Awareness and utilization of mother and child protection (MCP) card among mothers attending immunization OPD: An urban health centre-based cross-sectional study.

Background: The MCP card is used as a tool for pregnant women, young mothers and family members to learn about various types of services which they should assess and utilize. The study was undertaken to see the awareness about MCP card and its components among beneficiaries in urban slum area. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study done in urban slum immunization OPD with a sample size of 226. Convenient sampling method was used to select the samples. Mothers consenting and willing to participate in the study were enrolled. Results: Observed that the MCP card was issued to majority participants at the time of baby immunization (44.15%), followed by at time of delivery (31.4%) and least number received it at the time of pregnancy registration (24.34%). It is also observed that only 53.54%(121) women had read the card while the remaining didn't. Majority thought the primary use of MCP card was vaccination record (91.5%), followed by information tool (52.%). It is observed that knowledge regarding pregnancy care and its related complications leads to better utilization of ANC services. Conclusion: As observed in the present study a sizeable proportion of populations doesn't even read the card, and among those who read it the level of knowledge isn't satisfactory, many use the card as a vaccination record but still the awareness about various vaccines among the beneficiaries remains low.

A baseline cross-sectional study to assess patient satisfaction (18-60 years) toward Apli Chikitsa (free of cost medical laboratory tests) services provided at an urban health training center: A PPP model.

Introduction: Assessing satisfaction with healthcare services is one of the cornerstone methods to evaluate success and identify obstacles during the process for the patients. Identifying crucial information helps in course correction and better healthcare delivery to the patients. Apli Chikitsa is a novel PPP model-based free of cost laboratory service made available to the patients by the municipal corporation. Around 150 blood tests are offered free of cost and through peripheral dispensaries to the patients. The present study was undertaken to assess the satisfaction of patients with the service and service-related aspects. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational urban health center-based study was undertaken to assess the satisfaction of patients toward the Apli Chikitsa laboratory service. Institutional ethics committee clearance was obtained before commencing the study. Four hundred patients availing of the laboratory services were enrolled by alternate sampling method. A semistructured questionnaire was administered; five-point Likert scale was used to assess satisfaction toward the service and related aspects. Results were summarized using tables and charts, and percentages and proportions were used wherever necessary. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Among the study participants, overall satisfaction was observed among 71.25%, and 100% satisfaction was observed in relation to cost of service, maintenance of privacy and confidentiality, and getting all the requested tests done. The problem of overcrowding (96.75%) was observed by a majority. Satisfaction was low regarding the cleanliness of toilets (48.75%). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the overall satisfaction is the Apli Chikitsa laboratory service is good, and it is a good model for replication for laboratory service delivery in peripheral areas away from tertiary care centers. Overcrowding should be managed, and cleanliness of toilets to done at frequent intervals, along with proper and visible use of signages, should be done to improve the satisfaction of the patients.

Sexual behavior and contraceptive practices: Study among married heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples of reproductive age group attending anti-retroviral therapy centre at a Tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India.

BACKGROUND: As many as half of people with HIV who are in a long-term sexual relationship have an HIV-negative partner. Data on sexual behavior and contraceptive needs of heterosexual serodiscordant couples are scarce in India. Keeping these facts in mind, it was considered imperative to conduct a study on sexual behavior, contraceptive practices and associated high risk factors among heterosexual serodiscordant couples. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the sexual behavior, current contraceptive practices and various risk factors of HIV transmission among married heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive study conducted at antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre from where 100 discordant couples were included, data were collected related to their sexual practices, knowledge about different contraception methods and high risk factors related to infection transmission were recorded. RESULTS: All couples had knowledge of use of condoms (100%) while consistent usage was seen only in 18%. The high risk of HIV transmission was seen among recently married serodiscordant couples. Couples engaged in daily intercourse were more likely to have high risk of transmission (P value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed various risk factors for infection transmission to the seronegative partner among serodiscordant couples. Henceforth, given conception that prevention of these factors could reduce overall seroconversion rate among such couples.

Effects of health education tool on select epidemiological factors associated with adult obese urban slum women.

BACKGROUND: National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-2006) India, found that 14.8% of Ever-Married Adults (age 15-49 years) had Body Mass Index (BMI) in the ranges of overweight and obese; compared to 10.6% in the National Family Health Survey-2. These figures highlighted the fact that India already faces a dual burden of chronic malnutrition, i.e., obesity, besides undernutrition. Higher BMI, especially, increased abdominal fat is an important determinant of the development of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the effect of health education on obesity status of adult women above the age of 20 years in an urban slum area. METHODS: Community-based, interventional study, to assess select epidemiological factors associated with obesity-including measurement of anthropometry and assessing random blood sugar level; followed by an intervention (health education to only obese women by means of flip-chart); followed by a follow-up 6 months later. RESULTS: About 22.6% women were found to be obese. Almost, all dietary and physical activity parameters as well as weight improved for the better after the intervention, and the change was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This community based interventional study was able to understand certain factors associated with pathophysiology of obesity in slum dwelling adult women, and effectively documented a reduction in weight along with a change in their obesogenic practices postintervention.

Prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA): how far have we reached?

Anemia is a global problem of immense public health significance. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder seen all over the world, more in the developing countries, particularly, affecting young children of 6-24 months of age, adolescents, women of reproductive age group and pregnant/ lactating women. Basic approach in prevention of IDA should include education and associated measures to increase the dietary intake of iron, dietary modification to enhance the iron absorption, fortification of food articles, in addition to control the infection and worm infestations. Supplemenldelim 1, of medicinal iron is key to success which can be achieved by daily or intermittent (biweekly/weekly) administration of oral iron to the target group. Reduction of nutritional anemia should receive top priority through proper planning by using better utilization of existing health infrastructure.