RESUMO
Introduction: Menstruation, though a natural process, is still regarded as unclean/dirty in Indian society, clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions resulting in adverse health outcomes. This poses a serious problem for adolescent girls of low and middle-income countries, directly/indirectly influencing Sustainable Development Goals affecting their and nation's overall development. Objective: To find out the prevalent menstrual hygiene practices and myths in rural adolescent girls. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted, with a pre-tested, pre-designed questionnaire among 180 girls aged 13 to 16 years of a secondary school in the rural field practice area for 6 months. Results: The mean age of menarche was 12.5 ± 2(0.85) years. 76% of the girls were aware about menstruation before its onset and mothers (85%) were the source of information.78% girls used commercial sanitary pads, while 22% used cloth/napkin and half of them changed pad twice daily while 1/3rd thrice daily. External genitalia were cleaned once (51%), using water (56%) and 64% preferred using a separate underwear during periods. Following were their complaints in the last 6 months: 59% white discharge per vagina, 32% itching in private parts, 16% burning micturition. Almost half weren't involved in religious activities and abstained from household chores. Around one third were restricted from playing, absented from school, barred from entering kitchen, slept in isolation and ate from separate utensils. Conclusion: Awareness on correct menstrual hygiene practices and demystifying related myths can improve rural adolescent's health.
RESUMO
Background:Worldwide leading cause of ill health among women is mainly due to reproductive health problems. An initial symptom of all reproductive tract diseases is abnormal vaginal discharge. Objectives: to assess the magnitude of abnormal vaginal discharge, its factors, social correlates among the married women of reproductive age group. Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted among married women of reproductive age group attending General OPD at Urban Health Centre. They were selected by systematic random sampling. Results: Among total of 400 respondents screened for the presence of abnormal vaginal discharge 136(34%) were found to have abnormal vaginal discharge. 26% were from age group of 25-29 years. More than half Muslims, 43% educated upto primary and 2/3rd from nuclear family. Most common colour of vaginal discharge & symptom was curdy white and backache. Statistically significant association was found between abnormal vaginal discharge and age, education type of family. Also between abnormal vaginal discharge and few Maternal factors: duration of married life, history of abortion, parity, number of children, birth spacing , use of IUCDs. Conclusion: There is a need to educate women about reproductive health issues and encourage them to seek treatment for their problems at the earliest.
RESUMO
Abstracts: Background: In India there are 2-2.5 million estimated cancer patients at any given point of time. ‘Palliative care’ approach improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problem associated with life-threatening illness. Quality of life (QOL) is multidimensional construct. Objectives: To assess their quality of life and factors associated with it. This is an attempt to collect baseline data to help improve palliative care services. Materials and Methods: selected patients for the study (total=108) were interviewed with the help of FACT-G Scale for Measuring the Health-related QOL (Sub scores-Physical, Social, Emotional & Functional well-being). The total scores ranged from 0-108 (0-47 poor, 48-63 average, 64-108 good). Statistical Analysis: Chi square test. Results: Out of total 108 patients, 72.22% were females. Mean age was 50.91 years (SD± 2.02). 78.70% were married, 29.63% illiterate, 43.52% belonged to Middle Socio-economic class, 89.81% had Stage 2 and 3 cancer. Mean total FACT-G scale QOL score was 54.61 (SD ±8.18). Relation between marital status and socio-economic status with total QOL score was statistically significant. Conclusions: The median of all sub-scores worsened with progress of stage of cancer. Patients with better socio-economic status and were married had better QOL scores. Counselling will improve their QOL through palliative care services.