Effect of Donning Headscarf on Dynamic Balance in Young Females

Background: The present study will help to determine if balance in young females is affected due to donning of headscarf and will help in planning preventive strategies. Material & Methods: Study Design- Cross sectional study design, Setting- Subjects were selected from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi -110062. Subjects were selected for the study according to the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methods of Sampling- Sample of convenience. Instrumentation/Tools/Scales- Goniometer, Standardized tape measure, Weighing machine, Stadiometer and Y Test Kit. Statistical Analysis-The data was managed on an excel spreadsheet and was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences for windows) software, Version 20. Student’s t-test was used to analyse the data and level of significance was kept at 0.05. Results: The purpose of conducting this study was to find out the effect of wearing head scarf on dynamic balance, which was conducted on females of Jamia Hamdard. This study was conducted on 98 young adult female university students. Out of which 49 subjects wore headscarf (Experimental group) for at least 1-year and rest 49 subjects did not wear a headscarf (Control group) It was observed that there was a statistically significant effect of wearing headscarf on dynamic balance in young adult females between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study was conducted to see the effect of donning a headscarf on balance in young females. A total of 98 subjects were included in the present study and divided into the control and experimental group. The results of the study indicated that the control group had better balance as compared to the experimental group by Y balance test indicating that donning of headscarf affects balance in young females. Hence null hypothesis is rejected and experimental hypothesis is accepted.

Occupational safety and health development and challenges in Ethiopia: a case study of the Hawassa Industrial Park

Background: In Ethiopia, industrial parks that specialise in garment production are increasing in number and have created job opportunities for more than 45 000 workers. However, healthcare services, including occupational safety and health (OSH), are not commensurate with the growth and needs of the industry. Objectives: We assessed the supply and demand, barriers, governance, and regulation of health services and OSH at Hawassa Industrial Park, the largest industrial park in Ethiopia. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via interviews with 260 randomly selected workers, focus group discussions with workers and health professionals, and key informant interviews with industrial park management, and government and non-government stakeholders. Ethiopian OHS polices, regulations, guidelines, directives, and strategies were also reviewed. Results: Hawassa Industrial Park hosts 21 globally known companies and more than 23 000 workers. Of the 260 workers interviewed, most (83.1%) were aged 18-24 years. Findings included that the delivery of OSH and primary healthcare is inadequate to ensure safety and meet workers' needs. Use of personal protective equipment is erratic; conditions in the cafeteria are unsanitary, as is the water; use of bathrooms is restricted; workers work long shifts with short breaks; wages are low; and healthcare is expensive, increasing the risk of occupational injuries and diseases. Workers have no OSH committee or trade unions, and Ethiopian Government regulations and enforcement are weak. There is no collaboration between the Park and the Ministry of Health to provide primary healthcare services for the workers. Conclusion: The workers in Hawassa Industrial Park urgently need improved access to, and coverage for, primary healthcare, including OSH; higher wages; and empowerment to exercise their right to organise. All stakeholders need capacity building to enable them to implement OSH.

Effect of Compression Garment Combined with Orthosis on Facial Burn Scar / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To compare the effects of compression garment combined with orthosis for central face on facial burn scar to compression garment and 3D compression mask. Methods:From September, 2016 to June, 2019, 38 facial burn scar patients received compression therapy in Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to their preference, they wore compression garment only (CG group, n = 15), compression garment and orthosis for central face (CO group, n = 17) and 3D compression mask (3D group, n = 6) for a year. The facial scar was assessed with Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) before and after treatment, and the comfort and medical cost was investigated with questionnaire. Results:The VSS score decreased after treatment in all the groups (F = 18.49, P < 0.05), while the VSS score was higher in CG group than in CO group (1.717 points, 95%CI 0.925 to 2.482, P < 0.001) and 3D group (1.782 points, 95%CI 0.738 to 2.827, P < 0.001), the difference was less between CO group and 3D group (0.065 points, 95%CI -0.957 to 1.088, P = 1.000). The comfort rate was 60%, 52.9% and 66.7% for CG group, CO group and 3D group, respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The medical cost was the most for 3D group (12 000 to 16 000 Yuan), and similar for CG group (3000 to 4800 Yuan) and CO group (3300 to 5300 Yuan). Conclusion:Compression garment combined with orthosis for central face is more effective on facial burn scar, similar to 3D compression mask, but cheaper than 3D mask, which can be a choice for facial scar patients in developing areas.

