ABSTRACT
The concept of Self-Help Group has its roots in rural areas and it has been mooted along the rural semi-urban women to improve their living conditions. Today Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a major role in poverty alleviation in rural areas. In India, this scheme was implemented with the help of NABARD as a main nodal agency in rural development. It is a self employment generation scheme especially for rural women, who do not have their own assets. The word 'Empowerment' means giving power. According to the International Encyclopaedia (1999), power means having the capacity and the means to direct one's life towards desired social, political and economic goals or status. Empowerment of women is not just a goal in itself, it is a key to all global development. Empowerment is an active multi-dimensional process to enable women to realize their identity and power in all spheres of life. This paper examines the women empowerment through SHGs and also explains the current position of women empowerment in India
ABSTRACT
Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is one of the commonest presenting complaints in reproductive age group. Although combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are commonly used in such patients, combined hormones by intravaginal route has been found acceptable and effective. Aim of the study is to compare the efficacy and side effects of combined intravaginal hormonal ring (IHR) with COCs in control of HMB in these patients.Methods: Hundred women with HMB fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups and treated with either IHR or COCs for three cycles. Each cycle consisted of three weeks of IHR/COC use followed by 1-week ring-free/non-hormonal pills period. Outcome measures were change in PBAC score (pictorial blood loss assessment chart), hemoglobin rise, side effects and overall patient satisfaction.Results: The percentage reduction in PBAC score, the duration of menses and increase in hemoglobin levels were statistically significant at the end of study in each group. The PBAC score reduction was 87.37% vs 61.52%, menses duration was 4.24±0.74 versus 5.16±1.67, and hemoglobin increase was 3.16 (95% CI:0.142-1.412) and 1.24 (95% CI:1.048-1.640) in the IHR versus COC group. However, the intergroup reduction of mean PBAC score was not statistically significant. Significantly more ring users were satisfied and elected to continue with treatment.Conclusions: Both the IHR and COCs are effective treatments for HMB in reproductive age group. IHR may be an attractive option for HMB due to better compliance and lesser systemic side-effects.
ABSTRACT
Cardiac echinococcosis is rare, and the most serious of all hydatid infestations. We report a case of 30-year-old female who had a hydatid cyst, myocardial infarction and severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. Following mitral valvotomy, the hydatid cyst and the left ventricular aneurysm were totally excised under cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient was discharged on the post-operative day 15 with the advice to continue albendazole for 5 years.