Objectives: To assess treatment compliance of self-reported dog bite cases and to assess associated demographic and exposure factors. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was conducted during January 2013 to July 2013 among 260 dog bite cases by purposive sampling at the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. After obtaining verbal informed consent, a predesigned questionnaire was used. The assessment of treatment compliance of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen was considered on the basis of intramuscular anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) regimen by classifying completed PEP and defaulted PEP. At the end of PEP regimen of every participant, we obtained information about received ARV doses using telephone survey method. Data were analyzed using statistical software Epi info Version 7. Results: Of 260 dog bite cases, 76.5% cases were completed PEP. The majority, 22.3% cases from age group ≤10 years, 56.2% males, 48.1% from urban area, 25% had primary school education, 32.7% students, 53.8% had bite mark on lower limb, 58.5% were category III exposure, and 70.8% who had received previously immunization against rabies, were completed PEP. The bite due to 54.6% pet dog, 58.1% observable dog, 40% provoked bite, 71.9% cases who had not known about the rabid status of the dog, were completed PEP. The unconditional logistic regression analysis found that demographic and exposure factors were not independently associated with treatment compliance (P > 0.05) except literacy status (P < 0.05). The present study showed maximum completed PEP cases, however, it showed the demographic and exposure factors of dog bite cases were not independently associated with treatment compliance except literacy status.

Background:To assess the maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight (LBW) neonates at a tertiary hospital, Nanded, Maharashtra.Materials and Methods:This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Nanded city of Maharashtra between January 2014 and July 2014 among 160 cases (LBW-birth weight ≤2499 g) and 160 controls (normal birth weight-birth weight >2499. Data collection was done by using predesigned questionnaire and also related health documents were checked and collected the expected information during the interview after obtaining informed consent from mothers. The data were analyzed by Epi Info 7 Version.Results:The present study found the significant association among gestational age, sex of baby, type of delivery, maternal age, religion, education of mother and husband, occupation of mother and husband, type of family, maternal height, weight gain, hemoglobin level, planned/unplanned delivery, bad obstetric history, interval between pregnancies, previous history of LBW, underlying disease, tobacco chewing, timing of first antenatal care (ANC) visit, total number of ANC visit, and iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets consumption with LBW. No significant association was found among maternal age, residence, caste, consanguinity of marriage, socioeconomic status, gravida, birth order, multiple pregnancy, and smoking with LBW in our study.Conclusion:It was concluded that hemoglobin level, weight gain during pregnancy, gestational age, planned/unplanned delivery, bad obstetric history, and IFA tablets consumption during pregnancy were independent risk factors for LBW.

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy has detrimental effects on maternal and child health. WHO says prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy is alarmingly high. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, and practices of pregnant women regarding iron supplements and also to assess the reasons for non -consumption of FSFA tablets.The objectives were to study the knowledge, and practices of pregnant women regarding iron supplementation during pregnancy and to study the reasons for non-consumption of FSFA tablets. Methods: The study was carried out on 350 pregnant women routinely attending the antenatal clinic in a rural training health centre over a period of 3 months from July 2015 to September 2015. Their knowledge and practices regarding iron supplementation were studied. Results: Assessment of knowledge revealed that only 140 (40%) of the participants were aware of significance of consumption of FSFA tablets. Out of 350 only 221 (63.14%) pregnant women consumed the FSFA tablets. Out of 221 only 123 (55.65%) were consuming it correctly. Reasons for not consuming FSFA were forgetfulness in 48 (37.20%), side effects in 35 (27.13%), frustration with daily dose 23 (17.82%), ignorance 21 (16.27%), foul smell to tablets 20 (15.50%), misbelieves 7 (5.42%) and no response was given in 26 (20.15%). Conclusions: The present study indicated the lack of knowledge regarding anaemia, iron rich foods and the importance of iron supplementation during pregnancy Educating antenatal women about importance of consumption of FSFA tablets and implementing this into practice will help for prevention of anaemia.

Background: Skewed sex ratio is an issue of major concern and has long-term social and demographic consequences. In India, the preference for a son is very strong. The preference for a male child and discrimination against the female child are causing the rapid disappearance of female children in India. The main objective was to study the gender preference among rural married women in reproductive age group. Methods: A community based cross sectional study on 220 rural married women of age group 15 to 49 years was carried out in Vishnupuri village of Nanded district in Maharashtra state, India. Information regarding gender preference, expected number of male or female children, awareness regarding PCPNDT act etc. was asked. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Out of 220 study subjects, majority of women i.e. 209 (95%) said that they will prefer male child as first issue. 105 (47.7%) women said that they expect children in 1male:1female proportion, followed by 2males:1female proportion by 42 (19.1%) women. 130 (59.1%) have heard about PCPNDT act and not a single women tried for sex determination during her ANC period. Conclusions: A strong preference to male child has been observed in females of reproductive age in rural area.

No abstract