Determination of volatile organic compounds and associated health risk assessment in residential homes and hostels within an academic institute, New Delhi.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different indoor microenvironments of residential homes and hostels in an academic institute, in New Delhi, during March-May 2011. Eleven VOCs (aromatic and halogenated) were assessed. Sampling and analytical procedure were based on National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard method. The lifetime cancer and non-cancer risk were calculated for targeted VOCs using US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The mean concentrations of ∑ VOCs (sum of monitored VOCs) and individual VOC were found to be higher indoors as compared to outdoors at both types of premises. Indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios of the targeted VOCs exceeded 1.0, suggesting the significant presence of indoor sources. Strong correlations between I/O concentrations of VOCs in the current study suggest the presence of common sources. Factor analysis (FA) was used for source evaluation separately at two premise types. The estimated lifetime cancer risks in the current study for all occupants at both premises exceeded 10(-6) .

Silver nitrate sclerotherapy for chyluria: evaluation for the optimal instillation regime.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the 3-instillation regime with the 9-instillation regime of 1% silver nitrate solution for renal pelvic instillation sclerotherapy in patients with chyluria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 59 Patients with chyluria were prospectively evaluated and randomized into two groups. The study group received 3 instillations (n = 29) while the control group received 9 instillations (n = 30). 1% silver nitrate was used. RESULTS: In the study group of the 29 patients given sclerotherapy, 28 (96.5%) had complete symptomatic relief while symptoms persisted in 1 (3.44%). None of the patients had hematuria or any other severe complication. In the control group of the 30 patients given sclerotherapy, 29 (96.66%) had complete symptomatic relief while chyluria persisted in 1 (3.33%), 5 patients developed hematuria (16.66%) and 1 patient developed fever with UTI (3.33%). The results of the 3-instillation regime match the results of the more commonly used 9-instillation regime. With this shorter regime, the hospital stay, morbidity and overall complication rate is less and it is more cost effective. CONCLUSION: We recommend the 3-instillation regimen in patients with chyluria refractory to conservative treatment.

Problem of mortality in women of reproductive age in rural area of Haryana.

PIP: To learn the extent of mortality among women of reproductive age, data was analyzed on causes of death, as reported by anganwadi workers and heads of households, for all maternal deaths in 1992 in Haryana, India. The community was comprised of 300,907 persons and 58,961 women (19.6%) of reproductive age. 9894 live births were recorded, which is higher than the national average. 219 women died in 1992 from maternal and nonmaternal causes (3.7 per 1000 women). In the study blocks (Rohtak, Chiri, and Kathure) the range of mortality was from 3.4 to 4.1 per 1000. 78.5% (172 deaths) were considered nonmaternal deaths. Mortality was 20.9% among mothers 15-20 years old, 25.6% among mothers 20-25 years old, and 18.6% among mothers 25-30 years old. 65.1% of women died at home. 58.1% sought medical care prior to death. 1.2% of deaths were certified. 36.7% of deaths were to literate women, and the remaining 63.3% were illiterate. Causes of nonmaternal death included accidents, respiratory disorders, poisoning, and digestive disorders. Slightly over 20% of accidental deaths were due to burns and suicide. 21.46% (47 deaths) were maternal deaths (475 per 100,000 live births). Maternal mortality ranged from 46 to 488 in the 3 blocks. Rohtak had the highest maternal mortality. Maternal mortality was highest among women 30-44 years old (996 per 100,000), followed by women 15-20 years old (575 per 100,000). 21.3% died during labor and delivery, and 68% died during the postpartum period. 57.4% died at home, and 25.5% died at the Medical College Hospital. 61.7% used prenatal services. 36.2% did not seek medical care prior to their death. 55.3% of deliveries were by trained birth attendants. 25.5% died with their first births. 51.0% of women with a birth interval under 3 years died. Maternal mortality was distributed by cause as follows: postpartum hemorrhage (17.0%), puerperal sepsis (17.0%), anemia (12.8%), preeclampsia and eclampsia (14.9%), obstructed labor (6.4%), hemorrhage antepartum (4.25%), abortions and MTP (10.6%), and indirect causes (12.8%). Improvement is needed in literacy, contraception, women's empowerment, and prenatal care in order to reach the goal of reduced maternal mortality by the year 2000.^ieng

Participation of pregnant and lactating mothers in ICDS programme in rural area.

PIP: In the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) project Chiri in India, interviews with 363 pregnant and lactating mothers and an examination of household records were conducted to learn the extent of their participation in the ICDS Programme activities and to identify obstacles to under- or non-utilization of these services. 62% of the women were currently involved in the ICDS Programme. 23.7% had never used ICDS services. The most frequented services were supplementary nutrition (97.3%), tetanus toxoid prophylaxis (89.3%), and iron and folic acid prophylaxis (87.1%). 62.8% of the women participating in the supplementary nutrition program participated more than 20 days/month. Since tetanus toxoid prophylaxis and iron and folic acid prophylaxis occurred one day/month with high participation, the workers could have used this day for group meetings, individual counseling, discussions, and demonstration, but the opportunity was missed for prenatal care, contraception, growth monitoring, and health and nutrition activities. 89.8% of women participating in the supplementary nutrition program took the food home to share with family members. Participation rates were less than 50% for organized radio listening (9.3%), Mahila Swasthya Sangh meetings (20.4%), birth spacing (40.4%), health and nutrition education (40.4%), family planning (46.2%), and prenatal care (47.4%). The major reasons for never using ICDS services were: could not spare time (53.5%) and working outside the household for long hours (50%). 15% were never approached by an anganwadi worker and were therefore not aware of ICDS services or the workers did not have an encouraging attitude. Other possible contributing factors to under- or non-utilization were high illiteracy (61%) and insufficient awareness of ICDS services among heads of households (94.9%).^ieng