RESUMEN
Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in under-5 children is an important public health problem that is associated with high mortality and long-term health consequences. Globally, 26 million children suffer from SAM, of these more than 8.1 million children are in India. National Family Health Survey-4 indicates a higher prevalence of SAM (7.5%) in the general population than the previous report (6.4%). Indeed the burden of malnutrition is expected to be higher among the tribal children in India. Hence this study aimed to explore the Severe Acute Malnutrition among the tribal under-five children in Javvadu Hills of Tamil Nadu. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 tribal under-five children and mothers residing in Javvadu Hills in Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu from September 2019 to Feb 2020 using PPS-Cluster sampling technique with semi-structured questionnaire with anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used. Results: Out of 450 children, about 42(9.3%) had weight-for-Ht (M<-3S.D.) suggestive of SAM. Among those with SAM, 71% were females. About 66% had low birth weight, 79% were Anemic, 81% had calorie and protein inadequacy, 88.1% were partially immunized and 88% had food insecurity and 78% had the recurrent illness. Maternal illiteracy, poor awareness of nutrition, Food insecurity and poor access to health facilities were significant factors in SAM. Conclusions: SAM is highly prevalent among tribal children, a serious threat to child survival and morbidity. Improving literacy, Socioeconomic status, nutritional awareness, food security, health-seeking behaviour will alleviate this public health problem.
RESUMEN
Background: Adolescents constitute about 21% of India’s population. Realizing the special needs of adolescents, GOI launched the adolescent reproductive and sexual health (ARSH) program in 2006. ‘Yuva’ clinic was established for the first time in Bihar in 2012 at Patna Medical College for providing services as per ARSH protocols. This study aimed at analyzing the biosocial and awareness profile of the adolescent clients vis a vis ARSH strategy, and the utilization of services at the clinic.Methods: Cross-sectional study using semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Total of 1180 adolescents (950 males, 230 females) was studied. Sixty-six percent males, 74.8% females were urban; about 90% were unmarried. Majority were from upper middle class. No females but 66.6% and 86.7% of males were taking alcohol and tobacco respectively. More than 90% of attendees reported regular physical exercise; 36.8% males and 58% females had abnormal BMIs. Seventy-six percent were nutritionally aware, 24.06% aware about reproductive and sexual health (RSH), and 64.74% about ARSH services. Rural and SES were significantly associated with the adolescents’ awareness of nutrition, RSH, and services available. Females had significantly more knowledge regarding RSH. Sixty-seven percent availed counseling services and 1.35% was referred, 50.6% came for clinical services out of which 69.8% remained unmet.Conclusions: ARSH clinic is a useful initiative. However there are gaps in services vis-a-vis ARSH strategies. If addressed, clinic is likely to attract more adolescents and achieve the objectives of improving their health and capacity to deal with their myriad problems in a better wa