ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped virus that causes infections like 'warts' in the genital region & throat which later develops into cancer in the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis/anus and Oropharyngeal cancer. Virus infections contribute as a cause of 15-20% of all human cancers. As per WHO vaccination schedule, it is essential to vaccinate secondary school students between the age group of 11-18 years/above with 2 doses. Aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of educational package on HPV infection and Vaccine with regard to Pre and Post assessment among schoolteachers and to determine the level of awareness on Human Papilloma virus infection and to assess the attitude towards administering the HPV vaccine among School teachers. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among 177 schoolteachers in Chennai district. The setting was chosen based on feasibility and availability of adequate samples (C0VID restrictions). The target population for the present study was schoolteachers, Chennai. Systematic random sampling technique was used for selecting the samples. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to assess the level of awareness among schoolteachers. Questions formulated under various domains. The data collection was done over a period of 6 months duration. RESULTS: 20.4% of teachers had fair attitude with less awareness towards HPV vaccination, 4.1% of teachers had good attitude with less awareness towards HPV vaccination.79.6% of teachers had fair attitude with good awareness score regarding HPV infection, 95.9% of teachers had good attitude with good awareness regarding the HPV infection. Statistical analysis using Chi-square test represents the post attitude and post awareness score were good and hence the education package was effective. The study shows the signi?cant difference between pre and post knowledge scores.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the health status of the crematorium workers as they are much exposed to dust and other pollutants. Chennai, the metropolitan city containing different types of crematoriums like Manual, Gasi?er and Electric crematoriums has many workers in it as their working environment differs and the number of pollutants also differs. Their health conditions vary regarding to their age, co morbidities, workplace and lifestyle. A direct survey concerned about work nature and health status of those who involve in cremating the corpse has been done. METHODS: A Descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among the persons who work in burial ground /crematoriums located in 15 zones of Chennai corporation. Purposive sampling technique with the sample size of 91 were used in this study. The data were collected as direct interview, at the workplace of the interviewees through interview forms and the information are recorded in papers. The data were analysed using the EXCEL and SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 91 crematorium workers were enrolled in this study of which 99% persons were male and majority of them work in the Gasi?er crematorium. Among the total crematorium workers, the major illness identi?ed was 17.6 %. of pre hypertensive, 5.5 % of pre diabetic, 5.4% of loss of appetite and 4.4 % of respiratory disease. When comparing with the type of crematorium electric crematorium is compared to be safe in causing ?re injuries and duration of cremation is also less. There is a statistically signi?cant relationship between age and health pro?le of crematorium workers. (p value 0.016). CONCLUSION: Majority of the health illness observed was hypertension, diabetes, loss of appetite, respiratory diseases and few people had stress followed by disturbance of sleep