ABSTRACT:Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to develop statistical model that can predict the probability of breast cancer These data were then analysed using multinomial logistic regression analysis in a SPSS statistical software and relations between the occurrence of breast cancer across the socio-economic status and the influence of other socio-economic variables were evaluated and multinomial logistic regression models were constructed. iii) the model that best predicted the occurrence of breast cancer were identified. This multivariate logistic regression model has been entered into a geographic information system and maps showing the predicted probability of breast cancer occurrence in Southern Karnataka was created. This study demonstrates that Multinomial logistic regression is a valuable tool for developing models that predict the probability of breast cancer Occurrence in Southern Karnataka.* Corresponding author. This is useful to know for communication with the appropriate person in cases with more than one author.

Context: Lymphatic fi lariasis or elephantiasis a serious public health problem in India. Millennium Development Goals and National Health Policies purport to eliminate fi lariasis by 2015. The concept of mass drug administration (MDA) is to approach every individual in the target community and administer annual single dose of anti-fi larial drugs (DEC or DEC+Albendazole). Aims: 1. Assess the coverage and compliance to MDA in the district. 2. Assess the awareness of elephantiasis among benefi ciaries. 3. Assess the knowledge of drug distributors about fi lariasis and the MDA program. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in one urban and three rural clusters in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka for the period of one week. A total of 50 houses were selected in each cluster by systematic random sampling method and data were collected in a structured proforma by interview technique. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Results: Among 1,022 benefi ciaries, the overall coverage of MDA was 82.3%. Compliance among those who had received the tablets was 52.1%. Effective coverage rate was 42.9%. The compliance rate was signifi cantly higher in rural areas [376 (58.6%)] compared to urban areas [62 (31.0%)]. The most common reason quoted for not consuming drugs was "Don't want" (50.4%). A total of 56% of the respondents were aware of the elephantiasis disease and MDA program. Conclusions: Even though there was high coverage of MDA in Uttara Kannada district, compliance and effective coverage rates were found to be poor.

Context:Tobacco is a leading cause of disease and premature death. Most of the smokers visit a doctor for various health related ailments and thus such clinic visits provide many opportunities for interventions and professional tobacco cessation advice.Aims:The primary aim of the following study is to assess the physician practices, perspectives, resources, barriers and education relating to tobacco cessation and their perceived need for training for the same. The secondary aim is to compare the physician's cessation practices from patient's perspective.Settings and Design:A descriptive study was conducted in a hospital attached to Medical College in Mysore city, Karnataka.Materials and Methods:Information about doctor's practices, perspectives and their perceived need for training in tobacco cessation were collected using pre-structured self-administered Questionnaire, which were distributed in person. Patient's practices and perspectives were assessed using a pre-structured Oral Questionnaire.Results:Almost 95% of physicians said that they ask patients about their smoking status and 94% advise them to quit smoking, but only 50% assist the patient to quit smoking and only 28% arrange follow-up visits. Thus, they do not regularly provide assistance to help patients quit, even though 98% of the physicians believed that helping patients to quit was a part of their role. Only 18% and 35% of the physicians said that Undergraduate Medical Education and Post Graduate Medical Education respectively prepared them very well to participate in smoking cessation activities.Conclusions:Tobacco cessation requires repeated and regular assistance. Such assistance is not being provided to patients by attending doctors. Our medical education system is failing to impart the necessary skills to doctors, needed to help patients quit smoking. Reforms in education are needed so as to prepare the physician to effectively address this problem.

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