Numerical Simulation on Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Evaluation of Vortex Generators Designed for Sprint Garment / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effect from circumferential distribution angle of forwards wedge vortex generators on aerodynamic drag reduction during flow around a cylinder, so as to provide theoretical evidences for low drag sprint garment design. Methods Forwards wedge vortex generators were reconstructed based on the NIKE’s AeroBalde. Given that the individual parts of an athlete body can be treated as multiple cylinders with varied dimensions and positions, 48 forwards wedge vortex generators were distributed as four columns on windward side of the cylinder, which were symmetrical with the YOZ plane. When the air flowed through the cylinder at the speed of 32 km/h, large eddy simulation was carried out on the computational domains which were properly meshed with polyhedral mesh to investigate the drag force, flow filed and pressure distributions. Results It was effective for drag reduction of the cylinder induced by airflow when two columns of forwards wedge vortex generators were circumferential distributed in the range of 55°-75°and the circumferential internal angle between two columns was in the range of 10° or 15°. The pressure distribution on leeward side of the cylinder was apparently changed after surface modification, which minimized the pressure drag dominant in aerodynamic drag. The drag reduction mechanism was that micro-vortices were generated downstream after flow through the forwards wedge vortex generators, which resulted in an early transition to critical flow with low drag force. Conclusions Effective aerodynamic drag reduction is achieved if forwards wedge vortex generators are properly distributed. The research findings can provide guidance for wind tunnel test and low drag sprint garment design.

Narrativas de adoecimento de trabalhadoras da indústria do vestuário em município de Santa Catarina, Brasil / Illness narratives of female garment workers from a municipality of Santa Catarina, Brasil / Relatos de enfermedad de trabajadoras de la industria indumentaria en un municipio de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Resumo O presente estudo propôs analisar, sob a perspectiva feminista de pesquisa e da psicologia social do trabalho, os sentidos do trabalho e de gênero que emergiram das narrativas de adoecimento de trabalhadoras da indústria do vestuário de Criciúma, Santa Catarina. Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo empírica - com a realização de entrevistas -, de caráter exploratório e qualitativa, que parte da perspectiva do construcionismo social e da análise narrativa. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram quatro trabalhadoras da indústria do vestuário. Evidenciou-se que o trabalho se apresenta como via de socialização e subjetivação de trabalhadoras, bem como de adoecimento, seja nos meios fabril, doméstico ou de cuidado. Com base na perspectiva de gênero, postula-se que a divisão sexual do trabalho ainda é um entrave à equidade nos contextos laborais, mediante uma atualização do caráter exploratório das atividades realizadas por mulheres, sobretudo pela invisibilidade, no âmbito reprodutivo, e pela precarização do trabalho produtivo.(AU)

Abstract Based on a feminist perspective and on the social psychology of work, this study aimed to analyze the meanings of work and gender arising from illness narratives of female workers of the garment industry of Criciúma, Santa Catarina. This exploratory empirical research was conducted from the social constructionism perspective, with qualitative data collected by means of interviews conducted with four garment workers. The results indicate that the work in the garment industry comprises a means of socialization and subjectivation of workers, besides triggering illness in the relation between factory, domestic, and care work. From a gender perspective, the sexual division of labor remains as an obstacle to reaching equity in the labor context before the constant maintenance of the exploratory nature of activities performed by women, the invisibility in the reproductive scope, and the precarization of productive work.(AU)

Resumen El presente estudio propuso analizar, desde la perspectiva feminista de investigación y de la psicología social del trabajo, los sentidos del trabajo y de género que emergieron en los relatos de enfermedad de las trabajadoras de la industria indumentaria de Criciúma, Santa Catarina (Brasil). Esta es una investigación empírica - con la realización de entrevistas -, de carácter exploratorio y cualitativo, que parte de la perspectiva del construccionismo social y del análisis narrativo. Los sujetos de la investigación fueron cuatro trabajadoras de este ramo. Se evidenció que el trabajo es una vía de socialización y subjetivación de las trabajadoras, así como de enfermedad, producida entre la fábrica, el hogar y el trabajo de cuidado. Con base en la perspectiva de género, se postula que la división sexual del trabajo sigue siendo un obstáculo a la equidad de género en los contextos laborales, bajo una actualización del carácter exploratorio de las actividades realizadas por mujeres, especialmente por la invisibilidad, en el ámbito reproductivo, y la precarización del trabajo productivo.(AU)

