Knowledge of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Ibadan north lga, Oyo State, Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease claiming the lives of many women in developing countries due to late presentation which might be influenced by a lack of knowledge of the disease and its prevention. Method: This descriptive study examined the knowledge assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (15-49), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 426 women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Result: Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (77%; n=328) but many (62.9%; n= 268) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although 41.3% (n=176) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention, only 9.4% (n=40) had Pap smear tests done. Conclusion: Health care professionals, need to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Knowledge of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in Ibadan North LGA, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) and cervical screening are effective prevention strategies against both HPV infection and cervical cancer. Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, limited decision-making agency, lack of spousal support and stigma are barriers to uptake of these preventive measures. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease claiming the lives of many women in developing countries due to late presentation which might be influenced by a lack of knowledge of the disease and its prevention. Method: This descriptive study examined the knowledge assessment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age (15-49), about cervical cancer, its prevention, and their utilization of Pap smear screening; using a convenience sample of 426 women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Women voluntarily completed a structured questionnaire. Result: Results showed that women who participated in the study were aware of cervical cancer (77%; n=328) but many (62.9%; n= 268) were unaware of Pap smears as the screening tests for cervical cancer. Although 41.3% (n=176) were knowledgeable about cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention, only 9.4% (n=40) had Pap smear tests done. Conclusion: Health care professionals, need to intensify efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer screening, and encourage women through the different clinics to use these services. The benefits of screening and early diagnosis of cervical cancer should be emphasized to enhance the utilization of cervical cancer screening services.

Comparison of the detection rates of preconception health risks among Chinese couples of reproductive age in 2013 and 2019 / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To assess the detection rates of preconception health risks among couples of reproductive age in China and analyze the differences between 2013 and 2019.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the preconception health examination data of 9 153 916 couples of 20-49 years who participated in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in 2013 or 2019 were consecutively selected. The health risks involved eight aspects in women (genetic risk, reproductive risk, chronic disease risk, infectious risk, nutritional risk, behavioral risk, environmental risk and psychosocial risk) and seven aspects in men except for reproductive risks were assessed. The t test and χ2 test were used to compare the differences in demographic characteristics between the couples of reproductive age. The detection rates and 95% CI of each preconception health risk were calculated and the χ2 test was used to compare the differences in the detection rates of risk factors. Results:In 2019, the proportion of couples of reproductive age in China who were 35 years or older, had an education background of high school and above, workers, and held non-agricultural registered residence were all higher than those in 2013 (15.18% vs 6.22%, 52.12% vs 29.78%, 8.33% vs 7.17%, 12.39% vs 6.64%), while the proportion of farmers was significantly lower than that in 2013 (60.95% vs 76.87%) (all P<0.001). In 2013, the three health risks with the highest detection rate among Chinese women of reproductive age was nutritional risk (37.50%), infectious risk (16.95%) and psychosocial risk (11.62%), respectively; while in 2019, it was nutritional risk (38.07%), infectious risk (12.82%), and chronic disease risk (11.12%), respectively. The detection rate of nutritional risk in Chinese women of reproductive age in 2019 was significantly higher than that in 2013 (38.07% vs 37.50%), while the detection rates of infectious risk and psychosocial risk were both lower than those in 2013 (12.82% vs 16.95% and 7.37% vs 11.62%) (all P<0.001). In 2013, the top three risks detected in men of reproductive age was behavioral risk (44.87%), nutritional risk (36.81%) and psychosocial risk (13.43%), respectively; and in 2019, it was nutritional risk (45.47%), behavioral risk (38.76%) and psychosocial risk (9.18%), respectively. The detection rates of nutritional risk in men of reproductive age in 2019 was significantly higher than that in 2013 (45.47% vs 36.81%), while the detection rates of behavioral risk and psychosocial risk were both lower than those in 2013 (38.76% vs 44.87%, 9.18% vs 13.43%) (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The detection rate of nutritional risk in couples of reproductive age and genetic risk in men in 2019 in China are higher than those in 2013, and the exposure to the other preconception health risks is decreasing. The nutritional risk, infection risk, psychosocial risk and chronic disease risk are the main risk factors for women of reproductive age, while the nutritional risk, behavioral risk and psychosocial risk are the main risk factors for men.

