ABSTRACT
An outbreak investigation was initiated following an unusual occurence of kala azar reported among people residing in the tribal belt of Kulathupuzha area, eastern part of Kollam district, Kerala, Southern India. 2 cases of kala azar were investigated during 2016-2018. Epidemiological analysis indicated no epidemiological link between the cases. However the Visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis intruding into newer regions pose a major threat to ongoing leishmaniasis elimination and maintenance programs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Global warming is a phenomenon of an increase in the earth’s temperature. It leads to an environmental, as well as social loss, which has shown an upward trend since the industrial revolution. Greenhouse gases have been showing catastrophic consequences as well. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among students on the environment so as to discover the gaps and take steps to curb them.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 10th grade high school students. Purposive sampling was done. A pre-tested, semi-structured and self- administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using SPSS V2.0.Results: In this study, 48% of the students were boys and the remaining 52% were girls. A majority of the students were Hindu and belonged to the age group 15-16 years. A hundred percent of the students showed concern regarding the degrading environment. 85% agreed to fact that it can be restored by cumulative efforts. Everyone regarded the sun as the ultimate source of energy. The attitude on protecting the environment was high among the majority of the students. 50% of the students save electricity when not needed. 69% of the students had good knowledge, 65% had a good attitude and 53% had a poor level of practice concerning the environment.Conclusions: In light of the scarcity of adequate literature this study was able to identify gaps among students. Appropriate measures are needed to strengthen their knowledge and attitude and improve their practice.
ABSTRACT
Background. Iron deficiency anaemia remains a major nutritional problem among adolescents in India. The weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme was launched in Kerala in 2013–14. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among schoolchildren in Kollam district, Kerala and determine the associated factors. Methods. The haemoglobin level of 1600 boys and 1600 girls belonging to class V to IX in 32 randomly selected schools in Kollam district was measured using HemoCue 301 photometers by trained nurses. They also recorded details about the intake of food as well as iron tablets by the students. The anaemia status was evaluated as per the WHO guidelines. Univariate analysis for factors associated with anaemia was done and selected variables were entered into a logistic regression model. Results. The prevalence of anaemia among the students was estimated to be 31.4% (95% CI 29.76–33.04). About 1% had severe, 11.9% had moderate and 18.5% had mild anaemia. Among them 35.3%, 22.3% and 45.3% reported that they were not in the habit of consuming meat, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits, respectively, at least once a week. Anaemia among schoolgoing children was associated with irregular consumption of weekly iron folic acid supplementation tablets (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08–1.82) and regular intake of tea/coffee along with major meals (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21–1.66). Conclusion. Anaemia among schoolgoing adolescents in Kollam district is a public health problem and is more among those who consumed less quantities of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation tablets and those who regularly consumed tea/coffee along with major meals. It may be helpful to introduce a comprehensive school health anaemia prevention package with effective behaviour change communication for dietary modification as well as strategies to improve the