Factors influencing delay in initiating post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies prevention among animal bite victims: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the delay and the factors associated with delay in initiating post exposure prophylaxis. METHODS: A consecutive sampling method was proceeded, and 199 patients attending the anti-rabies clinic with a history of animal bite reported at SMHS Hospital were the subjects of the study. RESULTS: Majority of the patients (72.36%) reported a delay within 6 h after exposure, 18.59% within (6-48) h and 9.04% after 48 h of exposure. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of accessible anti-rabies clinics as well as increasing the awareness among general public about timely post exposure prophylaxis in the community are some of the factors that need to be implemented.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning services among healthcare workers in Kashmir - A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Researches have shown highest awareness but low utilization of contraceptives making the situation a serious challenge. Most of women in reproductive age group know little or have incorrect information about family planning methods. Even when they know the name of some of the contraceptives, they do not know where to get them or how to use it. These women have negative attitude about family planning, whereas some have heard false and misleading information, the current study aimed in assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning among female healthcare workers in Kashmir valley. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire was served to the female multipurpose health workers of District Anantnag and Baramulla at a training conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir. RESULT: All the participants had heard about family planning methods. The major sources of information were trainers (78.8%). About 90.4% of the study participants gave correct response regarding the types of family planning. About 80.1% of the respondents had a favorable attitude toward family planning. Around three-fourths of the study participants practiced one or other method of family planning. CONCLUSION: Our study lead to the conclusion that the level of knowledge and attitude toward family planning was relatively low and FP utilization was quite low among the healthcare workers. In order to imbibe positive attitude among general public, the health workers need to be trained so as to inculcate the positive attitude in them leading to increased awareness among general public with regard to family planning.