Migração e mobilidade pendular em municípios do aglomerado de confecções das mesorregiões Agreste de Pernambuco e Borborema da Paraíba / Migration and commuting in municipalities of the garment industry cluster in the Agreste of Pernambuco and Borborema of Paraíba Mesoregions / Migración y viaje a diario en municipios del clúster de la industria de confección de las mesorregiones Agreste de Pernambuco y Borborema de Paraíba

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar indicadores de migração e mobilidade pendular da população residente em municípios selecionados de Pernambuco e da Paraíba, onde está localizado um aglomerado de confecções, paralelamente à evolução de indicadores da população ocupada em atividades econômicas que caracterizam o recorte territorial. A análise baseia-se nos microdados dos Censos Demográficos de 1991, 2000 e 2010. Os municípios foram classificados em três grupos, em função da trajetória histórica para o desenvolvimento do aglomerado e da participação da população em atividades de produção e comercialização de vestuário e acessórios. Verificou-se que, no período considerado, a população do aglomerado aumentou sua participação nos respectivos estados em função da atratividade migratória, fato confirmado pelos resultados do saldo migratório, mas com diferenças importantes entre os grupos. Também foi observado crescimento da participação da população ocupada nas atividades referidas. Foram encontradas evidências do transbordamento das atividades vinculadas às confecções dos municípios centrais para os municípios periféricos do aglomerado. Por fim, evidenciou-se a ampliação de movimentos pendulares para trabalho, juntamente com a maior integração dos municípios do aglomerado em função desses movimentos e dos fluxos migratórios.

This article aims to evaluate migration and commuting indicators of the resident population in selected municipalities of Pernambuco and Paraíba, where a cluster of garment industry and trade is located, in parallel to the evolution of indicators of population occupied in economic activities that characterize the territory. The analysis is based on the Demographic Census data of 1991, 2000, and 2010. The municipalities were classified into three groups according to the historical relevance to the cluster development and the proportion of the population occupied in activities related to the garment industry and trade. It was found that the total population of the cluster increased its participation in the corresponding states due to migration inflows, a fact confirmed by the net migration rate, but with important differences between municipalities. There was also increasing participation of those occupied in the referred activities. Evidence was found of the overflow of activities linked to the garment industry from the economic center to the cluster's peripheral municipalities. Finally, the expansion and increase of work commuting flows were observed, together with the greater integration of the municipalities in the cluster due to the current configuration of commuting and migratory flows.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar indicadores de migración y desplazamientos de la población residente en municipios seleccionados de Pernambuco y Paraíba, donde se ubica un clúster de industria y comercio de la confección, en paralelo a la evolución de indicadores de la población ocupada en actividades económicas que caracterizan el territorio. El análisis se basa en los datos de los censos demográficos de 1991, 2000 y 2010. Los municipios fueron clasificados en tres grupos según su relevancia histórica en el desarrollo del clúster y la proporción de la población ocupada en actividades relacionadas con la industria y el comercio de la confección. Se encontró que la población total del clúster aumentó su participación en los estados correspondientes debido a los flujos migratorios, hecho confirmado por la tasa neta de migración, pero con importantes diferencias entre municipios. También hubo una participación creciente de los ocupados en las actividades referidas. Se encontró evidencia del desbordamiento de actividades vinculadas a la industria de la confección desde el centro económico hacia los municipios periféricos del clúster. Finalmente, se observó la expansión y el aumento de los viajes a diario para trabajar, junto con la mayor integración de los municipios en el clúster debido a la configuración actual de los flujos migratorios y de viajes a diario para trabajo.

