ABSTRACT
Introduction: Diabetes Melltius (DM) is an established silent killer in the developed world and is slowly increasing the burden of morbidity in the developing nations as well. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening protocols are not standardized in the developing world and not available to many practioners. Methods: This is an observational analytical study aimed to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice patterns regrading DR among the patients of DM in Uttarakhand. These were correlated with the educational status, socio-economic status, duration of DM, residence and gender. Results: Higher levels of knowledge which were statistically significant were observed as the socioeconomic status rose, with the increase in the duration of DM and with higher levels of educational status. A corresponding positive tone was also seen with respect to attitude and practice. However, the levels of knowledge did not correspond to the levels of practice. Conclusion: Integration of the health services along with the educational system would be an advancing step in spreading awareness about the disease entity itself and its morbid consequences. This would create an environment of high awareness and screening protocols will be easily streamlined.
ABSTRACT
Background: Neuropsychiatric disorders are quite prevalent in the community and are on the rise due to changing lifestyles and lack of social support. Most of the published data is from hospital, which calls for more community-based studies to measure the actual burden of this menace. Aim & Objective: To estimate the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in district Dehradun and to find out association of socio-demographic correlates with neuropsychiatric disorders Settings and Design: This community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected rural and urban areas of district Dehradun. Methods and Material: Study areas and households were selected by multistage stratified and systematic random samplings respectively. Participants were chosen from the selected households by Kish method. Respondents were screened for neuropsychiatric disorders by using MINI-6. Statistical analysis used: data was entered in SPSS 20.0 version and analysed by using percentages, chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: About one fifth of the respondents had a lifetime diagnosis of at least one neuropsychiatric disorder. Age, male gender, higher education, joint family and upper socio-economic status were found to be significantly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Conclusions: Factors determining psychological wellbeing are deeply rooted in socio-demographic environment and individual characteristics. Many of the respondents had one or more lifetime neuropsychiatric disorder and most of them were not diagnosed. More community-based research is required to determine the exact magnitude and responsible factors of neuropsychiatric disorders, so that a focused strategy may be developed to address its preventable aspect
ABSTRACT
Context: In India, adolescent girls face serious health problem due to socio-economic, environmental and cultural conditions as well as gender discrimination. Avast majority of girls in India are suffering from either general or reproductive morbidities. Unhygienic practices during menstruation expose them for Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI). If not treated early, it could lead to various disabilities and consequently affect their valuable lives. This study was done with the aim of estimating the magnitude of gynaecological morbidities among unmarried adolescent girls as well as to find out the relation between menstrual hygiene and RTI. Settings and Design: Cross-Sectional Observational study conducted in two randomly selected Inter colleges (one rural and one urban) of district Dehradun, Uttarakhand state. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in school going unmarried adolescent girls to know their menstrual hygiene practices as well as reproductive morbidity. Data was collected by interview method using a pretested, prestructured questionnaire after taking consent. Statistical analysis used: percentages and Chi-square test Results: Approximately 65 % of the girls reported having dysmenorrhoea and 19 % of the girls had given the history of excessive vaginal discharge with or without low backache/lower abdominal pain. Strong association was found between Reproductive Tract Infections and poor menstrual hygiene. Conclusions: Girls should be made aware of the process of menstruation and importance of maintaining its hygiene before attaining menarche. They should also be made aware about its linkages with their forthcoming reproductive health.