No abstract

Background: Biomedical waste carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. Inadequate and inappropriate handling of such waste may have serious public health consequences and a significant impact on the environment. Health care workers are the key workers in the management of biomedical waste and their inadequate knowledge, unfavorable attitude and poor practices are dangerous for their own health and those in the society. The objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on biomedical waste and its management among health care workers in the study setting. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 162 health care workers at a tertiary care hospital in Koppal district of Karnataka state. Data was collected using a pretested and semi structured questionnaire after taking an informed consent and analysed using WHO Epi info software. Results: The present study found out that the health care workers had satisfactory level of knowledge, favorable attitude and better practices towards biomedical waste management. However, their practices were not in proportion to the level of their knowledge and attitude. Conclusions: Regular training, continuous monitoring and behaviour change communication are recommended to improve their biomedical waste handling practices.

No abstract

Introduction: Ensuring healthy growth and development of children should be a prime concern of all the countries as they are the future citizens of a country. Preschool children represents the most vulnerable group and they suffer from highest morbidity. There are geographical differences in the nature and extent of morbidities highlighting the need for area specific strategies and interventions. Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted for a duration of one year from January 2013 to December 2013 in the catchment area of PHC Aaynoor, Shimoga, Karnataka. Cluster sampling technique was used for sample selection and 400 preschool children were included by house to house visit. Data was collected using a pretested and semistructured questionnaire by interviewing the mothers/guardian. Data thus obtained were entered and analyzed using WHO Epi-info software version 3.5.4. Results:The prevalence of morbidity among study subjects was 20.25%. Acute respiratory infections were the most common morbidities affecting majority of the preschool children. Morbidity was found to be significantly associated with age, number of siblings and the paternal literacy of the child. Conclusion:The present study findings may have important implications for policy-makers and planners seeking to improve child health.

No abstract