RESUMO
Background: Unmet need for contraceptive is a hurdle in the way to achieve the goal of family planning in India. The present study was conducted to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, ascertain the knowledge-practice regarding contraceptives including natural methods and to assess the unmet need for contraceptives. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 326 women were recruited [19-40 years] among mothers coming for immunization of their babies in the immunization clinic of RGKar Medical College, Kolkata, India. Considering response of wife as a proxy for the couple's contraceptive behaviour, only married fecund women were approached. A pre-tested questionnaire was dispensed. The study was conducted from April till June, 2010. Results: Contraceptive knowledge was universal and the practice was 92%. Natural/traditional methods were known to 80% and being used by a substantial number of participants [41%]. Of all the methods coitus interrupts [22%] ranked on the top closely followed by condom [20%]. Knowledge and overall practice of permanent methods were low [20%] and 3% participants knew about tubectomy and vasectomy while, only 13.5% adopted tubectomy. Overall, the unmet need for contraceptive was found to be 7% considering the use of all methods; 5% for spacing and 2% for limiting birth. Conclusion: Closing the gap between contraceptive need and practice requires increase in contraceptive options by incorporation of natural and traditional contraceptive methods which are safe and simple and should be promoted by healthcare providers
RESUMO
Background: Early diagnosis and treatment is most of the time rewarding for short stature [SS] caused by failure of the intricate process of growth. The objectives of the present study was to, a] determine the magnitude of SS among the patients attending a tertiary referral centre, b] ascertain the pattern of SS, and c] find out the aetiological profile of SS. Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out from August 2006 to December 2009 in endocrine out patient department [OPD] of RGKar Medical College, a tertiary care teaching institution in the eastern part of India involving the children and adolescents referred to the clinic for their growth failure. With informed consent; detailed history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations were carried out and information was gathered by administering predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Diagnosed short statured cases were followed up for one year. Results: Analysis showed 8% participants had SS. Hypothyroidism [29%], chromosomal anomalies [20%], normal variants of growth delay [18%] and growth hormone deficiency [15%] were revealed to be the predominant causes of SS. Growth hormone deficiency was the most common cause among boys [26%] compared to chromosomal anomalies [32%] and hypothyroidism [31%] among their counterpart. Conclusion: The findings can frame our mindset to remain vigilant about the problem fo detection at its earliest stage for getting maximum benefit from available treatment
RESUMO
Background: Irrational use of medicines is distressing global problem. A medicine use survey was conducted to, a] assess the pattern of medicine prescribing and dispensing and b] find out factors, if any, affecting these. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2005 in out patient department [OPD] of four randomly selected Central Government Health Scheme dispensaries in Kolkata, India. Data were collected by measuring time of interaction between randomly selected patients and prescribers/dispensers, conducting their interview on exit, review of prescriptions, interviewing doctors and storekeepers. The knowledge about rational use of medicines was assessed by pre-designed questionnaire. Results: Analysis revealed that 50% prescriptions belonged to patients aged 60 years or more. High fascination for using Latin abbreviations [93%] was found. On average, 3.7 [SD: 2.1] medicines were used per prescription, 18% of which were prescribed with the generic name and 81% from list of essential medicines. Average consultation and dispensing time were 4.3 [SD: 3.2] min and 2.1 [SD: 3.7]. Routine procuring source was disrupted and only half of the prescribed medicines were dispensed instantaneously with appropriate label. About 11% patients left counter with inadequate knowledge about dosage. Proportion of prescriptions containing antibiotic and injections, and proportion of cost incurred to them, conformed to the recommendations by World Health Organization [WHO]. Number of medicines and average cost per prescription, prescribing out of essential medicine list and in brand name were significantly higher in the prescriptions of specialists compared to those from general duty medical officers. Inappropriate medicine was found in 37% of prescriptions for elderly patients. Conclusion: Supportive supervision and congenial working environment are prerequisites for rational use of medicines