Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 33% of all work-related illnesses and are the most frequent cause of all health-related absence from work. Working women particularly are at more risk of developing MSDs since they are involved in household activities and childcare along with office work. Psychosocial stress and comfort level at work also play a major role in development of MSDs. So, this study was done to assess the risk factors for the development of MSDs.Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among 60 women clerical staff of a tertiary care hospital, who participated on voluntary basis. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Information on MSDs was collected using Nordic scale. Descriptive statistics, chi square and odds ratio was used for data analysis.Results: Mean age of study participants was 33.88±6.97 years and mean BMI was 23.74±4.15 kg/m2. 81.7% were working 6-8 hours per day, 36.7% working in static posture for longer periods and 28.3% had sleep disturbances. Majority of women had low back pain both in last seven days (56.7%) and twelve months (35.0%). Those who complained of sleep disturbance were nine times and seven times at higher risk of developing pain in last seven days (p=0.015, OR=9.48) and twelve months (p=0.005, OR=7.85).Conclusions: Low-back pain was commonest among MSDs, significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Counseling sessions should be conducted regarding work ergonomics and Occupational Health Departments should be established to avoid untoward events that develop in their productive life.

No abstract

Background: Adolescence is phase of maturations where an individual experiences drastic changes in growth and development. Age group 10-19 years is defined as adolescent age by World health organization. In developing countries, this is the period when many children drop-out of school and miss out on education. Among adolescent girls’ menstruation is a major life changing event. We conducted this study among rural adolescent girls to know their knowledge, attitude and practices towards menstruation. We also educated all girls on physiology and hygienic practices during menstruation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls attending our out-patient clinic in the rural area. All girls were interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices towards menstruation. Informed consent was taken from all girls before stating the study. Data presented in form of frequency, percentages. Chi-square test was applied to analyze for association.Results: 87% were students, 88% adolescent girls belonged to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. 98% adolescent girls had attained menarche before 15 years of age, 27% adolescent girls had dysmenorrhea presenting as pain in abdomen region. Sanitary pad was being used by only 64% adolescent girls, of whom, 59.4% change sanitary pad twice daily, 75% dispose it by burning. Overall, 36% adolescent girls used cloth, of whom, 41.7% changed cloth twice a day, 69.4% adolescent girls wash and burn the cloth. Among adolescent girls still studying in school 71.2% used sanitary pads which was statistically significant.Conclusions: Education is essential to empower girls to take informed decisions. On receiving adequate information on menstruation, girls were willing to adapt healthy hygienic practices. Hence, health education activities should be started at all schools so as to inculcate good practices early in life.

No abstract