Accessibility and availability of maternal and reproductive health care services: ensuring health equity among rural women in Southern India.

INTRODUCTION: The health of women is of particular concern because they often have greater health needs than men and many women still lack access to quality healthcare services, preventing their ability to attain the best possible level of health. Hence, this study aimed to assess the accessibility and availability of health services among rural women. METHODS: A household survey was conducted by using a multi-stage sample with 407 married women aged 18-45 years, having at least one child and living in Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu were recruited for this study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data about the demographic status, and accessibility and availability of health services. RESULTS: Of the 407 respondents, 70% were aged between 26 and 40 years, 73% were working as farmers and labourers and 77% were living in nuclear families. 71% of them had enjoyed hospital facilities near their residence and 83% of the hospitals were run by the government. In village health nurse service (VHN), 34% of the respondents had received all services from VHN and 86% did not face any kind of gender inequality and almost all of them were satisfied with the service provided by the VHN. Almost all the respondents (98%) were satisfied with the availability of health services and 92% of them benefited from the government scheme related to childbirth. CONCLUSION: This study showed that overall, the women were satisfied with the availability of healthcare services and reproductive health services. Moreover, almost all of them benefited from the government scheme related to childbirth.

The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Androgenetic Alopecia.

INTRODUCTION: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, chronic hair loss disorder. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel therapeutic tool for AGA. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous activated PRP injections in AGA. METHODS: Twenty-four AGA patients were enrolled in the study. All the patients received 4 PRP treatments at baseline (T1), 3 weeks (T2), 6 weeks (T3), and at 14 weeks (T5). We evaluated hair density (hairs/cm2) at 6 time points (T1-T3, T4 [9 weeks], T5, and T6 [7 months]) and patient satisfaction was assessed at T6 with a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Hair count (hairs/0.48 cm2) was assessed using dermoscopic photographs and hair density (hairs/cm2) was calculated accordingly. RESULTS: Twenty-three men and one woman were included with baseline hair density of 102.25 ± 18.463. Hair density significantly increased at all time points with p < 0.001 compared to the baseline. Patients were satisfied with a mean result rating of 72.92 on a linear analogue scale of 0-100. Other than mild pain felt during injections, no remarkable adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: PRP injections may have a positive therapeutic effect on AGA without major side effects.