ABSTRACT
With the emergence of pandemic, health sector has been facing innumerable challenges right from prevention to management of COVID-19. This study attempts to understand these factors from a local perspective that will help in better planning and management of situation for the future. Karnataka was one of the 8 states selected as part of a multisectoral qualitative study. Perspectives of frontline managers regarding the management of COVID 19 pandemic situation were taken by in depth interviews. Deductive thematic analysis from the audio recordings and transcripts showed public apprehensions, gaps in decentralized approach and specific guidelines, monitoring difficulties and workforce related issues as factors of concern.
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, along with its diagnosis it brings disarray and economic burden on family. Its treatment is costliest compared to any other cancers. Health policies and health insurances are introduced to bridge the gap between patients and quality cancer care. We aim to understand the level to which health insurance help the breast cancer patients in reducing economic burden due to cancer Methodology: Cross sectional study done in Justice K.S Hegde Hospital in month June, 2018 to August, 2018 with participants being patients with breast cancer. Patients were contacted over the phone and a questionnaire was introduced to those willing to talk on their economic expenditure. Results: 73% of people had insurance to treat breast cancer of which 52% had advantage of Vajpayee Arogya Shree. 24% of people had insurance paid fully for treatment and 34% received partially, it reduced their burden by 51-75%. 46% of people had the cost >1 lakh for treatment which could be burden for 27% who didn’t have insurance, and this was among patients from neighboring state for treatment. Conclusions: Insurance reducing the burden is ensured; but choice of hospital for treatment is not with the patient, which is a burden.
ABSTRACT
Background: A reflection on the census 2011 data tells us that gender preference has only been on the rise these past years. Objective: To assess perception regarding gender preference among mothers in Dakshina Kannada district. Materials & Methods: 2 tertiary care centres attached with medical college were selected in Dakshina Kannada district. Quantitative variables were collected using a questionnaire and qualitative component was done through focused group discussion. Results: Child preference was seen among 32.2% of the subjects. Preference for Male child if the first child was a girl was significantly associated with lower education and low income (p<0.05). Conclusion: Son preference is still existent in the society but not universally. It is more so when the first born is a female child.
ABSTRACT
Background: Census 2011 estimated 104 million elderly in India. Unprecedented demand for informal caregivers of elderly has resulted in physical, emotional and economic difficulties called caregiver strain. Aim & Objective: To determine the association between levels of strain among informal caregivers and the dependency levels of the elderly. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study during January -March 2018 was conducted in the health centres attached to field practice areas of a tertiary care hospital. Data collection was done using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire after informed consent from elderly and informal caregivers meeting the inclusion criteria. Statistical Analysis used: Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS version 20. Percentages and proportions of Activities of daily living (ADL) and informal caregiver strain of Modified Caregivers Strain Index (MSCI) and their scores were expressed in median and interquartile range. Spearman’s Rho was used to determine the association of ADL and MCSI scores. Results: 47.5% of informal caregivers experienced mild stress; 70 % of the 200 elderly were fully functional. Strain level of the informal caregivers showed a negative correlation (0.557) with the dependency level of the elderly. Conclusion: With increasing dependency level of elderly, informal caregiver strain should be assessed.
ABSTRACT
Background: One in three women experience domestic violence with global prevalence ranging from 10-69%. It has significant public health consequence and due to sensitivity of the problem women may not report. Aims & objectives: To determine the pattern of domestic violence among women and its association with age, age at marriage, decision making power, economic and educational status of both partners and to determine the legal and health consequences of it. Material & Methods: Observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 rural married women. Women who can read and write Kannada were included using convenient sampling. Pre-validated, structured and self-administered questionnaire was used. Chi-square test was done for significance. Results: Emotional violence reported to be 83.1%, physical violence 53.8% and sexual violence 21.1%. Domestic violence had significant association with decision maker, age of both the partners and income of both the partners. 63.8% suffered from depression and 58.8% visited doctor 4-6 times in the last year in relation to domestic violence. Conclusion: The prevalence of domestic violence recorded was high and depression was the serious health consequence. Moral support should be given, and necessary measures should be taken to empower them.