Background: The world’s adolescent population is facing a series of serious nutritional challenges which are not only affecting their growth and development but also their livelihood as adults. Yet, adolescents remain a largely neglected, difficult to measure and hard to reach population, in which the needs of adolescent girls in particular, are often ignored. Anemia in adolescent girls contributes to maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity in future. The objective of the study was to estimate the frequency of anemia among adolescent girls, to study the socio-demographic factors associated with anemia and to evaluate the cause and type of anaemia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an urban area in a school. A total of 300 girls (12-18 years) were included in this study. Statistical analysis was done using percentage, standard error of proportion, Chi-square test and student’s t-test.Results: The prevalence of anemia was found to be 90%. A significant association of anemia was found with socio-economic status and literacy status of parents. Mean height and weight of subjects with anemia was significantly less than subjects without anemia. A high prevalence of anemia among adolescent females was found, among those whose parents were less educated.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of anemia among adolescent females was found to be 90%. There is significant association of anemia with socio-economic status and parents' educational status. There is need to increase awareness of anemia in adolescent girls and parents.

Background: With the efforts from government and increase in the literacy of women, awareness about contraceptive methods is increased. The objective of the study was to analyse contraceptive awareness and practices in women and to find out the source of information and reason for non-use of contraception.Methods: In a cross-sectional study 400 women were interviewed from July to December 2016.Results: In our study, majority (43.5 %) of women were between 26-30 years of age followed by women between 22-25 years of age (26.5 %). 92.5% of women were aware of one or other method of contraception. But only 42.5% were practicing contraception. Maximum awareness was about tubectomy (90.5%) followed by CuT (87.5%), Condom 50%, O.C. pills 12.5%, Safe period 5% and injectables 2.5%. Most common method used in our study group was condom (20%) followed by tubectomy 12.5%, CuT 7.5%, O.C. Pills 1.5%, Injectable contraceptive and safe period 0.5% each. 37.5 % woman got information from radio or newspaper, 30 % from hospital doctor, 25 % from friends or relatives, 7.5 % had no information. 100% women were literate, 70% had education till high school, 30% were graduate or postgraduate. In our study, 52.5% had no reason for non-use of contraception.25% were not using due to myths or fears while 22.5% were not using due to family pressure.Conclusions: We concluded that awareness about contraceptive methods is quite high but acceptance is quite low. Condom is the most common method used.

Background: Immunization is a highly cost-effective way of reducing morbidity and mortality in children in developing countries Objectives of this study were to determine awareness of parents and immunization status of children in the age group of 2 to 5 years and study the social factors influencing immunization status of a child.Methods: A total 200 children aged 2-5 years who are attending Pediatric OPD, immunization clinic from May 2017 to April 2018 were enrolled in the present study.Results: In the present study, 170 children (85%) received full immunization given by Government of India free of cost while 30 children (15%) got partial immunization. 90 children (45%) received full immunization while 110 children (55%) got partial immunization NOT given by Government of India free of cost. Parents of 80 children (40%) were unaware of vaccination schedule, parents of 70 children (35%) did not give full vaccination due to high cost, parents of 30 children (15%) had wrong beliefs while parents of 20 children (10%) couldn’t understand the importance of vaccination due to less education.Conclusions: The goal of 85% coverage is an uphill task. Adverse effects following immunization, busy parents, lack of knowledge seems to be a major contributing factor for the non-success of this national program. Parent’s occupation and education are statistically significant contributing factors for the poor immunization coverage among these children.

Background: Breast feeding is vital for the health of baby & mother. It is of advantage to baby, mother, family, society and nation. Present study was carried out to evaluate knowledge, attitude and breast feeding practices of postnatal women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at immunization centre. 208 postnatal women were interviewed.Results: Out of 208 postnatal women, 148 women (71.15%) had delivery by caesarean section while 60 women (28.84%) had vaginal delivery. 118 women (56.73%) started breast feeding the baby within 2 hours of delivery, 52 women (25%) started breast feeding the baby after 24 hours of delivery, 26 women (12.5%) started breast feeding the baby after 2-6 hours of delivery while 12 women (5.76%) started breast feeding the baby after 6-24 hours of delivery. 174 women (83.65%) were giving exclusive breast feeding to their babies, 32 women (15.38%) were giving mixed feeding to their babies due to failure to thrive because of inadequate breast secretions. 28 (13.46%) preferred to give formula feeds while 7 (3.36%) preferred to give cow’s milk when needed. 180 (86.53%) intend or started weaning after 6 months while 28 women (13.46%) started weaning to their babies due to failure of baby to thrive or inadequate lactation.Conclusions: Awareness of breast feeding was good. Majority preferred exclusive breast feeding. Still, antenatal counseling about breast feeding can be further of advantage.

Background- Those who are pro euthanasia believe that such act eliminates the patient's pain and suffering. Right to die allows the person to die with dignity. But euthanasia may involve taking a human's life, The present study evaluates the attitude of doctors involved in care of critically ill patients towards euthanasia. Material & methods- A survey on Euthanasia was conducted amongst 100 doctors involved in the treatment of critically ill patients of various ailments at ICARE institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre & B.C.Roy Hospital, Haldia, West Bengal, India, to nd out their attitude towards euthanasia. Results- In present study, majority i.e., 64 (64%) subjects were between 31-40 years, 24 (24%) subjects were between 41-50 years, 10 (10%) subjects were between 51-60 years while 2 (2%) subjects were more than 60 years. 56(28%) subjects were females while 44 (44%) subjects were males. 4 (4%) were Neurophysician, 5 (5%) were Neurosurgeon, 32 (32%) were Critical care consultant, 19 (19%) were Anesthetist, 34 (34%) were, 6 (6%) were Surgeon. 89 (89%) (81.2-94.4%, 95%CI) subjects were anti-euthanasia. In majority of circumstances, 89 (89%) subjects said they will not give euthanasia while 11 (11%) (5.6-18.8%, 95%CI) subjects said they will give euthanasia. Conclusion- Though the Supreme Court judgement has provided a major boost, it is a long way to go before it becomes a law. Also, its misuse remains a major issue.