ABSTRACT
Background: Disaster causes widespread destruction, disrupting people's lives and causing human suffering with communities finding it difficult to cope. Human beings may not have the power to stop it but they may have the ability to be prepared and minimize the impact of the disaster. The medical professionals play a pivotal role in a disaster situation and its knowledge is a must during their academics. This study was aimed to assess the level of knowledge of disaster preparedness among medical professionals.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical professionals in JNUIMSRC, Jaipur, Rajasthan. A total of 225 people were selected and interviewed. Data was collected using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and scoring was done for the assessment of knowledge on disaster preparedness. Epi-info software version 7.2.3.1 was used for statistical analysis.Results: Out of a total of 225 respondents, 140 were females and 85 were males. The mean age of respondents was 20±0.58 and most of them were in the 18-24 years age-group (61.33%). A total of 191 (88.9%) respondents had either partial or total lack of knowledge regarding disaster preparedness. Most of the respondents, 195 (86.67%) had a view that there is a need to introduce disaster preparedness training program.Conclusions: The findings revealed that most of the study participants had not attended any training on disaster management and most of them had low knowledge about disaster preparedness. The integration of disaster education into the curriculum is believed to be the most effective strategy.
ABSTRACT
Background– Non–communicable diseases (NCD), also known as chronic diseases include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, most forms of cancers and injuries. Changes in lifestyles, behavioral patterns, demographic profile, socio–cultural and technological advancements are leading to sharp increases in the prevalence of NCDs among young population. Objectives– To assess the burden of non communicable diseases and their correlation with various factors present among young population of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Methods– Surveys were collected from a total of 770 participants chosen by simple random sampling. Semi–structured schedule was used to collect information and STEP–wise Approach to surveillance (STEPS) by World Health Organization was followed. Data analysis was done by using Epi–info software 7.2.1.1. Results– Amongst total 770 respondents, 462 (60%) males and 308 (40%) females. Out of total 431(55.97%) had presence of one of the non communicable diseases (CVS, Diabetes, Hypertension and Cancer) in their parents. The main risk factors were lack of physical activity, eating unhealthy diet and lifestyle changes. Conclusion– The young population needs to motivate and government has to implement promotive services about the lifestyle changes and dietary modifications for good health. Make recommendations for the improvement of health services of young population.