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Background: Onset of menopause causes a variety of somatic, sexual, vasomotor and psychological manifestations which can deteriorate the quality of life of women. According to sample registration system (SRS) 2014, the proportion of women aged 45-59 years is 15.3% and thus it is imperative for healthcare providers to focus more attention on the health of postmenopausal women. In India, however this phase of life is generally ignored. The objectives of the study were to determine the health seeking behavior of postmenopausal women with respect to the problems faced during menopause and to determine the utilization pattern and barriers to utilization of health care services.Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study for one year period starting from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. Data collected using Systematic Random Sampling from 255 postmenopausal women and entered into MS excel 2007. Analysis done with Epi-Info 7.2. Chi- square applied as statistical test of significance and p<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.Results: In present study, majority (73.33%) participants did not take any treatment. 10.98% and 6.67% gave history of self medication and use of home remedies, respectively. Statistically significant correlation was found between treatment taken and factors like residing locality, education and socio-economic class. The most common reason for delayed or no treatment seeking was unawareness, followed by financial issues.Conclusions: Majority postmenopausal women faced one or more problems associated with menopause but very few sought treatment. Lack of knowledge and financial constraints were found to be major barriers to utilization of health services.

A study to evaluate breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers: a community based study in rural anganwadi centers in field practice area of government medical college, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India INTRODUCTIONUnder any circumstances, breast milk is the ideal food for the infant. No other food is required by the baby until 6 months after birth. Feeding the baby exclusively on breast milk, without any other source of nutrition for a period of 6 months is called exclusive breast feeding. 1 A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. The data suggests that infant mortality rates in developing countries are 5-10 times higher among children who have not been breast fed or have been breast fed for less than 6 months.2 Despite the ABSTRACT Background: Feeding the baby exclusively on breast milk, without any other source of nutrition for a period of 6 months is called exclusive breast feeding. A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. The data suggests that infant mortality rates in developing countries are 5-10 times higher among children who have not been breast fed or have been breast fed for less than 6 months. Despite the marked advantages of breast feeding, its popularity has declined significantly in many parts of the world including India. The main objectives were (1) to assess breastfeeding practices prevalent amongst lactating mothers; (2) to identify misconceptions regarding failure to adopt exclusive breast feeding and weaning; (3) To counsel and motivate mothers for exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Mixed methods study (qualitative cum quantitative). 60 lactating mothers were interviewed and their knowledge and awareness on breast feeding was assessed through a pre-designed, semi-open questionnaire. Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were also conducted among Lactating Mothers, their Mothers or Mother in laws at Anganwadi centers of selected sites. Results: 63.34% mothers did colostrum feeding. Only 45% of them breastfed exclusively. 48.33% gave prelacteal feeds like honey and water. LSCS was major cause of delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Many agreed regarding non supportive attitude from family. Majority of mothers had poor knowledge regarding proper positioning and attachment while breastfeeding. Conclusions: Proper counseling and training of mothers must be done at the time of delivery by the doctors and the nursing staff regarding breastfeeding practices. Anganwadi workers must also actively counsel the mothers regarding exclusive breast feeding. Supporting women who are self-employed or who work in the informal economy is required.

Background: Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is important in controlling STIs and to break the chain of infection and transmission.Syndromic case management is a standardized evidence-based approach which utilizes clinical management algorithms and flowcharts that are handy and can be consistently used across health care providers. The objectives of the study were to identify cases of vaginal discharge in Shaheed Nagar, Bhopal and to provide them treatment following syndromic approach.Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study carried out over a period of three months among reproductive age group females (15-45 years) in Shaheed Nagar, Bhopal. Purposive sampling by conducting door- to- door survey until 150 women fulfilling study criteria was interviewed. A pre-designed questionnaire used for data collection. Educational intervention given to all participants. 37 participants identified with vaginal discharge syndrome and were assisted by study team to gynecological OPD for obtaining treatment based on syndromic approach. Data entered in MS Excel 2007 and statistical analysis carried out using epi-info 7.2. Proportions and percentages were calculated. Chi-square was used to find out association between prevalence of vaginal discharge and qualitative variables. P value <0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Prevalence of vaginal discharge was 24.67%. The most common presenting complaint was general weakness (52%). The most common diagnosis was cervicitis (8.67%) followed by vaginitis (4.67%). Statistically significant correlation was found between presence of disease (STI) and use of intra- uterine device (IUD), non-use of sanitary pads, marital status, occupation and socio- economic class.Conclusions: Abnormal vaginal discharge can both be the cause as well as the effect of pelvic inflammatory disease.

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