Clinical profile of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the dreadful complications that occur during delivery. It is often un-anticipated and occurs suddenly and un-expectedly. It is responsible for 20 percent of maternal deaths in developing countries. These deaths are largely preventable. The objective of the study was to find out the clinical profile, associated co-morbid conditions and contributory factors and treatment modalities used in the management.Methods: Retrospective observational study of maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was carried out at tertiary care hospital. The data of maternal deaths for seven years from year 2013 to 2019 was reviewed, compiled and analyzed to draw conclusions.Results: There were 18 maternal deaths (19%) due to PPH out of total 86 maternal deaths. The average age of the woman who died due to PPH was 24 years. Ninety five percent of the cases of PPH were due to atonic uterus. Seventy percent of the cases had reported in advanced stage of shock with average blood loss of more than two to three litres. Poor general condition due to delay in reaching to tertiary care hospital was predominant feature. Sixty percent women underwent obstetric hysterectomy. Massive blood transfusion was given in fifty percent cases. Severe pregnancy induced hypertension, severe anaemia and severe concealed accidental haemorrhage were common associated factors in sixty percent of maternal deaths.Conclusions: Postpartum haemorrhage is still a common cause of maternal death. Early detection, prompt aggressive management, adequate blood replacement, use of uterine balloon tamponade and non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, timely transfer to higher centre and timely decision for surgical interventions can prevent maternal deaths.

Study on the effect of combined action of topical silicone gel and pressure therapy in hypertrophic scar management

Background: Widespread hypertrophic scars usually resulting from burn injuries or extensive soft tissue trauma is a common problem presented to plastic OPD. Non-invasive treatment like Pressure/compression therapy and siliconee sheets and gels are well-accepted, evidence-based recommendations for a long time. Very few studies are there for their combined effect on hypertrophic widespread scars. Aims and objectives of the study was to see the outcome of hypertrophic scar management following application of combined therapy of silicone gel and pressure garment.Methods: In the present study we have taken patients, who were randomly allotted in two groups. In one group only silicone gel was used for scar management while other group we applied silicone gel along with customized pressure garment locally for 6 months. Patients are seen in OPD monthly and after 6 months final results were analyzed, to see the effect of combined therapy.Results: Although silicone gel is alone is effective in widespread post burn scar, pressure garment provides a synergistic effects when used together. There is no significant change in colour and vascularity, but changes in scar thickness and pliability are most significant in combined therapy group.Conclusions: For small linear scar silicone gel treatment is alone sufficient, but for widespread hypertrophic scar this should always be used along with pressure garment therapy.

Training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities of management of post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication, that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Institutional delivery by skilled birth attendant who are trained in active management of third stage of labour and those who can use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment can reduce incidence and morbidity related to PPH. The objective of the paper was to share the experiences of the training programmes held for maternal health care workers in the newer modalities of PPH management.Methods: During one and a half year period, 32 Continuation of Medical Education (CME) programmes, with the theme of “Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Obstetric Trauma”, covering important topics related to high risk pregnancies like Hypertension, Eclampsia ,Anaemia and Haemorrhage at 32 health institutions, spread over 11 states and 2 union territories in India, were conducted .In addition,42 hands on workshops  at various health facilities were conducted with training of more than 2575 maternal health care providers.Results: The pre and post test scores revealed that 95 percent of the maternal health care providers were unaware about the use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade (Bakri balloon) in PPH and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG). Seventy percent were unaware about the proper sequence of steps of active management of third stage of labour. Training programmes helped to improve the knowledge, whereas hands on workshop, helped in skill development of the health care providers. The participants expressed great satisfaction regarding the knowledge and skills they acquired through training programme on management of post-partum haemorrhage. They gave positive feedback about the quality, contents and conduct of training programme.Conclusions: There is need for refresher training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities like AMTSL, NASG and Bakri balloon, which have potential to save lives.

Use of non-pneumatic anti shock garment in hemorrhagic shock

Background: Non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a first-aid device that reverses hypovolemic shock and decreases obstetric haemorrhage. It consists of articulated neoprene segments that close tightly with Velcro, shunting blood from the lower body to the core organs, elevating blood pressure and increasing preload and cardiac output. The use of an NASG can stabilize a patient while awaiting transport, during transport, or during delays in receiving care at referral facilities.Methods: A prospective observational study of use of non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG) in cases with obstetric hemorrhagic shock was carried out at a tertiary referral center. As soon as severe shock was recognized in the hospital, the anti-shock garment was placed. Data on various parameters related to use of NASG was collected and interpreted to draw conclusions.Results: NASG was used in 25 cases of hemorrhagic shock during one-year period. Post-partum hemorrhage (36%) was the commonest indication for NASG use, followed by ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (28%). It was observed that 68% and 32 % of women had shock index of 1-1.5 and above 1.5 respectively at the time of application of NASG. The shock index rapidly improved to 0.5-0.9 in 92% and 1-1.5 in 8 percent of cases respectively after the application of NASG. The NASG was mainly used in labour room (40%) and emergency department (36%).  NASG was applied by nurses and doctors together in 64% of cases. NASG was kept for a period 24 hours in 92% cases. The survival rate was 96% following use of NASG.Conclusions: NASG is a temporizing alternative measure in hemorrhagic shock management that shows a trend to reduce hemorrhage related deaths and severe morbidities. NASG should be made available at all health facilities that deal with high risk pregnancies and deliveries.

