RESUMEN
Background: In India, neonatal mortality contributes to over 64% of infant deaths, mostly occurring during the first week of life. Mortality rate in second month of life is also higher than at later ages. Delay in identification of warning signs of neonatal illness naturally postpones the initiation of treatment and referral to hospital. Materials and Methods: The study aimed to explore the perception of care givers regarding danger signs of illness and practices followed in young infants. Care givers who cared for the sick young infants during last six months were recruited using a convenient sampling technique and qualitative research approach. Five semi-structured interviews and one FGD were conducted using an interview and FGD guide. Data was analyzed manually by reading and rereading the transcribed verbatim leading to the emergence of themes, subthemes, and codes. Results: Data explored that excessive crying was perceived as a danger sign by entire mothers, and many of them were unable to recognize important warning signs. The delay in decision making for medical care-seeking also shows dwindling awareness. Additionally, mothers were adapting few unhygienic practices as home remedies leading to worsening the symptoms and making a call for additional infections which needs to be addressed by the health authorities at community level. Conclusion: Pronounced efforts are expected to raise mindfulness of mothers toward the significance of early identification of neonatal danger signs to stave off the high magnitude of neonatal mortality. Inclusion of excessive crying as neonatal danger sign is recommended as well.
RESUMEN
There were 7337 cases and 50 deaths reported in the state of Punjab from 1997 to 2008 of which Ludhiana district of Punjab contributed 4973 cases and 32 deaths. Number of cases (2506) and deaths (13) reported were highest in Ludhiana in the year 2008. City/Area wise reporting of dengue cases in hospitals of Ludhiana in 2008 show that the disease is mostly prevalent in the urban areas but now has been reported from rural areas also as 2 cases have been reported from village Kumkalan, block Mangat, Ludhiana. Age wise distribution of the cases shows maximum incidence per lakh population in 31-50 years (52.06) followed by 16-30 years (49.00) and lowest in infants (0.36). The difference of incidence in various age groups has been found highly significant. Out of the 2988 cases reported from Ludhiana district, there were 1993 males, 989 females and no mention of the sex in 6 cases. The difference of incidence in males and females has been found highly significant. Month wise distribution of the cases shows maximum incidence per lakh population to be the highest in October (90.27) followed by November (33.39) and December (23.18). The difference of incidence in various months has been found highly significant. As the dengue is increasingly becoming an escalating problem it needs necessary control measures especially regarding BCC activities and appointment of Biologists at the district level in Punjab needs to be done.