ABSTRACT
Background: Preference for a son continues to be a prevalent norm even in modern India which is evident from the recent census report. The most alarming aspect is a further fall in child sex ratio (0-6 years) from 927 in 2001 to 914 in 2011. Sex selective abortion is the major factor responsible for this unfavorable trend. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women regarding Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act and gender preference. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in100 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinics of Sulthanpalaya Urban health center, Bangalore. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to get information. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: In this study 53% showed preference for a male child. Only 37% were aware about the decline in sex ratio and 59% knew that PNDT act existed and sex determination was legally wrong. Over all 41% had poor knowledge. Whereas 43% had average and 16% had good knowledge and 74% had the right attitude in this study. Good knowledge about PNDT act had significant influence on the attitude of the people (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The falling ratio of girl child is a matter of grave concern. Effective implementation of the PNDT Act in addition to spreading awareness about this act among people is the need of the hour. Moreover, it is necessary to gear efforts against the cultural, economic and religious roots of this social malady by woman empowerment.
ABSTRACT
Background: Refractive Error is an avoidable cause of visual impairment. Diagnosis and Treatment of refractive errors is the simplest and most effective forms of eye care. Aims & Objective: To study the prevalence and determinants of uncorrected refractive errors, among school children of 7-15 years. Material and Methods: The study was a cross sectional study of 1378 government school children of 7- 15 years age group in both rural and urban field practice areas of Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore. Students were screened for defective vision with the help of Snellen’s chart and refractionist confirmed the findings. Students with refractive error were provided with spectacles free of cost. Data was analysed to determine the prevalence of refractive errors among the school children. Results: 687 children of urban and 691 children of rural area were examined. 53.6% of the study population were boys and 46.4% were girls. The mean age of the study group was 12.4 years. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in urban and rural children was 7.03%. The prevalence of Myopia, Hypermetropia and Astigmatism in children was 4.4%, 1.03%, 1.6% respectively. Children 13 to years 15 attending urban schools were most likely to have uncorrected myopia. Hypermetropia was associated with younger age group and female children. Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error, especially myopia, was higher in older children. Causes of higher prevalence and barriers to refractive error correction services should be identified and addressed. Eye screening of school children is recommended.