Midwives’ skills in the application of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment for the management of postpartum haemorrhage in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Non-pneumatic Anti-shock garment (NASG) has been identified as a device for effective management of postpartum haemorrhage especially in developing countries where maternal mortality is high. Hence, it is important that midwives are skilled and knowledgeable about its use. This study therefore assessed the midwives’ skills in the application of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: This study adopted quasi-experimental research design. The study was done in two secondary health facilities in the state. Sixty-eight midwives participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 37 and 31 midwives into experimental and control groups respectively. Written consent was obtained from all the participants. The study involved three stages; Pre-test, an intervention and a post test. Questionnaire and observation rating scale that elicited demographic characteristics, knowledge and skills on the application and removal of NASG was used to collect data pre and post intervention. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Mean knowledge score of midwives in the control group in the use of NASG in the management of PPH was found to be 10.32±4.17 compared with 12.24±5.05 in experimental group pre-intervention. There was a significant increase in knowledge and skills of NASG application, nonetheless the post intervention from experimental group had the highest increase from 6.32±4.97 to 17.14±0.95.Conclusions: Educational intervention enhanced skills of midwives in the use of NASG. Therefore, continuous education units in hospitals should include periodic training of midwives on the use of NASG.

Using Nonpneumatic Anti-shock Garment for Postpartum Hemorrhage Management and Referral at the Public Health Facilities: A Pilot Study in Two Districts of Bihar.

Background: Nonpneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a first-aid device that can save lives of women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Objective: The aim was to explore the feasibility of implementation of NASG intervention at select public health primary care facilities in two high priority districts of Bihar. Methods: Qualitative design was used to document the NASG implementation process. In-depth interviews were conducted with health-care providers in November-December 2015. These healthcare providers were chosen purposively based on their involvement in the use of NASG. The implementation process of NASG, process of training for its use, challenges faced during the rollout of implementation and the recommendations for improving the implementation were explored. Results: Initially, a baseline study was conducted to assess the knowledge and skills of health-care providers regarding diagnosis and management of PPH. Implementation consisted of orientation and training of service providers on the identification of PPH cases and usage of the NASG garment during referrals. The interviews with stakeholders reflected that even after training and appropriate introduction of the practice of using the NASG bag, the initiative did not make a difference in ameliorating the situation of PPH management in the health facilities over 6 months. Conclusion: This study provides lessons for implementation and scaling up of NASG in public health systems, not only in Bihar but also other similar settings. It also calls for robust implementation research studies to generate evidence on the use of NASG at the primary health-care facilities as an intervention in program settings.

Degradation of Interface Pressure under Tubular Compressive Bandage (Tubifast™) for 6 Days

PURPOSE: Pressure garment is the most effective tool in treatment of burn scar hypertrophy. But most patients feel discomfort to pressure garment. So tubular compressive bandage (TCB; Tubifast™) is widely used as a substitute. We checked daily pressure of tubular pressure bandage for 6 days and tried to find out the proper use. METHODS: Three doctors and two nurses were included in this study. They wore the TCB on both arms. One arm worn with one layer and the other arm with two layers. For six days, we checked the average pressure on arm and forearm with Picopress®. We used the SPSS (PASW statistics 18) as a statistics. RESULTS: During the first three days the pressure was markedly declined on both arm and forearm when with two layers. After then the pressure showed plateau. But one layer showed slow and continuous declining. The plateau pressure was above 10 mmHg with two layers and below 7 mmHg with one layer. CONCLUSION: Wearing the tubular compressive bandage (TCB; Tubifast™) is better with two layers than one layer and must be changed it in every 4 days.