Use of contraceptive methods in rural areas in Cote d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional survey took place in May, 2018 in Kodjokro, a village in the south-east of Côte d'Ivoire. The study population consisted of women of reproductive age, from 15 to 49 years old. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, gyneco-obstetrical characteristics, knowledge and attitudes and he use of contraceptive methods. The chi-square test was used to measure the associations between the use of contraceptive methods and each of the characteristics studied

Determinants of contraceptive use in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

In Côte d'Ivoire, contraceptive prevalence is low (21%). The search for determinants of contraceptive use could make it possible to redirect existing strategies. The objective is to identify the determinants of the use of contraception among women in Abidjan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2018 in the Dallas neighborhood of Adjamé municipal (Abidjan). Women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) were selected there. Sociodemographic, gyneco-obstetrical characteristics, educational level, attitudes and practices of women on contraception were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. A total of 301 women aged 29.34±8.98 years were selected. The proportion of women using modern contraception was 27.24%. In univariate analysis, the factors associated with use were: level of education (p=0.005), unwanted pregnancies (p=0.017), abortions (p<0.001), consultation of the gynecologist (p=0.003) or a family planning service (p=0.001). Hearing about contraception (p=0.043), knowing (p<0.001) and talking about it with their partner (p=0.027) was significantly associated with its use. In the multivariate analyses, the women who consulted a gynecologist and those who knew the contraceptive methods used them respectively 2 times more (OR= 2.16 [1.14-4.15], p=0.019) and 22 times more (OR= 22.38 [8.42-78.56], p<0.001). Women with primary school education used them significantly less (OR=0.15 [0.05-0.41], p<0.001). Awareness, the gynecologist's consultation, and the level of education were the main determinants of contraceptive use. Also, it is necessary to adapt awareness messages to the characteristics of women.

Prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age in China / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective:To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of pre-pregnancy underweight, overweight and obesity among women aged 18~49 years in China in 2013 and 2019 and the changing trends during this period.Methods:Pre-pregnancy examination data were collected for 9 220 664 women of reproductive age who participated in the National Free Pre-pregnancy Health Examination Project in 2013 and 2019, to analyze the prevalence and changing trends of underweight, overweight and obesity. Data from China Population Census in 2010 were applied to calculate the age-standardized prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors.Results:The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among women aged 18-49 years in China was 7.47%, 21.05% and 6.08%, respectively. Over the seven years from 2013 to 2019, the prevalence of underweight in women of reproductive age had decreased, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity had increased significantly. Younger age, higher education level and ethnic minorities were the risk factors of underweight, while advanced age, farmers, previous gravidity and previous parity were the risk factors of overweight and obesity. Vegetarian, smoking and passive smoking might increase the risk of underweight, overweight and obesity.Conclusion:Women of reproductive age in China are faced with the dual challenge of malnutrition and overnutrition and the weight management before pregnancy should be strengthened for women of reproductive age.

Factors related to low birth weight in Indonesia

@#Introduction: Previous studies have reported that low birth weight (LBW) correlates with neonatal death and 15 - 20% of all births worldwide are LBW. This research aimed to analyse the factors related to LBW in Indonesia. Methods: The authors collated secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). The sample consisted of 17,443 respondents. Besides LBW as the dependent variable, the independent variables consisted of maternal age, residence, wealth, education, employment, marital status, health insurance, antenatal care (ANC) visits, smoking behaviour, and gender of the baby. The final stage employed binary logistic regression. Results: Women aged 35-39 years were 0.688 times less likely than women aged 15-19 years to give birth to LBW babies. The wealthiest women were 0.712 times less likely than the poorest women to give birth to LBW babies. Women with higher education levels were 0.670 times less likely to have a LBW baby than women with no education level. Women who attended ≥4 ANC visits were 0.829 times less likely to have LBW babies than women who attended <4 ANC visits. Baby girls were 1.161 times more likely than baby boys to be born with LBW. Conclusion: The study concluded that the factors related to LBW in Indonesia were maternal age, wealth, education, ANC, and gender of the baby.

