A pilot study was conducted to assess the knowledge, practice on occupational hazards and attitude towards utilization of safety measures among fishermen at Malpe fishing harbor from 5-8-2012 to19-8-2012.The descriptive survey study was conducted among 40 fishermen. Convenient sampling technique was used in selection of sample. The data was collected by face to face interview using structured knowledge questionnaire with 30 items on knowledge on occupational hazards, 3 point scale to elicit the self reported practices in prevention of occupational hazards and by 5 point likert scale to determine the attitude towards utilization of safety measures. The overall knowledge indicated that 55% of the subjects had inadequate knowledge and rest had adequate knowledge related to work related hazards. In the area of psycho-social the subjects had adequate knowledge (63%, SD 1.05); the least possession of knowledge was in the area of safety devices (47.5%). Fishermen had moderately adequate practices (55.29%) and area wise practice score had revealed that subjects had poor practices concerning personal protective devices. Attitude found to be moderate among fishermen (95%).There was significant relationship between knowledge and practice score(r= 0.366, df= 38, P= 0.304) as well as practice and attitude scores(r = 0.370) at 0.05 level of significance. Found no correlation between knowledge and attitude scores. The study highlights the need to inspire the fishermen to improve their safety at work place and develop positive attitude about utilization of safety devices.

No abstract

Introduction Malaria and dengue fever are the two major mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) seen in India and these diseases are endemic in many of the Indian states. Educating the public is one of the effective ways to prevent any diseases and school children act as health messengers to their family members. Video-assisted teaching methods help the children to understand the concept better and grasp it easily. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of school-based video-assisted health education on knowledge regarding MBD. Materials and Methods The study design used was cross-sectional one group pre- and posttest design. Ninety-five children studying in 6th and 7th standard of two higher primary schools located in a rural area of southern India have participated in the study. The knowledge level of the children was assessed using a structured knowledge questionnaire before and after the video-assisted health education program. Children were educated using PowerPoints and videos in three sessions on various aspects of MBD. Statistical Analysis Data was analyzed using a statistical software, SPSS-23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results The mean score was 23.58 ± 7.08 in the pretest and the posttest mean score was 53.01 ± 3.90. The minimum score was 13 in the pretest and in the posttest it was 44 with a maximum possible score of 60. Intervention was effective and led to 49.05% of gain in knowledge of children from pretest to the posttest and the difference in the mean value was statistically significant (t = 36.58, p < 0.001). Conclusion Even though children had the knowledge on MBD, it was not adequate and video-assisted health education was useful to improve their knowledge. More consistent efforts are needed to educate the children on different health issues using various sense stimulating teaching aids to help them develop into healthy future generation.

Background: The new mantra for job opportunities among young population is “call center”. Though Bangalore is considered as hub for call centres, the slowly call centres are emerging in Mangalore. Since this job has got a lot of mental pressure, it can be even exhibited in the form of physical and physiological symptoms. Hence, an attempt has been made by the investigator to assess the health issues among call centre employees. Objectives: A descriptive study aimed to assess the health issues among employees working in selected call centres. Materials and Methods: Convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 80 call centre employees. The dichotomous questionnaire having 22 items and baseline proforma having 16 items were given for the subjects to place their responses. Results: The present study revealed that overall percentage of health issues was around 19% that shows the employees had one or the other type of health issue. Headache was the most frequent complaint (66.3%) sounded by the subjects. Second common complaint was eye strain (45%) followed by back pain (43%). Less proportion (28.8%) of the respondents were restless and 27.5% had gained weight. There was  a significant association between age (χ2 =16.20,p<0.05), gender (χ2 =6.5,p <0.05), religion (χ2 =33.80,p<0.05), marital status (χ2 =49.37,p<0.05), type of family (χ2 =45.0,p <0.05), habits (χ2 =174.1,p <0.05), frequency of habits (χ2 =48.05,p <0.05), years of job experience (χ2 =28.67,p<0.05), type of shift (χ2=45.0,p<0.05), average number of working hours (χ2 =72.20,p <0.05), rest period (χ2 =54.45,p<0.05), duration of rest period (χ2 =25.87,p<0.05) and participation in health awareness program (χ2=76.05,p<0.05) with baseline characteristics. Conclusion: From the findings, it can be inferred that the longer the working hours, the more the health issues. The rest period ensures the less health issues. More the years of job experience more will be the health issues, the smokers had more health issues than the non smokers.                      Keywords: Health issues, employees, call centres