Effect of Vitamin D, Calcium and Multiple Micronutrients Supplementation on Lipid Profile in Pre-menopausal Bangladeshi Garment Factory Workers with Hypovitaminosis D.

Elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in sera are both well-known risk factors of coronary heart disease. Adequate vitamin D status is important for optimal function of many organs and tissues of our body. There is continuing controversy about the effect of adequate vitamin D consumption on serum lipids and lipoproteins. The present study assessed the effect of vitamin D, calcium and multiple micronutrients supplementation on the lipid profile in Bangladeshi young female garment factory workers who have hypovitaminosis D. This placebo-controlled intervention trial conducted over a period of one year randomly assigned a total of 200 apparently healthy subjects aged 16-36 years to 4 groups. The subjects received daily supplements of 400 IU of vitamin D (VD group) or 400 IU of vitamin D+600 mg of calcium lactate (VD-Ca group), or multiple micronutrients with 400 IU of vitamin-D+600 mg of calcium lactate (MMN-VD-Ca group), or the group consuming placebo (PL group). Serum concentrations of lipid and lipoprotein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured at baseline and after one year of follow-up. No significant changes in the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were observed in the supplemented groups compared to the placebo group. Supplementation had a positive effect (p<0.05) on very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG). A negative correlation between changes in serum iPTH and HDL-C was observed, which indicated that subjects with the greatest decline in S-iPTH had the greatest increase in HDL-C. The results suggest that consumption of adequate vitamin D with calcium or MMN for one-year may have no impact on serum lipid profile in the subjects studied. Longer-term clinical trials with different doses of supplemental vitamin D are warranted in evaluating the effect of intervention.

Dietary Pattern and Anaemia Among Female Adolescent Garment Workers in Bangladesh.

Introduction: In Bangladesh, many adolescents work in garment sector which is an important contributor to the country’s economy. This study aimed to investigate the dietary pattern and haemoglobin level of the adolescent female garment workers in Bangladesh. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in a peri-urban area in Bangladesh in 2008. The food intake pattern was assessed by food frequency questionnaire and level of haemoglobin was estimated by haemoglobin colour scale (HbCS). Anaemia was defined as the haemoglobin level of <12 g/dl.1 Results: Among 108 participants, 104 (96%) were muslim, 83 (77%) were unmarried and 54 (50%) had a primary level of education. Most of their parents were illiterate. Sixty six (61%) respondents had a large family (>5 family members, mean 5.2, SD±2.1). The mean age at menarche was 12.91±1.37 years. Majority of them worked for >12 hours (55, 51%), did not watch television (77, 71%) and had just three meals with no snacks in between the meals (97, 90%) in last seven days. Fish, pulse and fruits/vegetables were consumed for >6 times in a week by 59 (55%), 56 (52%) and 68 (63%) respondents, respectively. Majority of the participants did not consume milk (65, 60%) and meat (62, 57%) in last seven days. Prevalence of anaemia was 92% (99); 54% (58) were moderately anaemic and 38% (41) were mildly anaemic. Discussion: Prevalence of anaemia among adolescent female garment workers is extremely high. They also consume inadequate food. Immediate steps should be taken to improve nutritional status of these girls.

Insight into evolution of a giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus over 14 years.

Giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus (GCNN) is a rare variant of congenital melanocytic nevus measuring >20 cm in size that often has a garment-like distribution. Regular follow up is recommended because of a risk of melanoma transformation of 4.6%. We report a 14-year-old boy with gradual regression of giant congenital melanocytic nevus over the left upper limb, chest, back and axilla, whom we have followed-up since birth. At birth, a hyperpigmented jet-black patch without hair was present over the left side of torso and upper limb including palms and nails. Follow up at the ages of 1, 5, 11 and 14 years showed progressive spontaneous regression of the nevus resulting in shiny atrophic skin, diffuse hypopigmentation, lentigo-like macules, nodules and arthrogryphosis of affected areas. Histopathology of the lesions on follow-up revealed absence of pigmented nevus cells in the regressing areas and thickened sclerotic collagen bundles.

Tragedy in Savar: Management of Victims in Enam Medical College Hospital.