Perceptions on susceptibility to exposure to the COVID-19 virus: A qualitative study on pregnant and non-pregnant adult women, their partners, and healthcare workers in Metro Manila

Introduction@#The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that special populations are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus. There is little information on whether COVID-19 affects women of reproductive age and their fertility, pregnancy status, and offspring give: We aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and perceptions (KPP) on the risk and susceptibility to COVID-19 of women of reproductive age. @*Methods@#We conducted a qualitative exploratory descriptive study using the triangulation method. The study consisted of in-depth interviews (IDIs) with women of reproductive age and their spouses, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) with health care professionals (HCP) in University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. We assessed KPP using structured, open-ended interview guides. Interview responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12. @*Results@#Eighty participants, 20 women of reproductive age, 20 spouses, 20 non-pregnant women, and 20 HCPs in UP-PGH were included in the study. All participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. Pregnant women would consult their physicians when they felt symptoms related to COVID-19. Spouses of pregnant women and non-pregnant women observed health measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Both pregnant and non-pregnant patients with COVID-19 felt shamed and stigmatized while the husbands worried that the exposure to the infection will pose a burden to their families. HCWs provided services through teleconsultation and found it challenging to refer patients to other facilities. @*Conclusion@#The study provided insights on KPP of women with reproductive-age to COVID-19 and views of HCWs in providing care to these patients during the pandemic. The effects of COVID-19 are still detrimental and highly evident from the micro to the macro level.

Conocimientos, actitudes, prácticas y percepción sobre Zika en mujeres en edad fértil de Amazonas, Perú / Knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceptions about Zika in women of childbearing age in Amazonas, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos. Describir los conocimientos, actitudes, prácticas y percepciones del zika en mujeres en edad fértil (MEF) en el departamento de Amazonas, posterior a un brote de zika. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de enfoque mixto cuanticualitativo. Se realizó un muestreo estratificado, aplicándose una encuesta a una muestra de 723 MEF de 15 a 49 años del distrito de Bagua, departamento de Amazonas y cuatro grupos focales con 35 MEF. Se aplicó una encuesta y guía de grupo focal. Se usaron frecuencias y teoría fundamentada para el análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo respectivamente. Se integró ambos enfoques en la interpretación mediante abordaje narrativo. Resultados. El 86,3% de MEF conocen que es posible enfermar con zika, 10,1% que se transmite por relaciones sexuales, 2,2% durante el embarazo y 68,5% consideran que es insuficiente la información. En la práctica; 60%(n=434) usa mosquiteros, 53,4%(n=386) tapa recipientes de agua y el 7,3%(n=4) perciben participación del gobierno local. Los datos cualitativos muestran desconfianza al control vectorial y expresan necesidad de apoyo psicológico a las gestantes y familia. Conclusiones. Existen brechas en el conocimiento y prácticas para la prevención del zika por trasmisión sexual y vertical, tienen desconfianza del control vectorial, no perciben participación del gobierno local, sugieren acompañamiento psicológico a la gestante con zika, a la madre con niño discapacitado y desean acceder a más información sobre zika.

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions about Zika in women of childbearing age (WCA) in the department of Amazonas in Peru, following a Zika outbreak. Materials and methods. Descriptive study with a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach. We carried out stratified sampling, by applying a survey to a sample of 723 WCA aged 15 to 49 years in the district of Bagua, department of Amazonas, then we carried out four focus groups with 35 WCA in each group. Frequencies and the grounded theory were used for quantitative and qualitative analysis respectively. Interpretation of both methods was integrated using a narrative approach. Results. We found that 86.3% of WCA knew that it is possible to get sick with Zika, 10.1% knew that it is transmitted through sexual intercourse, 2.2% knew that it can be transmitted during pregnancy and 68.5% consider that the information is insufficient. In practice, 60% (n=434) used mosquito nets, 53.4% (n=386) covered water containers and 7.3% (n=4) perceived local government involvement. Qualitative data showed distrust of vector control and expressed the need for psychological support for pregnant women and their families. Conclusions. There are gaps in the knowledge and practices of WCA regarding the prevention of sexual and vertical transmission of Zika; WCA distrust vector control, do not perceive local government involvement, suggest psychological support should be provided to pregnant women with Zika, as well as to mothers with disabled children, and wish to access more information about Zika.

