ABSTRACT
Background: Tobacco use is a major problem of public health significance as the tobacco smoking causes a wide range of diseases and adverse health impacts that affect nearly every organ of the body. The COTPA, 2003 i.e., the Indian smoke-free legislation “Prohibition of smoking in Public places” which forbids smoking in public places, including educational institutions. The main objective of this study is to assess the compliance of Section 4 and Section 6(b) of cigarettes and other tobacco products act (COTPA), 2003 in schools, to observe compliance of smoking ban at public places, to observe compliance of display of signboards at prominent places, to observe for direct and indirect evidence of smoking and other tobacco products used in school buildings and premises, to study the availability of tobacco products within 100 yards of school premises.Methods: A cross sectional survey in 100 schools in Dakshina Kannada district using compliance guide developed by partners of Bloomberg School of Public health to reduce tobacco use.Results: In 100 schools, 55 were rural area and 45 from urban area, further division shows government/semi-government schools were 44 and Private schools were 56. Section 4 for the presence of signboard, there is an association between the Management wise schools and presence of signboards (p=0.001), for section 6(b) of COTPA, there is an association between this Section and type of management (p=0.004).Conclusions: The schools depending upon the location show varied compliance towards the law. The Section 6(b) shows better compliance than Section 4.This study will help to address the implementation issues of C
ABSTRACT
Aims: To determine the prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection among school children and the factors associated with it. Study Design: Cross Sectional Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among school children in Bhulbhula Intermediate School, Janjyoti Primary School and Sukla Primary School of Bharatpokhari VDC, Kaski, western region of Nepal during December, 2012 to Feburary, 2013. Materials and Methods: A total of 163 faecal samples were collected. Samples were investigated under standard WHO guidelines for identification of parasites. Samples were analysed microscopically. Results: Out of the 163 children screened, the overall parasitic infection rate was found to be 18(11%). There was no statistically significant association between sex (p=0.935), schools (p=0.570) or age group (p=0.327) and the infection status. On the whole, Entamoeba histolytica (E.h) had the prevalence of 61.0% followed by Trichuris trichuria (TT) 22.0% and Hook worm, Ascaris/Giardia, Trichuris trichuria/Entamoeba histolytica 6.0% each. Conclusion: Results of this study indicates a low prevalence of intestinal parasite among school children in Bharatpokhari VDC, kaski, Western region of Nepal.