Background: In India, the population in the age of 10-19 years is currently estimated at 253.2 million, the largest ever cohort of young people to make a transition to adulthood. Nutritional anemia is one of most common micronutrient deficiencies in the world. It is most common in pregnant and lactating women, infants, preschool children and adolescent females. Iron deficiency anemia is a problem of serious public health significance. Present study was undertaken to assess the baseline data of prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adolescent females belonging to rural community in Dakshina Kannada.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among the adolescent female population in rural field practice area of Dakshina Kannada district from July 2012 to June 2013. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio demographic profile, health status and nutrition. Haemoglobin estimation was done by Sahli’s method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software trial version 16.Results: The study comprised of 436 study participants, out of which majority (25.5%) were aged 14 years. The mean age was 14.02±2.57 years. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was 72%. Moderate anemia, mild anemia and severe anemia was 68.5%, 28.3% and 3.2% respectively. Pallor was present among 69.72% of adolescent girls.Conclusions: This study showed high prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls and the major associated factors age, diet, menarche attained and presence of pallor. Hence, there is a need to address the anemia problem of the adolescent population.
Background: Conscientious objection (CO) in medicine, is less focused area in India.Methods: In this questionnaire-based survey, responses on voluntary abortion in general and pertaining to rape victims from the students undergoing M.B.B.S./undergraduate training program from two medical colleges was obtained. We assessed the prevalence, the influence of various factors and preference for referrals in CO towards abortion among the undergraduate medical students through a questionnaire-based survey.Results: Of 900 students approached, 765 (85.0%) (females 68%) completed and returned the questionnaire, of whom 63.5% had an urban background, 48.0% were Christians and 52.0% were non-Christians (Muslim-5.4%; Hindu-46.5%). Only 9.7% had CO (p=0.000). There was a greater acceptance to abortion irrespective of gender and residence, except for gestational age beyond 20 weeks. Non-Christians were likely to have no objections towards abortion (p<005). Christians did not have CO for congenital abnormalities in pregnancy <20 weeks (60%), raped minor, (<20 weeks, 74%; beyond 20 weeks, 61%). Among students who had CO, irrespective of religion, majority had no issues with referring the woman to another doctor. The only exception to this norm was among non-Christian students, who in case of raped minor <20 weeks, were more likely (60%) to not refer.Conclusions: CO is less prevalent among Indian medical students and is towards voluntary termination of pregnancy, pregnancy beyond 20 weeks. Medical students were considerate towards rape victims. Religion plays a significant influential role in shaping the beliefs.
Background: Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. The disproportionately high burden of cervical cancer in developing countries is largely due to a lack of screening that allows detection of precancerous and early stage cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to identify pre cancer, cancer of cervix by Pap smear test and the factors associated with cervical cancer.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among married women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years in the urban field practice area of A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, from Jan 2013 to March 2013. The study comprised of 357 women. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Screening was done by Pap smear test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.Results: 49.6% women were in the age group of 40-49 years. 62 (17.4%) were illiterates. 67.5 % belonged to low socioeconomic status. Pap smear test detected premalignant lesions among 2.1% women; no cancer cervix cases were detected. Association between premalignant lesion and educational status, early age at marriage, multi parity, erosion cervix was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Regular cytological screening by Pap smear will help in early detection of precancerous lesions and thereby prevent cancer cervix.
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