RESUMEN
Background: Seasonal influenza, though contagious, is preventable, provided the community and its people are aware of its mode of transmission and basic steps of prevention.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the rural field practice area of a Medical College Baroda in the month of February 2019, when the seasonal influenza cases were at its peak. A house to house survey was carried out to enquire about the knowledge, attitude, behavior related to seasonal influenza and its source of information. The structured questionnaire was based on the information, education and communication material displayed by the Health Department for the General Public. Respondents between the age of 15-60 years were interviewed after informed consent. Data-entry and analysis was done in Epi-Data software.Results: Out of 633 respondents, two-thirds of the respondents (427, 67.5%) were aware about seasonal influenza (swine flu). They were aware about common symptoms of flu such as cough, running nose and fever (43.8%, 43% and 41.4% respectively). Majority of those who knew about the flu were aware of it being preventable (59%); 37% knew it could be prevented by using a handkerchief, while 30% were aware about avoiding crowded places. Source of information was television (33%), followed by health care provider (14%) and newspaper (12%).Conclusions: Two-thirds of the respondents in the rural area were aware about seasonal influenza as a disease; majority of them knew that it could be prevented. The source of information was mainly media and health care providers. Attempts to improve the dissemination of information and behavior change communication is the way forward
RESUMEN
Background: In India, intestinal parasitic infestation is the most important problem of public health concern. Parasitic worm infestation among children is one of causes of undernourishment. The high prevalence may be due to poor sanitation, lack of awareness regarding transmission and treatment of disease and poor hygiene.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted during the month of December 2016. All women having at-least one child below six years of age residing in the field practice area attached to urban health training centre of our medical college were interviewed. Data collected were entered in Microsoft Office Excel 2007.Results: A total of 361 mothers were interviewed of whom, 81% were aware of the disease. Those mothers who had ever heard of the disease were further interviewed. Of these, 54% of them were literate and 46% were illiterate. Comparing the literacy status, 26% literate mothers and 36% of the illiterate gave correct answers. Twelve percent of the literate mothers had correct attitude toward prevention of worm infestation. Almost three-fourths (71%) of the women had incorrect attitude for prevention of the disease. Eighty eight percent mothers consulted doctors.Conclusions: Majority of the mothers was aware about occurrence of intestinal worm infestations but they had incorrect knowledge about its causes, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment. The literacy status of mothers does not make any difference in knowledge and practice regarding worm infestation.