and diseases. Skin diseases are common in elderly, and increased prevalence of skin disease may reflect underlying systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, neurological disease, vascular insufficiency and malignancy, and may also be due to restricted mobility/lack of care and compromised immune status. Because meeting health needs of the aging population is a priority and aging-related issue is drawing increasing attention in the present scenario, this study was undertaken to know the prevalence of skin problems among elderly. The main objective of this study was to determine the spectrum of cutaneous manifestations and prevalence of physiological and pathological changes in the skin of elderly. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 elderly patients (aged group 60 years and above) for 1 year from July 2013 to June 2014 at a private clinic in Mandya city. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data regarding the sociodemographic profile after obtaining the informed consent. A detailed history of cutaneous complaint including associated medical conditions followed by general physical, Background: Geriatric health care has been considered as an emerging issue due to the increase in life expectancy. Cutaneous lesions are more common among the elderly due to aging, which causes decline in the function of skin. Additional factors such as medical conditions, drugs, and environmental irritants also lead to the compromised skin. Objective: To determine the spectrum of cutaneous manifestations among the elderly. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 patients aged 60 years and above reporting to the private clinic in Mandya between July 2013 and June 2014 were evaluated. Skin changes in all the patients were recorded and were classified into physiological and pathological changes. Data were entered in an Excel sheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 300 patients studied, 68% were men and 32% were women. Eczema (40%) was the most common pathological condition followed by pruritus (32%), and xerosis was common among the physiological changes. Conclusion: Elderly people are one of the more vulnerable sections of our society. Majority of the elderly in this study had xerosis and eczema. Increased prevalence of psychodermatosis in this study emphasizes the need of psychological support in addition to the medical care.

Anganwadi worker (AWW) is a multipurpose worker employed under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, India. They are the community's primary link with health services and an important agent for behavioral change for improving QoL. The AWW undergo training at the beginning of their career and once in every 3 years, and this training includes various issues regarding the improvement of physical, psychological, social, environmental, and other aspects of life. Therefore, they can assess their QoL in a rational manner. Hence, we undertook this study to assess the QoL of AWWs of Mandya city, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2011 on AWWs. We included all the workers from all the 96 Anganwadi centers of Mandya city, India, to ensure full coverage, after obtaining the permission from the concerned authority. All the workers who gave consent were included for the study. To assess the QOL, we used the World Health Organization Quality of Life-short version (WHOQoL-BREF) that includes four domains (physical health, psychological, social relations, and environment). The WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire is available in 19 languages including Kannada, the local language. The Kannada version of WHOQoL-BREF has been validated Background: Quality of life refers to a subjective evaluation, which is embedded in a physical, psychological, social, and environmental context. Objectives: To determine the quality of life of anganwadi workers (AWWs) of Mandya city, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2011. All the AWWs from Mandya city were included. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-short version (WHOQoL-BREF) in Kannada, the local language, was administered to assess their quality of life. Results: The mean age of AWWs was 40.9 ± 8.3 years. Majority of them had completed their high school, and most of them felt their overall quality of life was good. The mean scores were 69, 63, 58, and 56 for social, physical, psychological, and environmental domains, respectively. Conclusion: Of the four domains of quality of life, the social and physical domains were slightly higher than the environment and psychological domains.

Background: Sanitation is one of the basic determinants of quality of life and human development index. Open air defecation has dire health impacts. Objective of the study is to determine the sanitary latrine coverage, use and factors influencing its use in a rural community. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area for 3 months. Around 259 households were included for the present study. Data was collected by house to house visit in the selected villages using a pretested structured questionnaire. The infrastructure of the sanitary latrine was observed and noted. Data was entered in excel sheet and analysed using epi-data software. Results: Sanitary latrine was present in 213 houses (82%) and rest 18% practiced open air defecation. The average duration of use of sanitary latrine was 6.33±6.03 years. Nearly 90% (189) of the latrines were private latrines, majority of the sanitary latrine were pucca with adequate lighting and good ventilation. Conclusion: Majority of them were using latrines, only 18% of them practiced open air defecation. But among the houses with latrine, more than half of the latrines did not have water facility and soap in the latrine. Majority of them felt that safety was the most common advantage of having a latrine.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging disease in India. Creating awareness among the community still plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of TB. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 4 months in a rural area in Mandya, southern Karnataka. Sample size was estimated and those who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included with prior consent. Data were collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi info software. Results: Among the 774 participants, majority (61.8%) of the study participants belonged to the age group of 30–59 years; 32.7% of the subjects had studied up to secondary level of education. More than three-fourth of the subjects (76.1%) had heard about TB disease. More than 50% of the subjects mentioned “coughing” by a diseased person as the main reason for spread. Forty percent of the subjects, opined as recovery, will be complete after treatment. More than 60% of the subjects knew that TB diagnosis and treatment is free in any government health center. Conclusion: Our study found that knowledge regarding TB and its control in many of the aspects is either insufficient or not satisfactory in the community.

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