No abstract

No abstract

BACKGROUND: Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the best index for assessing kidney function. Ethnicity has a potential influence on GFR. Anatomic and physiological changes of ageing kidney influences GFR. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To find age related variations of GFR in a population of Kerala. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 519 subjects of all ages from the community were screened. Blood pressure, diabetes, mellitus, proteinuria, serum creatinine being checked. Estimated GFR (e GFR) assessed using modification of diet in renal disease [MDRD formula]. RESULTS: The mean e GFR of the population was found to be 61.2±18.2ml/min. and the e GFR of normal subjects excluding diabetes, mellitus, blood pressure and proteinuria was found to be 64.49±20.5ml/min. e-GFR was more for males compared to females, 67.5± 20ml/min and 55.4±14ml/min respectively. e GFR showed a steady decline as the age advanced and it was statistically significant(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The age adjusted e GFR of keralite population is much less compared to western standards. A more detailed study in general population is needed.

Background : Safe drinking water and basic sanitation is of crucial importance to the prevention of human heath1. Water can become a vehicle for transmission of feco oral group of infections, because the fecal contamination of water is common and its avoidance and subsequent purification is vigilant2. One of the goal of MDG states - Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access 3 to an improved water source and sanitation3. Materials and methodology : A descriptive study was undertaken among 300 samples, in adopted villages of MCON Manipal, Udupi District using structured questionnaire. SPSS 16.0 software was used for data analysis. Results : Findings of the study showed that 42% had average knowledge and majority (75 %) of the subjects followed unsafe practices on water, sanitation and hygiene. Majority (88 %) of the subjects performed unskilled hand washing. Conclusion: Water pollution is a growing hazard in many developing countries due to human activity. Water is an essential factor in the economic, social and cultural development of community. It can eliminate diseases, and improve quality of life