Dietary diversity score and its association with anemia status among selected nonpregnant women in Pasay City, Philippines

Background and Objective@#Iron deficiency anemia, the most common type of anemia, is a disease of public health significance that leads to negative economic and health implications. Dietary diversity is one of the recommended strategies in combating micronutrient deficiency such as anemia and may be measured through Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). The study aimed to determine whether DDS is associated with anemia status among nonpregnant women of reproductive age (WRA) in Pasay City, Philippines. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the: (1) prevalence of anemia, (2) mean DDS, and (3) association between DDS and anemia status among the study population. @*Methodology@#The study was analytic and cross-sectional that included 121 nonpregnant WRA who were selected using stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. Data collection methods included anthropometric assessment, hemoglobin determination, and 24-hour food recall as basis for calculating the dietary diversity score. @*Results and Conclusion@#Results of the study found that the prevalence of anemia was 21.49% and mean DDS was 4.46 (between low and moderate DDS). A statistical association was found between DDS and anemia status (p<0.001) such that the odds of having anemia was 25.47 times higher among women with low DDS compared to women with moderate/high DDS. Therefore, nutrition education and promotion awareness is needed on dietary diversity to prevent anemia among women of reproductive age.

A study to determine socio demographic corelates of reproductive tract infection amongst women of reproductive age group

Background: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is a public health problem, especially in developing country like India. The associated odium with this reproductive morbidity is often a stumbling block in seeking health care. The aim was to study the prevalence of RTI symptoms and its socio-demographic corelates.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the rural field practice area of department of community medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, from July 2018 to September 2018. Total sample size calculated was 410. Random sampling was used to select eligible couple to whom a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured and anonymous interview schedule was administered after taking consent.Results: The prevalence of self-reported reproductive tract infections was found to be 41.2%. The prevalence was more in lower socio-economic classes, and it was statistically significant. Other socio-demographic corelates (age, education, occupation) did not showed any significant association.Conclusions: The reproductive tract infections prevalence is found to be considerably high in the women of reproductive age group. The frequency was higher among multigravida women and those using cloth during menstrual periods. RTIs are usually spurned by women and even the health care providers, so there is a need to give due consideration to this aspect of reproductive health.

Societal Determinants of Anemia among Women of Reproductive Age and Role of Community Pharmacist for Its Management

Aims:To studysocietal determinants of anemia among women of reproductive age (WRA) and elaborate the role of community pharmacist for its management. Study Design:To investigatethe societal determinants of anemia, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Muzaffarabad district of AJK, Pakistan.Methodology:We collected the data from 384 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) having at least one child using a self-constructed interview schedule.The population sample size was calculated using Krejcie formula and purposive sampling was used for data collection. Two hospitals, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences and combined military hospital Muzaffarabad were selected for blood samples to screen the hemoglobin (Hb) level of the respondents and data collection. Univariate analysis was performed to examine the frequency distributions and percentages of cases depending on a single variable at a time. The bivariate analysis was performed usingchi-square test to determine empirical relationship between the anemia severity and socio-cultural risk factors of this ailment. The odd ratios were computed to investigate the odds of occurrence of anemia among respondents. The results were considered statistically significant at significance level ≤ 0.05. Results:The findings revealed that prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anemia are 26.3%, 40.9% and 14.3% respectively among WRA, which showsthat anemia is a significant health problem from public health perspective in the region. Major contributing factors are respondent’s and her husband’s education, age at marriage, number of pregnancies, knowledge about balanced diet and anemia, male preference in food intake and violence.Conclusion:Anemia is a multifactorial problem among WRA in the study population, which can be dealt with using an integrated approach by combating malnutrition, provision of adequate healthcare, quality education and devising strategies for avoiding domestic violence. The community pharmacists can play an effective role to educate people about the selection of iron supplementation for adequate management of anemia among WRA

