Background: India, which accounts for world's 17.5 percent population, is the second most populous country in the world next only to China (19.4%). The major objective of the NFHS surveys has been to strengthen India's demographic and health database, to anticipate and meet the country's needs for data on emerging health and family welfare issues. The objectives of the study were to study the different background characteristics of women adopting different family planning methods and to analyze the associated socio-demographic factors.. Methods: Secondary data analysis of NFHS 4 datasets obtained from DHS program portal. Appropriate statistical testing of associated socio-demographic variables done and interpreted accordingly. Results: Out of total 63696 couples, 99.2% women and 98.6% men knew modern method of contraception, 48.6% were currently using modern method of contraception and 7.4% traditional method. The majority (34%) women adopted female sterilization as current method of contraception. There is interstate variation in the contraceptive prevalence rate highest (80.60%) in Chandigarh compared to least (26.64%) in Goa. There is significant association observed between place of residence, religion, wealth index, women education, education of husband towards current contraceptive use. Conclusions: About 45% of population increase is contributed by births above two children per family. The adoption of appropriate method of contraception by couples made available through quality family planning services and empowering women by proper behavior change communication will help improve the present contraceptive prevalence rate especially among the vulnerable groups.

BACKGROUND Japanese Encephalitis (JE) over the years has emerged as one of the major public health problems in the country due to its complex eco-epidemiology. JE virus is a leading cause of encephalitis in Asia, causing an estimated 67, 900 JE cases annually. JE/AES has been reported from 171 districts of 19 States in the country. The present study was undertaken to study the trend of AES/JE cases in Cachar District of South Assam. METHODS This is a retrospective descriptive study. IDSP surveillance data was examined for the period January 2014 to December 2016. Results were analysed, and appropriate statistical methods was applied. RESULTS Among 300 clinically diagnosed cases of AES, 189 were males (63%) and rest 111 (37%) were females. The overall SPR for JE was 16.33%. Significant association was found between age groups and sample positivity rate and in distribution of cases in different block PHCs; with highest SPR observed in 31 to 60 years age group. The CFR in AES and JE Cases was found to be 12.34% and 12.24% respectively. The monthly JE cases show seasonal peaks during June to October, coinciding with rainy and post-rainy seasons. Significant correlation of rainfall with prevalence of JE was noticed. CONCLUSIONS JE is endemic in south Assam districts and affects all age groups specially adults. Hence, JE vaccination, integrated vector control management, information, behaviour change communication to be initiated for control of JE.

BACKGROUNDThe foundation of adequate growth and development is laid before birth, during childhood, and is followed during adolescence. Nutritional status is an important index for measuring quality of life especially in children. In this respect, understanding the nutritional status of children has far reaching implications on better development of future generations as well as future development of humanity. Malnutrition and diet are by far the biggest risk factors for the global burden of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted to understand the malnutrition scenario among the rural school children of 6-15 years age group and interplay of different sociodemographic factors contributing to it. Anthropometric data were analysed using WHO Anthro Plus version 1.0.4 software for assessing the growth of the children and by using appropriate statistical methods. RESULTSThe mean height of boys and girls of the study group was lower than WHO 2007 standards in all age groups. Of the 216 school children, 53, 31 and 111 were stunted/severely stunted, underweight/severely underweight, and thin/very thin, respectively. Both univariate and multivariate analysis revealed different associated sociodemographic factors contributing to poor nutritional status of children such as low socioeconomic status and poor educational background of their parents (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONThe causes of malnutrition are not only recent but also long term deprivation resulting to chronic malnutrition. Malnutrition results from the interaction of poor-quality diets and poor-quality health and care environments and behaviours, so urgent steps should be taken to improve nutritional status of school children.

BACKGROUNDSchool-age children constitute a particularly vulnerable group, where ocular morbidity including uncorrected refractive error may have a dramatic impact on learning capability and educational potential. Present study was conducted with the objective of estimating the prevalence of ocular morbidity among school children in rural area.

Background: Maternal and child health are critically important in a country that is experiencing high infant mortality and maternal mortality. Research all over the world has suggested that one of the major solutions to this problem is availability of Emergency Obstetric Care services within the reach of people. Objectives of the study were to examine profile of mothers who have delivered in health facility during a year and the interplay of various factors in child birth and newborn outcome.Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study conducted by collecting information in predesigned format from medical records. Appropriate statistical methods and test of significance performed for qualitative and quantitative variables.Results: Out of 539 women, the majority of 42.9% were in the age group 20-25 years, the mean age (SD) of mother was 24.1 years (±4.09). Out of total 539 vaginal deliveries, 56.6% cases episiotomy was performed. 41.6% deliveries occurred from 8 AM to 4 PM. The mean birth weight was 2.830 kg SD 0.439 and low birth prevalence 16.0%. Parity with time to delivery after admission in different age groups revealed significant association (X2=66.456, p=0.000). Women aged less than 20 years are 12 times more at risk of episiotomy performed. The multivariate logistic regression analysis shows 60.67% specificity and 85.59% sensitivity in predicting episiotomy.Conclusions: From study it is evident that women report to hospital late in labor hence there is urgent need to provide quality antenatal care services at village and PHC level and augment awareness among the community for promotion of safe motherhood.