ABSTRACT
Background: RSBY, a health insurance scheme, was launched by the Indian government to protect BPL families from incurring financial liabilities which are likely to occur due to hospitalization. Objectives was to compare over all OOPE among RSBY beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries and to estimate its extent during hospitalization in different domains among RSBY beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted for 2 months (January-February 2018) among BPL families residing in Ganjam district, Odisha. Multistage random sampling was done. Total sample size was 256, the number of beneficiaries and non beneficiaries taken was 128 each.Results: Non beneficiaries incurred higher overall OOPE higher i.e. 95.3% than the Beneficiaries and it was found to be statistically significant with x²=74.8 and P-value <0.001. Among beneficiaries out of pocket expenditure was found in 46.1% of the study population. 45.3% of beneficiaries had to borrow partially from friends and relatives to fulfil their hospital related expenses followed by 32% borrowing fully for their treatment. Among beneficiaries, most out of pocket expenditure was for life support services as they sought treatment mostly for surgical conditions.Conclusions: Health insurance coverage should be improved by increasing enrolment. People should be made aware about the services covered under the schemes.
ABSTRACT
Background: Overweight and obesity are the precursor of most of the non communicable diseases. Body mass index is an important indicator to measure obesity. Though medicos have the requisite knowledge on the morbidities associated with overweight and obesity, they are not in an advantageous position as compared with the common man due their life style.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 372 undergraduate students attending the classes at Department of Community Medicine, MKCG Medical college, Berhampur, Odisha. BMI of the students was measured, and socio-demographic characteristics and other risk factors were assessed during the study with the help of a semi structured, pretested questionnaire.Results: Out of 372 students, 67.7% were males. Mean BMI of the students was 23.68 ranging from 14.96 to 43.70. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 4.8% and 24.2% respectively. Overweight and obesity were significantly (p<0.05) associated with age, family history of obesity, place of residence, frequent fast food consumption. However other variables like use of electronic gadgets and vehicles, place of food consumption didn’t show any significant association.Conclusions: Medical students being the future physicians, greater emphasis should be laid among them in terms of prevention of obesity and overweight and on reinforcing all preventive measures like physical activities, correct diet, and maintenance of correct BMI. This will in the long run help in enhancement of control of many non-communicable diseases which are associated with overweight and obesity.
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Background: Ocular morbidities in children can have a serious impact on development, education and quality of life in children hence require prompt attention. This study was conducted with an objective to determine the pattern of ocular morbidity in children less than 15 years of age presenting in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of MKCG Medical College, Berhampur.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out from August 2016 to January 2017 among 282 children. Data was collected by using a semi structured questionnaire after taking informed consent and analyzed.Results: Majority were in the age group of 10-14 years (55.3%). The common presenting symptoms were blurred vision (29.1%) and headache (7.8%). The common ocular morbidities reported were refractive error (34%), ocular infection (13.5%), ocular trauma (9.9%), allergic conjunctivitis (9.2%). Refractive error was more prevalent in children of aged 11-14 years and ocular trauma in 5-9 years compared to children of the other age group.Conclusions: Majority of ocular morbidities are preventable and treatable. So early attention through eye screening and intervention programme at the community level is recommended.
ABSTRACT
The effective functioning of any health system requires an effi cient public health service. Every human being has the right to enjoy “the highest attainable standard of health,” which can be fulfi lled by giving every man an affordable and equitable health system he deserves and demands. In these years, complex health changes have complicated the situation in India. Most important gaps in the health care include an understanding of the burden of the disease and what leads to and causes ill health, the availability and use of appropriate technology in the management of disease, ill health and health systems that have an impact on service delivery. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has the potential to increase economic growth, improve educational opportunities, reduce impoverishment and inequalities, and foster social cohesion. Steps taken for achieving UHC will address the public health challenges and vice versa.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which physical status at birth is associated with neonatal mortality and the causes of mortality vis-a-vis size at birth and gestational age. METHOD: 11,223 consecutive live births completing 26 weeks of gestation and weighing > or = 500 gm were included in the study. Birth weight and chest circumference were recorded as per WHO guidelines. Gestational age was calculated on the basis of L.M.P. and the new Ballard's score. Deaths occurring in the hospital within 28 days were recorded. Percentile values of gestational age specific birth weights were calculated separately for singletons and multiple births. Percentage of SGA was calculated with reference to WHO recommended values. Birth weight-gestational age-specific mortality rates were calculated at 2 wk and 500 gm intervals. RESULT: Low-birth-weight babies constituted 39.8% of the total, much in excess of WHO recommended figure of 15%. 76% deaths occurred among LBW babies and 56.2% among preterms. Mortality showed remarkable decline as the birth weight increased to 2,000 gm. The lowest mortality was among singletons weighing 2,500-3,000 gm and of 38-40 weeks gestation. Prevalence of SGA at 40 and 42 weeks were 73.7% and 83.6% respectively. But, if SGA babies not categorised as LBW were excluded, the values came down to 32% and 36% respectively. 36% of all deaths occurred during the first 24 hrs of birth; asphyxia and related causes contributing to 50% of it. CONCLUSION: Cut-off value of 2,000 gm instead of 2,500 gm for birth weight may be preferable in countries where most LBW babies are SGAs. Simultaneously, deaths in non-LBW babies due to perinatal causes contribute sgnificantly to total neonatal mortality and need due attention through sensitising obstetricians in essential newbom care and timely Intervention.