Contraceptive use and quality of life among women of reproductive age, attending a general outpatient clinic in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and low use of modern contraceptives are major reproductive health problems affecting women of reproductive age. However, there is evidence of an increase in contraceptive use over the past decade. This study was carried out to assess the pattern of contraceptive use, and its association with quality of life among women of reproductive age, attending a general outpatient clinic, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with 323 women aged 15-49 years for three months. Data were retrieved using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.9±8 years. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 43.7%, and out which, 34.4% accounted for modern methods. At least 72.4% ever heard about a method of contraceptive. Male condom was the most heard (96.6%) and most used (39.0%) contraceptive method. Majority of the quality of life parameters had higher mean scores, with significant mean values in vitality and social functioning categories among contraceptive users (72.41±14.82 and 72.07±18.39 respectively, p=0.029) compared with non-contraceptive users.Conclusions: Despite a higher mean quality of life scores among contraceptive users, less than half of the respondents made use of contraceptives. Therefore, the need for more orientation on the use of contraceptives to promote safe sexual practice and birth control is required.

Factors Associated with Anemia among Selected Women of Reproductive Age in Tondo, Manila, Philippines

Background@#Anemia is the most common medical disorder throughout a woman’s life. Given that anemia during reproductive years impacts future gestational and perinatal health, then any factors possibly associated with the disorder should be studied and ultimately addressed. @*Objective@#This study aimed to determine anemia prevalence and its associated factors (socio-demographic, lifestyle, knowledge, dietary and biochemical) among a select group of women of reproductive age (WRA) living in Tondo, Manila. @*Methods@#This is an analytic cross-sectional study that utilized interviewer-assisted questionnaire and blood extraction to collect data from 166 WRA (18-40 years). @*Results@#Anemia prevalence among the study participants was found to be 9.0%. In terms of associated factors, being anemic was found to be more likely if the WRA has these factors: higher parity, graduated from college; unemployed; living in a low-income household; took iron supplements, and; have low knowledge on iron. On the other hand, increase in age, increase intake of heme iron and non-heme iron food sources, and an increase in blood ferritin concentration were factors that made anemia less likely among WRA. @*Conclusion@#Examining these factors provides insight into the multicausal nature of anemia. Thus, prevention and control programs should focus on the contribution and interrelatedness of these factors to address anemia.

Nutritional profile of women assisted by the program of Family Health Strategy in Maranhão State, Brazil / Perfil nutricional de mulheres atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família Maranhão, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate diet, whether due to excess or insufficient calories and nutrients, results in health risk situations as well as inadequate nutritional profile. The presence of nutritional deficiencies is more visible in women and, therefore, is more likely to reflect the risks of such deficiencies. Knowing the profile of the nutritional status of the female population of Maranhão, Brazil, which provide evidence of the nutritional status of their families, may support the creation of specific actions to combat eating problems and, consequently, improve their healthOBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional profile and its relationship with social determinants in a population of women attended by the program of Family Health Strategy in MaranhãoMETHODS: Cross-sectional study with 989 women aged 15 to 49 years, carried out during July to September 2010. Socioeconomic data were collected through a questionnaire, in addition it was applied of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale to know the level of food insecurity. Body mass index (BMI) and hip and waist circumference measurements were obtained to verify the nutritional profile. The variables were analyzed for frequencies, distribution and central tendency. Bivariate analysis was performed as to the associations between socioeconomic variables and BMI. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used between the food safety score and the BMI, adopting a significance level of 5%. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performedRESULTS: It was found a relationship between the BMI classification with some social determinants such as age, family income and food insecurity. There is a high prevalence of women at nutritional risk, especially for overweight and obesity, as well as the presence of thinness and short statureCONCLUSION: Socioeconomic factors have a significant association with women's Body Mass Index indicating that there is an important relationship between age-matched maternal Body Mass Index and food insecurity

