Indian Journal of Preventive Medicine

Background: The present evaluation study has been conducted with the following objectives: (i) To assess the treatment outcomes of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) in five microscopic centers of Kangra district under five tuberculosis units and (ii) To identify gaps and underlying contributing factors. Based upon the findings of (i) and (ii) we suggest appropriate measures to narrow down the existing gaps. Materials and Methods: We identified and interviewed health personnel involved, reviewed the documents and records pertaining to evaluation plan/guidelines, training records and reports generated by the tuberculosis units. We assessed the inputs, processes and outputs of the program across tuberculosis units. We calculated the proportion of staff of various categories trained and internal quality control (case detection); availability of drugs, Directly Observed Treatment Short- course (DOTS) providers and supervision (case management) and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and funds distribution. (Logic model). Result: Over 90% of staffs of various categories trained with 100% supervisory visits. The total proportions of sputum positivity are 19%; 16% cross checking of the positive slides despite internal quality in place. 73% of the population knows that they should seek treatment for the cough more than three weeks. 89% of the patients have completed their treatment and 89% of the new sputum positive have been cured. Conclusion: RNTCP has successfully achieved all its targets in all the five TUs of Kangra District as per national norms despite several gaps. We recommend (i) filling of vacancies of medics and paramedics with re-orientation trainings/refresher courses; (ii) conduction of supportive supervision by the seniors.

Keywords: Extra pulmonary tuberculosis; Kullu; RNTCP tuberculosis unit.

Background and Aim: Routine Immunization remains the cornerstone in child survival initiative throughout the globe. The success of immunization program in field depends on the well trained health staff and availability of appropriate logistics at session site. This study was undertaken to focus on inspecting actual logistics availability, vaccination techniques and safety issues at Routine Immunization (RI) session sites of Bidar District Karnataka. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done using a structured questionnaire. Data was collected from 19 RI session sites of Bidar District. Results: It was observed from study that AD syringe availability was adequate (94.7%). Functional Hub Cutter was available in (68.4%), Red and Black bag in (52.6%) and Vitamin A solution in (84.2%) session sites. Availability of vaccines was satisfactory except for Hepatitis B (84.2%). Vaccine storage conditions were appropriate (100%). The time of reconstitution was noted in (89.5%) session sites. Only in (68.4%) sessions ANM were cutting the Syringe with Hub Cutter immediately after use and in (26.3%) session sites all the four key messages were given to parents. Conclusion: The present study observed satisfactory immunization session organization in terms of logistics, cold chain maintenance and injection techniques.

Keywords: Routine immunization; Vaccine; Session sites; Logistics.

Introduction: Antenatal care refers to pregnancy related health care provided by a doctor or a health worker in a medical facility or at home. Ideally antenatal Care should monitor a pregnancy for signs of complications detect and treat pre-existing and concurrent problems of pregnancy. It should also provide advice and counselling on preventive care, diet during pregnancy, delivery care, postnatal care and related issues. Aims and objectives: 1. To assess the quality of antenatal care given. 2. Effect of antenatal counselling on knowledge regarding different aspects during pregnancy. Methodology: A cross sectional, community based study was conducted in urban slums of the corporation area.450 subjects were selected from community by 30 clusters sampling method. SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. Results: Almost 90% women had received >3 ANC visits. Around 2/3rd women know about danger signs of pregnancy. Knowledge about diet is good. Conclusion: The quality of antenatal care given in the corporation area was good, but it should be improved in giving more appropriate counselling to pregnant women to increase their knowledge regarding different aspects of Antenatal care.

Keywords: Antenatal care; Danger signs of pregnancy; Early registration of pregnancy.

Background: School children, aged between 6-15 years form one fifth of our country’s population. They are the neglected group and do not receive as much attention as the under fives enjoy. Providing comprehensive health care to them should be sought as they are the country’s future. So, the present study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of school children and also to know the morbidity pattern among them. Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out in all the primary and high schools, covered under Vantamuri Primary Health Centre, District Belgaum. Data collection was done under the ‘Suvarna Arogya Chaitanya Karyakrama’, conducted between 1st August to 31st August 2012.  Results: A total of 5203 (79.1%) students were present on the day of examination. Among them, 52.6% were boys and 47.5% were girls. Of the total children examined, underweight, stunting and wasting was present in 21.2%, 21.7% and 24.9% respectively. One or the other morbidity was present in 92.1% of the children. Dental caries, anemia and defective vision were more prevalent among adolescents.

Keywords: School children; Wasting; Stunting; Underweight; Morbidity pattern; Primary health centre.

Background: Adolescence is a milestone in the journey of life from childhood to adulthood. Menstrual health is one of the major areas of concern in reproductive health. It affects a large number of women throughout their reproductive life starting from adolescence. Moreover, menstrual disorders and improper hygiene practices have direct consequences to fertility and reproductive tract infection.  Materials and Methods: Four hundred (400) adolescent girls of 15 to 18 years studying in PUC first year and second year at  Raja Lakhamgouda Science College, Belgaum were selected for the study. It included the information on socio-demographic variables and information regarding menstruation. Results: In our study 95.20% of girls told that menstruation is physiological, 2.00% as pathological and 2.75 % opined that it is a curse. A total of 97.00% of the participants got information regarding menstruation from their mother and 3.00% of them from their sisters. Significant association was found between religion and mothers education with celebration of first menstruation, and praying during menstruation (p< 0.01). Conclusion: There is a need to provide education and equip the adolescent girls with skills regarding safe and hygienic practices and to make appropriate choices so as to enable them to lead a healthy reproductive life and prevent the risk for reproductive tract infections.

Keywords: Adolescents; Menstrual problems; Dysmenorrhoea.