Analysing the Scope of Kitchen Gardens in Achieving Dietary Diversity and Food Security in Rural Households for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems

Aim: The study aims to identify the scope of kitchen gardens or nutrition gardens in rural households in Tamil Nadu in achieving dietary diversity and food security. Currently, only a few existing studies analyse the link between kitchen gardens and dietary diversity. The study aims to address this gap.Study Design: Exploratory study.Place of Study: Tiruvallur and Coimbatore districts, Tamil Nadu, India during December 2022.Methodology: The study was conducted among 270 rural household heads selected through a stratified random sampling method. An index validated by Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and FANTA was used to measure Household Dietary Diversity.Results: The results show there was a significant decrease in dietary diversity among the households. It was also identified that promoting kitchen gardens among poor households can improve food security.Conclusion: The study suggests suitable policy measures tailored to the local agricultural system to scale up kitchen gardening as a viable model for a resilient food system. Future research could be done to assess the impact of nutritive gardens on household food consumption patterns and food security.

Radio-diagnosis of Herlyn Werner Wunderlich Syndrome a rare case of urogenital abnormality

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a very rare urogenital abnormality, which is characterized by Mullerian duct anomaly with associated mesonephric duct anomaly. This syndrome is also known as OHVIRA (Obstructed hemivagina with Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly). The incidence of Mullerian Duct Anomaly is 2-3%, and incidence of OHVIRA is 0.16 to 10% of that. The three important components of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome are didelphys uterus, obstructed hemivagina and renal agenesis on the same side. Typically presents with pelvic pain in young females after menarche. Presentation in the reproductive age group is unusual. The most common renal anomaly associated with this condition is renal agenesis. Other renal anomalies include renal dysplasia, duplication of kidneys and ureters, crossed fused ectopia and ectopic ureter. Ultrasound and Magnetic resonance imaging are considered as the vital modalities for detection. MRI is the gold standard modality for assessing the anatomical characteristics of the uterus, cervix, and vagina. Early diagnosis helps to prevent complications such as endometriosis, pyocolpos, adhesions, infertility. The unique feature of our case is a presentation in the reproductive age group. Only very few case reports of OHVIRA with a presentation in the reproductive age group are available in the literature. Whenever there is a renal anomaly or renal agenesis, screening of pelvic organs is important in a female child for early detection of Mullerian duct anomalies and prevention of further complications.

Awareness of tuberculosis among nurses

Background: Tuberculosis is a leading infectious killer disease worldwide. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment on the part of the health care providers is essential for TB control. Their knowledge, attitude and practice have an impact on the tuberculosis patients regarding compliance to treatment and follow up. There are limited studies in India assessing the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding TB transmission, prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the same. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at SRM Medical College and Research Centre, Potheri, Kanchipuram district. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was given to 224 nursing staff. The responses were then analyzed. Results: A high proportion (71.80%) of awareness was found regarding the causation of TB by bacterium, air-borne method of spread and over-crowding being a significant risk factor. A lesser proportion of the participants were aware that TB does not spread by breast feeding (54.9%) or hand shaking (33%) and that ATT should be continued during pregnancy. Levels of knowledge on the preventable nature of TB infection (56%) and the availability of ATT were also found to be low. Conclusions: This study indicates the need for addressing the gaps regarding the knowledge and transmission of TB among the nursing care professionals. Nursing professionals still are in need of continuing educational programs regarding treatment and control of TB. Improved knowledge on TB will thus contribute to effective TB control and in the long term, will help India achieve the goal of End TB.