers. The present study was conducted to describe epidemiological characteristics of animal bite patients attending casualty department at a tertiary care Government health facility in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.Methods: It was a retrospective study based on secondary data received from animal bite register for year 2017 at casualty department of the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, Data of 1512 patients attending the casualty department with history of animal bite was included for the study purpose.Results: About 58% of victims were males and the maximum (22.6%) animal bites were seen in 21-30 years age group. Majority (51.6%) of patients were exposed to dog bites, followed by monkey bites (42.85%) and cat bite 49 (3.2%). About 69.9% of animal bites were in the lower limbs, followed by upper limbs (22.1%), abdomen (4.4%) and head and neck region (3.6%). Maximum bites were category III bites (74.6%) followed by of category II bites (12.9%).Conclusions: Study highlights the neglected but significant picture of animal bite in the Shimla city. Timely and correct post exposure prophylaxis for the animal bite victims is necessary to prevent rabies. This should be supplemented with a robust surveillance and reporting system. With the global aim of zero rabies deaths by 2030; it is time to strengthen the anti-rabies activities at every level.
ABSTRACT
Background: Tobacco smoking is a pandemic affecting populations and contributing to global morbidity and mortality. It is well known that the second hand smoke is equally hazardous like first hand smoke. Cigarette and other tobacco products act 2003 is an effort put forth by Government of India in order to curb this menace and protect people from ill effects of second hand smoke.Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the compliance to smoke free act in tertiary healthcare institutes in Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 57 public places and 8 shops in five Tertiary healthcare institutes were evaluated for various provisions of the act. Compliance to different sections of the act was assessed using a structured observational checklist.Results: Signage indicating ban on smoking was seen at 71.9% places. Active smoking was absent at 77.2% places. About 25% shops around the institutes were found selling tobacco products. Signage displaying ban on sale within 100 m of educational institution and sale to minors was not observed at any shop. Tobacco product vendor was seen around 80% of educational buildings. Tobacco free institution signage was seen at 60% of educational premises.Conclusions: The study highlights that the level of compliance did not meet the standards laid down for a smoke free city. Timely and periodic assessment of the compliance must be conducted by the administrative authorities of the institutes for ensuring the adherence and strict implementation of the provisions of the act.
ABSTRACT
In Himachal Pradesh, cancer cervix is a major public health problem since it ranks as the number one female cancer. A case-control study of 226 newly diagnosed, histopathologically confi rmed cases of cancer cervix and equal number of matched controls was conducted at Regional Cancer Center, Himachal Pradesh during the period from July 2008 to October 2009 with the objective to study the common factors associated with cancer cervix. Univariate analysis identifi ed 10 risk factors associated signifi cantly with the disease. On multiple logistic regression, however, only seven risk factors were found to be associated signifi cantly with the disease. These were: Age at birth of fi rst child, spacing between two children, age at marriage, literacy, socioeconomic status, multiparity, and poor genital hygiene. Risk factors such as poor genital hygiene, age at birth of fi rst child <19 years, early marriage, illiteracy, multiparity, and low socioeconomic status were highly prevalent in the study subjects and were found to be signifi cantly associated with cancer cervix.
ABSTRACT
Background: Anemia is a global public health problem. Adolescents are vulnerable to iron deficiency because of increased iron requirements related to rapid growth. Aims and Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls and to study whether anemia is associated with body mass index and the attainment of menarche. Materials and Methds: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in selected schools of Shimla district. One thousand five ninety-six (10-19 yrs old) school girls were included in the study. The study was conducted from June 2011 to May 2012 (1 year). Data analysis was done using SPSSS software version 18 for windows. Results: Prevalence of anemia was found to be 21.4%. It was seen that among the anemic adolescent girls, 77.3% had mild anemia, 21.9% had moderate anemia, and 0.5% had severe anemia. BMI and onset of menarche had no significant effect on the prevalence of anemia. In bivariate logistic regression, age and urban residence were significantly related to anemia. Conclusion: We observed a low prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls. We recommend that adolescents be screened periodically for anemia and multi-sectoral, community-based approach be adopted to combat this serious public health issue.