ABSTRACT
Background: India is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition with increased urbanization and socio-economic development which has resulted in a dramatic change in lifestyle, consisting of physical inactivity, diet rich in fat, sugar and salt coupled with a high level of mental stress. Obesity is one of the most common diseases worldwide and the prevalence in school aged children appears to be increasing. Thus, the present study was planned to establish an association between body mass index (BMI) with hypertension among 10-16 years children.Methods: Present longitudinal study was conducted on 350 children in private schools of District Kanpur and children 12-16yrs of age have included in the study. BMI for age charts was used to assess the obesity and blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer and Blood pressure values were compared to the values given by the update of 1987 task force report of the National high blood pressure Education Programme Co-ordinating Committee and children who were found prehypertensive or hypertensive were followed up after 4 weeks duration.Results: In present study the prevalence of overweight and obesity was found 4%,2% respectively. Prevalence of Pre-hypertension and hypertension was found 1.14%, 2.57% respectively and pre-hypertension and hypertension were found more in overweight and obese participants.Conclusions: Prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension is more among overweight and obese children. Overweight and obesity are not only risk factor for hypertension but also other diseases, so health education should regularly give about the obesity and its deleterious effects in later part of life.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Despite efforts by government and other agencies, neonatal mortality is still high in our country. Among all other reasons, lack of proper newborn care practices is one of the major contributors for such high rates of mortality. This study was undertaken to assess newborn care practices among mothers residing in slum areas. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 360 mothers of infants in slums of Kanpur. A pre designed and pre tested questionnaire was used. Percentages, chi-square & Fischer’s exact test was used to analyse data using SPSS. Results: Nearly 23.05% deliveries were conducted at home, mostly by untrained dais. Bathing the baby after birth was practiced in 44.45% of home deliveries. In case of home deliveries, eyes were cleaned in 69.95% cases , weight was taken in 29.02% newborns and cord was cut with unsterile blade in 19.2% cases. Turmeric powder with oil or ghee was applied on cord in 94% of home deliveries and in 17.3% of hospital deliveries after the child was brought home. A significant difference was seen in cord care practices in home and hospital deliveries. Early initiation of breast feeding and colostrum was given by 35.5% and prelacteal feed was given by 63.9%. Conclusion: Awareness regarding newborn care practices was good among mothers who delivered their babies in institutions, as depicted by various healthy practices followed by them which were significantly associated with institutional deliveries.