INTRODUÇÃO: A alimentação inadequada, seja por excesso ou insuficiência de calorias e nutrientes, resulta em situações de risco à saúde assim como inadequações do perfil nutricional. A presença de deficiências nutricionais é mais visível em mulheres e, portanto, existe maior probabilidade de refletir os riscos de tais deficiências. . Conhecer o perfil do estado nutricional da população feminina do Maranhão, que retratar o estado nutricional de suas família, podendo auxiliar na criação de ações específicas no combate aos problemas alimentares e, consequentemente, de saúdeOBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil nutricional e sua relação com determinantes sociais em população de mulheres maranhenses atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da FamíliaMÉTODO: Estudo de corte transversal com 989 mulheres maranhenses com idade entre 15 e 49 anos, de julho a setembro de 2010. Por meio de questionário foram coletados dados para verificação das condições socioeconômicas, além da aplicação da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar para verificar o nível de insegurança alimentar. Índice de Massa Corporal e as medidas de circunferências de quadril e cintura foram obtidas para verificar o perfil nutricional. . As variáveis foram analisadas quanto a frequências, distribuição e tendência central. Foi realizada a análise bivariada quanto às associações entre as variáveis socioeconômicas e o Índice de Massa Corporal. Utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman entre o escore de segurança alimentar e o Índice de Massa Corporal, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. A análise de regressão linear de múltiplas variáveis foi realizadaRESULTADOS: Houve relação entre a classificação do Índice de Massa Corporal das mulheres com determinantes sociais como idade, renda familiar e insegurança alimentar. Observa-se prevalência elevada de mulheres em risco nutricional, principalmente para sobrepeso e obesidade, embora se observe ainda a presença de magreza e de baixa estaturaCONCLUSÃO: Os fatores socioeconômicos tem associação significante ao Índice de Massa Corporal das mulheres indicando que existe uma importante relação entre Índice de Massa Corporal materno com idade e a situação de insegurança alimentar

Exploration of contraceptive awareness and decision making among married women of reproductive age in semi urban area of Tamil Nadu

Background: India was the first country to have launched a National Program for Family Planning in 1952, but still there is no control on population growth. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraceptives among married women in semi urban area of Tamil Nadu.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a semi urban area of Tamil Nadu. Married women of reproductive age (15-49) were included. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the subjects and self-administered questionnaire was used as study tool.Results: In this study about 91.80% were aware of at least one of the contraceptive methods but only 64.75% women used. The most common reason for using contraception was small family norms (75.89%) and for not using contraception was worried about side effects. The method commonly preferred was sterilisation (63.93%). The process of decision making was done mutually by both husband and wife (76.79%). There is an association existing between the education and awareness.Conclusions: On overall analysis it was found that only 49% are aware of contraception. Thus by proper motivation, counselling and improving facilities at both government and private sector, the unmet needs of contraception can be a

Knowledge regarding reproductive health among women of reproductive age group in three sub-centre areas of a primary health center, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, Karnataka: a cross sectional study

Background: Reproductive health plays a significant role in a woman’s life. Women of child bearing age group in developing countries suffer ill health due to lack of knowledge on reproductive health issues. The objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge regarding reproductive health among women and the associated socio-demographic factors.Methods: A total of 345 women of age group 15-44 years were recruited using cluster sampling in 15 clusters from among 28 villages under a Primary Health Center from May to July 2017. Data on sociodemographic details and knowledge of reproductive health under the following domains: menstruation, contraception, reproductive tract infections and marriage and pregnancy were collected using a modified interview schedule.Results: The mean age of the study population was 28.59±9.08 years. Majority of them belonged to age group 15-30 years (60%), attained school level education (55.7%), 45% were gainfully employed, married (65.5%) and from middle class (40.6%). It was found that out of 345 study population; only 19% had adequate knowledge on reproductive health. The proportion of women who had adequate knowledge in each domain was marriage and pregnancy (47.5%), menstruation (29.9%), contraception (17.4%) and least being reproductive tract infections (15%). Knowledge on reproductive health was significantly inadequate among women in the age group 31-44 years, illiterate women, who belongs to lower class and students. Only, socio-economic status and occupation were the significant predictors of knowledge.Conclusions: Knowledge regarding reproductive health was inadequate among women in reproductive age group in rural areas.

