RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The urban poor is a group that is known to be vulnerable to the adoption of a more urbanized lifestyle that places them at a higher risk for diabetes. Identification of at-risk individuals using simple screening tools like the Indian diabetes risk score developed by Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF-IDRS) and appropriate lifestyle interventions could greatly help in preventing or postponing the onset of diabetes and thus reducing the burden of the disease on the community and the nation as a whole. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals ≥30 years (n = 1533) of both genders in an urban colony of Chandigarh during a period of 1 year. A stratified two-stage systematic random sampling was adopted. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus was assessed using IDRS. The total risk score of each participant was analyzed and compared. Biochemical investigations, including blood glucose and lipid profiles for detecting diabetes, were conducted. Data were presented in percentages and proportions. The statistical analysis of the data was performed by using the Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes was 3.1% in the present study. Overall, the mean IDRS was found to be 52.14 ± 16.01. Elderly persons aged 60 years and above had higher IDRS. IDRS showed significant variability with age (P < 0.001). Females had significantly higher IDRS as compared to males (P = 0.002). The association between socioeconomic class and risk status was highly significant statistically (P < 0.001). IDRS among individuals with diabetes was found to be significantly higher (64.29 ± 13.92) as compared to non-diabetics. Among all, 749 (48.7%) had high IDRS, whereas 54 (3.5%) had low IDRS. There were 734 (47.8%) with moderate IDRS. CONCLUSION: IDRS was found to be highly sensitive for detecting the risk of diabetes, suggesting its potential use as a screening tool in community setup for the purpose of detecting diabetes.
RESUMEN
Introduction: Developing countries are characterised by high birth rates and explosive population growth. With a lower contraceptive usage rate among eligible couples and resistance towards family planning methods, the goal of population stabilisation looks distant. The present study was conceived to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding contraceptive usage and to identify the barriers in reproductive-age couples in an urban slum area. Methods: The present study was cross-sectional in nature and was conducted in an urban slum. Three hundred married subjects were enrolled through a convenient sampling technique. One member of the married couple was interviewed for the present study. Data were collected through a semi-structured proforma. Results: 67% of the participants were using one or another contraceptive. Higher contraceptive usage was seen in more educated participants. Awareness was higher in males regarding contraception. Condom was the most known method for contraception. Three fourth of the participants agreed with two-child norm. Preference for a male child was less than 50% in both genders. Current users of condoms and oral contraceptive pills were 71.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Wanting children, fear of side effects and lack of knowledge were cited as reasons for not choosing family planning methods. Conclusion: With a suboptimal level of awareness and attitude among respondents regarding contraceptive methods, there exists a gap between awareness and practice. Misconceptions regarding contraceptive methods can be allayed through health education, involvement of the community and religious leaders and peer counselling.
