Inadequate/excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes and only few studies have described patterns of weight gain in Indian women. Also, studies pertaining to dietary intake throughout gestation are insufficient. This prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate GWG and nutrient intake in all trimesters of pregnancy and investigate the relationship between themselves along with that of birth weight (BW). Our study was carried out in a population-based prospective birth cohort in Odisha, India. The 418 pregnant women were followed till delivery with measurements of maternal weight, weight gain throughout gestation, and BW. Macronutrients were assessed based on a 24hour dietary recall method in each trimester. Women characterized by underweight prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) were 16.20%, and a total of 6.45% did not comply with current weight gain recommendations. Particularly, overweight and obese women gained more weight than recommended. In a multivariate analysis GWG correlated significantly with BMI (p = 0.03), total calorie intake (p < 0.001) and fat intake (p < 0.001), while BW of newborns correlated significantly with adequacy of weight gain and fat intake (p < 0.001). Though measures are taken by health workers to record the weight but nutritional counseling is not being provided regularly. A high priority should be given to increase awareness among general population regarding the importance of diet in pregnancy and how to adhere to the balanced diet for optimal growth of child.
Background: Underweight/ Undernourished is a state when the body mass index (BMI) falls below 18.5 kg/m2 and as per National Family and Health Survey-4, 22.9% of women in the reproductive age group fall into this category. Despite being considered as an important anthropometry marker, it is not measured in most of the healthcare facilities across India due to lack of basic amenities and resources. In such instances, how helpful other indicators like mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) can be to measure the undernourished status of pregnant needs to be determined. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of undernutrition in pregnant women (PW) based on baseline BMI and MUAC and to determine the association between them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tangi Block of Odisha among 440 PW (in the first trimester) from July 2018 to November 2018 using a pre-tested, validated questionnaire and anthropometric instruments. Results: PW having BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were found to be 16.6% and having MUAC <23.5 cm were 19.5%. A significant association was found between BMI and MUAC [aOR 7.91 (4.27–14.65)]. Also, a moderate correlation was established between the indicators (r = 0.57). Conclusion: MUAC can be used instead of BMI as it is easier to measure, cheaper, does not require any training or calculations, and insensitive to changes during the period of gestation unlike BMI. This can be beneficial to the healthcare workers at primary level who are in resource-limited settings.
Introduction Spilanthes acmella has been used as an aphrodisiac in India and other countries. However, studies concerning humans have been limited. This randomized controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of SA3X capsules containing 500 mg of S. acmella on sexual function domain scores in sexually active men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) using the Men’s Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ). Materials and methods This triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group was conducted at two centres in Hyderabad and Secunderabad from May to December 2021. Patients were randomized 1:1 to SA3X therapy or placebo for one month along with an observational cohort. The change of MSHQ score and its subdomains from baseline to month 1 (primary endpoint) and one-month post-treatment (secondary outcome) was assessed using a mixed model repeated measures analysis. Additional secondary outcomes measured were the change in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and duration of penile erection. Safety was evaluated. Results The intention-to-treat population included 448 patients (152 - SA3X therapy; 146 - placebo; 150 - observational cohort). A significant increase was observed with SA3X therapy versus placebo on the total MSHQ score (17.24 vs 4.72; SE: 2.11, 1.98; P<0.001) along with the sub-domains at the end of one month of therapy. At one-month post-treatment, the increase in MSHQ score with SA3X therapy was significant (18.48 vs 3.78; SE 2.81, 1.39; P<0.001). The IIEF scores and duration of penile erection also increased significantly in the SA3X therapy group. Dysgeusia (3.94%) was the most common drug-related adverse effect. No serious adverse effects were noted. Conclusion SA3X was concluded to be safe and effective as a potential treatment for ED.
Background: In India unplanned pregnancy and illegal abortions still remains a problem. Unintended early pregnancy and frequent childbearing contribute to high pregnancy related morbidity and mortality which can be prevented by use of suitable contraceptives. In circumstances where women are unable to exercise sexual and reproductive decision making, introduction of emergency contraceptive pills may provide important back up option to enable women to control their fertility.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August- October 2016 among 215 married women of reproductive age group attending the Urban Health Center, Berhampur, to study the awareness about most common methods of contraception, decision-making regarding contraceptive and knowledge and practice of emergency contraceptive pills.Results: This study concludes that most commonly used method was Oral contraceptive pills (28.3%) and major source of information regarding different methods of contraception were through friends and relatives (44.6%). Awareness about emergency contraception mostly came through television. Of those aware of ECPs (14.4%) only 16.1% had used it in their lifetime.Conclusions: Although there is awareness about contraceptives methods, knowledge and practice of emergency contraception is low.
Vaccination is undoubtedly one of the most cost-effective child survival public health measure which are more affordable and accessible to community in preventing diseases. Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen maternal and child health services in the country and child immunisation being an important part of child healthcare system in India. The National Immunization Programme has taken many initiatives since its inception as Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978. In recent years, there has been introduction of various newer vaccines. Introduction of pneumococcal vaccine in selected states in year 2017 and plan to scale up in the entire country is the newest change in National Immunization Schedule. This review aims to identify various articles related to pneumococcal infection and vaccine highlighting the burden, serotypic distribution, available vaccines, evidence regarding vaccine safety, efficacy, acceptability and cost effectiveness, in order to provide sufficient understanding on the demand and need of this vaccine in India. Important factors underpinned by this article are though there is a need of vaccination due to severe form of pneumococcal infections and antibiotic resistance due to which many developed countries have included PCV in their regular immunisation programmes, however studies regarding effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in developing countries like India, data regarding the burden of pneumococcal infections are not available. Also there are limited studies investigating the bacterial and viral etiology of Community Acquired Pneumonia and lack of data to show change in the serotype prevalence overtime. This review highlights the need of more research to provide substantial clinical and epidemiological evidence for the introduction of pneumococcal vaccine.
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