Background:The elderly population comprises a vulnerable age group owing to multiple health problems such as depression.Objective: To establish the differences in the prevalence and determinants of depression among urban and rural elderly residents. Materials and Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out for 6 months in the urban and rural field practice areas attached to a tertiary-care hospital. The respondents were individuals aged ≥ 60 years, who agreed to voluntarily participate in the study. A pre-designed and semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the information. Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Result:The prevalence of depression was found to be 27.71% and 24.46% among the urban and rural elderly population, respectively. Depression was significantly higher among female subjects (c 2 = 3.271, df = 1, p < 0.0001) and those aged ≥ 80 years (c 2 = 35.36, df = 2, p < 0.0001). Low socioeconomic status was another predictor (c 2 = 55.89, df = 1, p < 0.0001). A high prevalence of depression was reported among those who were physically inactive (32.37%) and experiencing chronic diseases (32.37%). As far as the determinants of depression were concerned, no significant difference was found in the urban and rural areas.Conclusion: Thus, urban-rural differences in depression among elderly population were not observed. However, considering the high prevalence of depression reported in this study, screening for depression among elderly population to facilitate the successful implementation of intervention programs is imperative.

Background: Aging is a progressive stage beginning with conception and ending with death. Growth in the elderly population has led to an increase in age related diseases and mainly depression affecting quality of life. Depression in old age is an emerging public health problem leading to morbidity and disability worldwide. Aims & Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression in elderly using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), to determine the factors influencing depression and recommend preventive measures. Material and Methods: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study was conducted in the urban slums, field practice area of Community Medicine attached to a tertiary care hospital. Study was done for six months in the urban slums and persons aged ≥ 60 years residing in the urban slums were included. Those with any psychiatric morbidity and without consent were excluded. A pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used to collect information. GDS was used to assess depression Results: Prevalence of depression was 29.36%. Females (31.39%) were more affected than males (25.93%). 41 (64.06%) among those who were not working were depressed. 45 (70.31%) among illiterates were depressed compared to 19 (29.69%) literates (X2=6.664, df=1, p=0.0098, NS). (64.06%) among those not working, (60.93%) elderly belonging to low socioeconomic status and (54.69%) indulging in substance abuse had depression. Conclusion: Depression in elderly is highly prevalent. Quality health care of the elderly reduces the future burden of diseases and disabilities.

Background: The worldwide annual average of road traffic accident (RTA) is approximately 7,00,000 and out of that 10% occur in India. It is estimated that in India, by 2020 RTA would have its fatal effect on about 5,50,000 people annually. This study was conducted to describe the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of RTAs using quantum geographic information system (QGIS) software reported to a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru. Methods: It was a record based descriptive study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Mangaluru. The complete enumeration of all RTAs reported to Yenepoya Medical College Hospital (YMCH) during January 2018 to June 2018 was followed. QGIS software was used to depict spatial distribution of the road traffic accident on open street map. Results: A total of 180 cases of RTA was reported to the hospital during the study period, of which 86.1% were males. The mean age of the study participants was 33.99 years. The lower limb was the most common site of injury (48.3%) and fractures were the most common type of injury (55.6%). As per the type of RTA majority (55.6%) was motorbike accidents and drivers (47.8%) were the most common RTA victims. Predominantly RTAs occurred during evening hours of the day (40%). QGIS plotting revealed clustering of RTAs in Dakshina Kannada district, North Karnataka and neighboring districts of Kerala. Conclusion: QGIS can be used at the health care system level as an important tool to plan preventive measures and early intervention measures at the site of RTA.

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Background: Construction site workers are prone to develop health problems due to poor living conditions. This is magnified by lack of timely access to health care. Thus, we sought to explore the health status of construction site workers.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in construction sites located in an urban area of Mangalore, from September to November, 2015 among workers aged ≥18 years, with consent. Information was obtained through a pre-designed, pre-tested interview schedule.Results: A total of 178 individuals participated in the study, which included 160 (89.80%) males. Majority, (80.80%), stated that they had experienced fever at least once in the past one year. Other major complaints were blocked nose (17.40%), followed by skin diseases (12.70%) and cough which was present in 12.30%. When the study participants had an illness, 65.70% visited a health facility. Majority (82.50%) preferred private doctors, 62.50% visited the doctor so that they could work better and earn more, and 37.0% were unable to afford the treatment due to high treatment cost.Conclusions: The most common health complaint was found to be fever. Nearly half of the study participants had illness which required treatment in the last one year. More than half visited a health facility when ill. A high proportion (82.50%) preferred private health facility.