INTRODUCTION:Rising prevalence of hypertension is a major public health challenge in India especially in Kerala. This cross sectional study was done to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in a rural population of Kottayam, Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Community based cross sectional study was carried out among 400 adults aged 30 years and above in a randomly selected ward of Ettumanoor panchayath, which is the field practice area of Govt. Medical college, Kottayam. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding socio demographic and behavioral factors. Standardized sphygmomanometric blood pressure measurement was taken by trained team members twice for each individual and the average of the two was taken as blood pressure. Anthropometric measurements were also done. A systolic blood pressure of ≥140mm of Hg and or diastolic BP≥90mm of Hg was regarded as hypertension. Data analysis was done using the software Epi-info version 3.4.3. Chi square test revealed the association between hypertension (dependent variable) and other socio demographic and behavioural factors (independent variable). A p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. All the significant variables are included in the binary logistic regression to find out Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 35% (males-33.8% females -35.6%). The variables which evolved as significant and remained so in binary logistic regression analysis were single status after marriage/ unmarried (AOR-2.45 95% CI 1.38-4.38), low educational status (AOR-2.31, 95%CI-1.46-3.64), family history of hypertension (AOR-1.85 95%CI-1.2-2.85) and trunkal obesity in females (AOR-2.41 95%CI-1.37-4.24) CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the prevalence (35%) and risk factors for hypertension in the study area. The results of the study can be used to develop messages to make the people aware of the problem of hypertension and its determinants and also the need for early diagnosis.

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Context: Skin diseases are a major cause of public concern among underprivileged people residing in orphanages. There is a need for community-based study for dermatoses in orphanages as the literature is scarce at the national and international levels. Aims: For profiling of various dermatoses to generate information on general health, nutritional status, and sanitation, and to educate about personal skin hygiene and care to inmates in urban child orphanages. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 urban child orphanages in Tirunelveli city for 1 month. Methods and Material: A predesigned proforma was prepared and the demographic details regarding the inmates were obtained and they were screened under natural light for skin, hair, nail, and oral disorders as well as their built, nourishment, height, and weight were measured and recorded in tabulations. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistical analysis was followed for describing the prevalence of dermatoses and the age group affected which are explained in percentages and ratios. Results: Out of a total of 850 inmates, 93 (11%) were of 5–9 years and 757 (89%) were of 10–19 years. Among them, 330 (39%) were males and 520 (61%) were females. Overall, the inmates affected with dermatoses were 360 (42.4%) and infectious dermatoses were seen in 218 inmates (60.5%) and non-infectious dermatoses were seen in 142 inmates (39.5%). Adolescent females were more commonly affected and the commonest dermatoses observed were pediculosis capitis (13.6%) followed by acne vulgaris (8.1%) and in adolescent males, scabies (7.1%) was the commonest. No psychocutaneous disorders were encountered. Conclusions: Infections and infestations are common in orphanages due to a lack of awareness of personal hygiene and self-care practices. They should be given health education in order to reduce the disease burden in children living in orphanages which in turn decreases the disease burden at the community level.