RESUMO
Background: This work was planned to assess knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), contraceptive methods available and the practice of use of contraceptives and personal hygiene among teenage girls attending the outpatient department (OPD) of a rural medical college.Methods: Consenting, non-pregnant teenage girls (14-19 years) attending the gynaecology and obstetrics OPD with minor ailments were asked to respond to a questionnaire and blinded data collection was done by two lady counsellors. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: Knowledge of STI, unwanted pregnancy and family planning was significantly higher in teenage girls with sexual exposure, and in those who had completed standard 12 education (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our work suggests that in this particular rural setting knowledge level of STD, HIV and unwanted pregnancy is high but practice of safe sex and contraceptives are low. We suggest implementation of age-appropriate gender based, culturally sensitive sex education curriculum in schools to cope up the increasing vulnerability of young girls. Additionally, community participation, health care institutions and media can raise awareness in teenage girls and their families and remove the taboo regarding family planning practices.
RESUMO
Background: Rubella is traditionally considered a childhood disease but has the potential to cause outbreaks in hospital set ups. It is important to know the susceptibility status of health care workers (HCWs) as to frame guidelines for their immunization and thus prevent hospital outbreaks. Participants: The rubella susceptibility status of 313 HCWs working in the institute was assessed. This study was initiated after we reported an outbreak due to rubella among HCWs of our institute. Materials and Methods: The serum samples were tested to determine Rubella IgG titres by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Overall, 48 (15.3%) subjects were found to be negative, thereby indicating their susceptibility to infection. Out of them, 29 (60.5%) were in contact with pregnant women during the course of their employment. There is a risk of nosocomial transmission of rubella from affected HCWs to their contacts especially pregnant women as many of the rubella infections are asymptomatic. Conclusion: Hence, we stress the need for vaccinating the HCWs at the start of their employment to contain the spread of infection and also to reduce the risk of outbreaks in work place.