Correlation of Socioeconomic Factors with Obesity and Overweight Among School Going Adolescent Population in Rural and Urban Area

Background: Globally, the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has led to increased morbidity and premature mortality in adults due to various metabolic diseases. As adolescents comprises approximately one fifth of the total Indian population, their health status and nutrition clearly depicts the working of the country towards health and burden of diseases in future. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to study the prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescents and to correlate various socioeconomic factors with obesity and overweight in adolescent population in district Patiala, Punjab. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 school going adolescents (10-19 years) from 5th to 12th class of government and private schools in rural and urban area of district Patiala, Punjab. A self-designed, semi- structured questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic profile, socio-economic status, socio-environmental factors followed by anthropometric measurement of the children. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 12.8% and 4.5% respectively. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 5.8% and 3.3% among males and 7% and 1.1% among females. Higher prevalence of the disease was also seen in urban area, nuclear family upper socio-economic class and lower education status of parents. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity among adolescents have multifactorial causes and need holistic approach at the earliest for control and prevention.

Effect of Albendazole Therapy in Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis Lesion Resolution, Lesion Load Reduction and Lesion Stage Evolution Observed on Serial Neuroimaging in Patients Presenting with Seizures

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the commonest parasitic disease of nervous system in humans and single most common cause of acquired seizures in developing countries. In this study, we intended to evaluate the effect of Albendazole therapy in Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis lesion resolution, lesion load reduction and lesion stage evolution observed on serial neuroimaging in patients presenting with seizures. Albendazole was given for 1 month. Patients were followed up and neuroimaging was carried out after a 6-month interval. Temporal changes in lesion profile including lesion load reduction, lesion resolution, lesion stage evolution and seizure recurrences during the interval period were observed. After Albendazole therapy for 6 months, patients were followed up with serial neuroimaging. Lesion resolution was seen in 29.33%, lesion load reduction in 41.33% and calcified lesions in 52% cases.