Background: Rana Plaza collapse is the worst and deadliest man-made industrial disaster in the history of garment sector in the world. Around 1200 people died and thousands more were injured. Most of the victims of the disaster were treated in Enam Medical College Hospital (EMCH). We conducted this study to give an overview on the disaster victims and services provided by EMCH. Objective: The study was done to observe the length of time between accident and admission in EMCH, length of time between admission and discharge, to observe the numbers, types and sites of injuries to the victims, medical measures given to the victims and finally to observe the status of the victims at the time of discharge. Materials and Methods: This descriptive type of observational study was carried out among the victims of Rana Plaza tragedy during the period of May to October 2013. All admitted patients in EMCH were included in the study. Purposive nonprobability sampling technique was applied in this research work. Data were collected from the hospital record. After collection, data were manually compiled, edited and analyzed. Results: Among 621 victims treated in different wards, 276 (44.45%) were admitted to the hospital on the day of accident. Among the admitted patients, 255 (41.06%) stayed in the hospital for 1--3 days,133 (21.42%) for 4--7 days and 88 (14.17%) for more than 10 days. Fracture and dislocation were present in 32.70% patients, lacerated injury in 18.20%, abrasion in 15.78%, bruise in 13.53%, incised wound in 15.45% and punctured wound in 4.34% patients. Single injury was present in 56.68% and rest had multiple injuries. Lower limbs were the most (33.01%) affected part of the body followed by head and neck (22.06%), upper limbs (18.52%), thorax (17.55%) and abdomen (8.86%). Two hundred seventy two patients (43.80%) were improved after treatment and 56 (9.02%) were fully cured; 23.83% of the victims were referred to higher medical centers for special measures. Conclusion: The collapse of Rana Plaza has fueled a greater call for reform and safety in garment industry. At the same time, all health care centers should adopt a broad-based approach to disaster-preparedness by providing a framework to ensure a well-coordinated response to mass casualty event.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus scalp: report of a rare case.

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (garment nevus) is a kind of congenital malformation of neural crest cells with size greater than 20 cm. Malignant melanoma may develop in 2-31% of these lesions. The objective of this paper is to present a unique case of giant nevus which is rare.

Factors associated with knowledge about breastfeeding among female garment workers in Dhaka city.

Background: Knowledge about breastfeeding among women is very important for healthy children. The present study aims to determine the level of knowledge and factors associated with knowledge on breastfeeding among female garment workers in a selected garment factory in Dhaka city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 female garment workers in the reproductive age group (15–49 years). Data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire using the face-to-face interview method. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the association between sociodemographic variables and knowledge on breastfeeding. Results: The study showed that, overall the level of knowledge regarding breastfeeding is very poor (88%) among the study subjects. Most of the respondents have very poor knowledge regarding advantages of exclusive breastfeeding (89%) and breastfeeding (100%). In contrast, a majority have good knowledge on duration of exclusive breastfeeding (74%) and breastfeeding (66%). No significant association was found between the knowledge score of breastfeeding with remaining socio-demographic variables like age, marital status, family income and expenditure. Education is significantly (p<0.001) associated with a higher total knowledge score of breastfeeding. Women with secondary level of education had a significantly higher (p<0.001) level of total knowledge score than other categories (illiterate, primary and higher secondary) of education. Conclusion: A large proportion of female garment workers had inadequate knowledge regarding breastfeeding. It is also important that health education on breastfeeding is urgently provided to the female garments workers of Bangladesh.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Nonsurgical Treatment of Postburn Hypertrophic Scar

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment and to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic assessment in postburn hypertrophic scar. METHODS: The subjects were twenty-seven burn patients with hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scars were treated by four different methods: triamcinolone acetonide injection (Group I), pressure garment application (Group II), combination treatment of triamcinolone acetonide and garment (Group III) and no treatment (Group IV). To assess the effectiveness of each treatment method, ultrasonographic measurement of scar thickness and punch biopsy of scar were done before and after treatment. RESULTS: After 4 weeks treatment, the scar thickness decreased by 14.9 9.4% in Group I, 4.7 8.4% in Group II and 20.5 13.2% in Group III. However the scar thickness increased by 10.0 13.5% in Group IV (no treatment). The pathologic findings didn't show significant change. CONCLUSION: The TA solution injection therapy and pressure garment therapy were effective methods for the treatment of the postburn hypertrophic scar, but the combinations of both therapies was more effective than each single therapy. The ultrasonography can be used as objective measure to assess effectiveness of therapy.