IntroductionReproductive tract infections (RTIs) are endemic among developing countries and common among females specifically in the reproductive age group. The sequelae of this lead to infertility. The main reason behind the high prevalence was found to be the lack of awareness about the disease and the stigma toward the disease.
Aims and objectivesThis study aims to assess the prevalence of reproductive tract infection based on the syndromic management approach among ever-married rural women in the reproductive age group in the Kancheepuram District.
MethodologyThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute during the period from March 2016 to May 2017. The sample size taken was 330, and the sample size was arrived at by multistage random sampling and population proportion to size. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire of District Level Household Survey 4 (DLHS-4) on RTI/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data were then entered in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) and analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and results were interpreted.
ResultsThe prevalence of RTI was found to be 50.3%, with the majority (61.3%) of women in the age group of 28-37 years, 52.85% among females living with spouses, and 57.9% from the Hindu community. The prevalence was high among the lower-middle-class and nuclear families. The commonest symptom is vulval itching with 74.09%, and the least is boils with 0.9%. A significant association was noted between RTI and menstrual hygiene practices and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05).
ConclusionThe prevalence was high among rural females, and the main reason behind it was the stigma and the lack of awareness. Health education using various sources should be provided to get rid of these issues.
BackgroundThe health status of children is considered a very important and vital factor for building the future of a growing nation. So providing proper nutrition to the child is very important to enhance the growth of the child.
ObjectivesThe present study is intended to assess the nutritional status and morbidity pattern of children attending Anganwadi centers.
Materials and methodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in children in the age group of 3-6 years attending the Anganwadi centers. By using the simple random sampling technique 13 Anganwadi centers were selected and a sample of 381 children was selected as the study population. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17 (Chicago: SPSS Inc). Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee (ECR/460/Inst/AP/2013/RR_19).
ResultsThe overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 172 (45.2%), 243 (63.8%), and 79 (20.7%), respectively, according to the WHO-recommended classification. It was observed that a high prevalence of morbidity was of anemia, 125 (32.08%), followed by upper respiratory tract infection, 78 (20.48%).
ConclusionThe present study shows that there are still many children who are malnourished and suffering from anemia in our country, even after 46 years of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). As malnutrition is a complex and multi-dimensional issue, comprehensive studies regarding causative, aggravating, and associated factors leading to malnutrition are required to be studied, to know the problem in-depth, and formulate better health policies.
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