Dietary diversity among women of reproductive age (15-49 years): implication for folate deficiency in Mbarara district, Uganda

Background: Understanding dietary diversity of women of reproductive age (WRA) is vital for better nutritional interventions of their health and that of unborn. Most diets consumed are macronutrient dense which leads to micronutrient deficiencies like neural tube defects (NTDs).Thirty three babies were born with NTDs at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital during 2016 and 2017 for reasons among which is folate deficiency. Folate can be derived cheaply from green vegetable consumption before antenatal visits. The study’s objective was to assess dietary diversity of WRA (15-49 years) living within Mbarara district.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for three months using a translated dietary diversity questionnaire from Food and Agricultural Organisation. Applying a 24 h recall method at various intervals of feeding, 402 WRA living within three constituencies of Mbarara district were randomly selected to participate.Results: 70.1% of WRA attained high Individual dietary diversity score (IDDS) of (≥6). 45.1% consumed folate rich plant and animal sources. 4.8%, 8.4%, and 17.6% consumed dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin rich fruits and animal sources respectively. Education, constituency of residence and occupation had a significant association with IDDS of P≤0.05 (0.000, 0.004, 0.030) respectively. WRA who scored IDDS≥6, 58.2% attained at least secondary education, 51.1% lived in urban constituency and 47.5% were working. 30% consumed starchy staple groups, though at 15.8% legumes, nuts and seeds group was most consumed.Conclusions: Low intake of folate rich sources was noted, though many WRA consumed diverse diets therefore, education and employment are suitable interventions

Quantification of poor menstrual hygiene among women of reproductive age group in a slum of Kolkata

Background: Menstruation, a phenomenon unique to the females, is the cyclical shedding of the inner lining of uterus. It is associated with myths and misconceptions and poor knowledge of the normal physiology. Above all, poor menstrual hygiene is a precursor of various morbidities related to the reproductive tract. This study was conducted among women of reproductive age (WRA) group with the aim to assess their socio demographic characteristics, to elicit the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstruation and to find the factors associated with the menstrual hygiene practice.Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 women aged (15-49 years) during December 2017 to January 2018 in Lockgate area of Chetla, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices towards menstruation were obtained from structured questionnaire. Outcome variable was menstrual hygiene practice. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data by using SPSS 16.0 version.Results: The mean ages of the participants were 27±8 years. Inadequate knowledge, negative attitude and unsatisfactory practice towards menstruation were 73.7%, 65.1% and 62.5% respectively. Significant correlates were Lower level of education [AOR=1.6 (1.3, 2.1)] and less per capita income [AOR=4.7(1.4, 15.5)] for inadequate knowledge. Less per capita income [AOR=4.7(1.9, 11.1)] for negative attitude. Increasing age [AOR=1.1 (1, 1.2)] and lower level of education [AOR=1.3 (1.2, 1.6)] for unsatisfactory menstrual hygiene practice when adjusted with other variables in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Women need to be educated about the significance of menstruation, importance of high quality menstrual hygiene management, use of satisfactory absorbent material, proper and hygienic disposal of menstrual absorbent so as to enable them to lead a healthy reproductive life.

Common mental disorders among women of reproductive age group in an urban area in Bengaluru

Background: Common mental disorders are commonly encountered in community settings, especially in women. The somatic symptoms often lead to repeated visits to health care practitioners without resolution of the problem. The knowledge of magnitude of common mental disorders and their associated factors has proved useful in psychiatric epidemiological research.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 480 randomly selected women in the reproductive age group using self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20), a validated tool developed by World Health Organisation. A standard cut-off score of 7 was used to identify women with common mental disorder. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and suitable tests of significance in statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) v. 21.0.Results: The prevalence of common mental disorder was found to be 33.5% in the present study. Analysis showed that various socio-demographic characteristics of women like lower educational levels of women, widowed women, and women belonging to lower socio-economic class, belonging to joint family, lower body mass index had statistically significant association with common mental disorders.Conclusions: This study revealed that the prevalence of common mental disorders was high (33.5%) among the women of reproductive age group and there existed statistically significant association between common mental disorders and various socio demographic determinants.