Acceptability study of protective boots among farmers of Taungdwingyi Township

Acceptability of fang-proof protective boots was studied in 180 farmers of Taungdwingyi Township during harvesting season, October 1995. The boots were provided free of charge. Preliminary survey showed that 98 per cent of farmers knew snake-bite could be prevented by working with boots on and only 72 per cent wore them whereas 28 per cent non-users could not afford to buy them. At present 88 per cent wear locally available rubber boots, which could not withstand penetration of Russell's viper's fangs. Following the trial, 99 per cent enjoyed wearing the trial boots. These provide full sense of protection against snakebite. These are light, comfortable and the farmers could work with them on for the whole day either intermittently or continuously. Ninety-nine percent preferred to wear the trial boots in future and intended to use them even if these are not provided free of charge. The boots cost 350 kyats per pair. Ninety-nine percent could afford to buy them at a price of 250 kyats per pair, however 1

preferred a lower price of 150 or 200 kyats per pair. 1n order to bring down the incidence of snakebite throughout the country, all-out wearing of the boots is needed and it is suggested that health education, selling and distribution of the boots directly to the users at an affordable (subsidised) price of 250 kyats or less per pair should be aimed at.

Screening for and utilization of contraceptive methods among clients at family planning clinic of Central Women's Hospital, Yangon

One thousand one hundred and thirty two clients attending the family planning clinic of Central Women's Hospital, Yangon during a 16-months period, begining in May 1995 were screened according to a set of eligibility criteria, counselled on suitable method(s) among the 4 methods, viz. combined oral contraceptive pills (COC). depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and condoms, and offered the method of informed choice. Among the clients, 904 (79.85 per cent) were fit for COC. Of these, 9.4 per cent chose COCs whereas 58.9 per cent chose DMPA, Of these, 55.33 per cent chose DMPAs, whereas 30.69 per cent chose IUCDs, 9.1 per cent COCs and 4.9 per cent condoms. Of these 44 clients who were unfit for DMPA, 59.1 per cent had been past users. Likewise, 942 (83.2 per cent) were fit for IUCD. Of these, 36.2 per cent chose IUCDs, whereas 50.8 per cent chose DMPAs, 7.6 per cent COCs and 5.3 per cent condoms. Of those 190 who were unfit for IUCK, 1.6 per cent had been past users. Those who were unfit were reassessed to fulfil the wishes of users. In all, DMPA was the most utilized method (54.2 per cent), followed by IUCD (31.3 per cent), COC (9.0 per cent) and condoms (5.5 per cent). The utilization of IUCK was increased 6 times higher than that in 1990 before provision of contraceptive services by public sector. Tthe creation of such services in the country will definitely improve the optimum contraceptive mix required for a family planning programme.