RESUMO
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Mosquito-borne diseases are increasing problems in various parts of the world, causing high mortality and morbidity for humans. This study was done to assess the vector protection measures taken by rural BPL (below-poverty-line) families, and to assess the awareness about vector-borne diseases along with Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in rural BPL families. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas, which won Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award, among 96 BPL families for a period of three months. These families (every 5th) were selected by systematic random sampling until we reached a sample size. Basic sociodemographic details, status of vector protection measures, solid waste management, vector- borne diseases and total sanitation campaign details were collected from the study participants. Pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the head of the families which included sanitation status at home by a house-to-house visit. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 20. Data was presented as frequency, percentages, mean and SD. RESULTS: Among 96 families (454 adults and children) studied 84 (87.5%) were males and 12 (12.5%) were females. 291 (64.1%) were using one or the other mosquito protection measures, 52 (54.2%) were using bednets and 23 (23.9%) were using coils. 12 families (12.5%) were not using any mosquito protection measures. In our study, 66 (68.8%) families had individual household latrine (IHHL) and 50 (52.1%) had open drainage. Even though 314 participants had an access to individual household latrine, 20 (6.36%) had practice of open-air defecation compared to 127 (90.7%) who practiced open-air defecation without an access to individual household latrine. When asked about the awareness regarding vector-borne diseases, 56 (58.3%) were aware about chikungunya, 47 (48.9%) about dengue, 46 (47.9%) about malaria, 14 (14.6%) and only 5 (5.2%) families were aware about Japanese encephalitis. In this study, 37 (38.5%) were aware about the total sanitation campaign and 40 (41.6%) were aware about government support for sanitation. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: While there is a general awareness of vector-borne diseases, the implementation of vector protection measures is not uniform across the village. There is a need for targeted interventions to improve the effectiveness of vector protection measures and increase awareness among the community.
RESUMO
An estimated 52% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age in India are estimated to be affected by anaemia, which is categorised as a chronic condition. In 2019-2021, the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) which was undertaken revealed the following statistics about the prevalence of anaemia in the state of Karnataka. To estimate haemoglobin levels using non-invasive portable device among nursing students. A cross sectional study was done among students of Nursing college in central Karnataka for a period of 3 months. Total of 140 students were included in the study. EzeCheck haemoglobin estimation was done twice and was recorded in the same Google form. The frequency and percentage of variation of results between Haematology Analyzer and EzeCheck devices was presented with a range of difference such as 0, less than 1, 1.0 to 1.9, 2.0 to 2.9, 3.0 to 3.9, and 4.0 and above. The total prevalence of anaemia among nursing students was 57.8% and most of the students had moderate degree of anaemia (28.6%). Two readings of haemoglobin were taken and difference of readings were calculated and majority of the students had difference of < 0.5 gm/dl (61.4%) and only 1.4% of the students had difference of > 2 gm/dl. The mean difference of haemoglobin of two readings was 0.5 ± 0.5 gm/dl. The technology employed in this study bridges the gap between patients and anaemia diagnosis by providing screening services. The device provides the diagnosis via a non-invasive, IoT-enabled service at a low cost.
