Rakesh Bahl

Abstract

Introduction: Consumption of tobacco leads to a myriad of ill effects among the smokers as well as those in their proximity. This study was conducted in the population in the age group of 15-24 years, the vulnerable period of life when   most of health-related behaviours develop. Materials and Methods: 1.Study design: Cross- sectional study. 2. Participants: 300 students; 75 each from Schools, degree colleges, professional colleges and post graduate  departments of  University of Jammu, in the age group of 15- 24 years  belonging to different regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. 3. Sampling: Stratified Systemic Sampling technique. 4. Study instrument: A subset of key questions from Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2nd edition. Results: Prevalence of smoking was 11.33%. Non indulgence in smoking was seen among students aged below 16 years, and was seen to be twice among over 20 years (16.77%) as compared to 17-19 years group (9.37%). Among male students, it was ten- times (20.66%) higher than females (2%). It was higher in government than in private institutions (13.33% vs. 9.33%). Prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption was 2%; 3.35% in ?20 years age group, 1.04% among 17-19 years and nil among ?16 year age. Male to female ratio was 5 to 1. Ratio of prevalence in Private institutions to government institutions was more than 3 to 1.  Conclusion: There is an urgent need to curb the use of tobacco among the sub-groups of students with higher prevalence. This can be achieved by strengthening political and administrative will, implementing tobacco free school guidelines and establishing effective multi-sectoral coordination, as tobacco control is beyond the scope of health department. Keywords: Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, Non Communicable Diseases.

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Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are major cause of valvular heart disease in the world. It is estimated that up to 15.6 million people worldwide are affected by rheumatic heart disease and every year approximately 470,000 new cases are detected and 2,33,000 deaths are attributed to rheumatic heart disease. Objective: A study was conducted by department of Community medicine, Government Medical College Jammu (J&K) to assess the prevalence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among school children in age group of 5-15 years, in Jammu district. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study involving the screening of school children drawn from schools of Jammu district as a part of a research project of ICMR under Jai Vigyan Mission Mode (JVMM). Participants included ten thousand students of schools of Jammu district in ten age slots in age group of 5-15years, each having 1000 children. Setting: The schools were selected by stratified systematic random sampling technique such that half of children (5000) belonged to rural schools and half (5000) to urban schools with equal sex distribution as well as equal government private distribution. Study Period: May 2007 to March 2010. Results: Prevalence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease were found to be respectively 0.7/1000 and 0.6/ 1000 school children in age group 5-15 years. Conclusion: Keeping in view these results, the burden of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease on the public health system for chemoprophylaxis and surgery cannot be ignored. Hence, although on a decline, but still rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease remain a public health problem for the young populations aged 05-15 years in this part of country. Keywords: Rheumatic fever, Rheumatic heart disease, Children 5-15 years, Jammu.

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Abstract

HIV infection is known to have established in India since year 1986 and three decades are over since then. A lot of activities have been since then going on by the government of India sponsored NACP under the aegis of NACO. The endemicity of this infection in populations is known to be inversely proportional to the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS. As per the data available, there are variations in level of awareness about the HIV/AIDS and it’s prevention among the general populations as well as the at risk populations. So it is always prudent to assess the level of awareness among the general population. For this reason survey of awareness level among the high school students can give a reliable indication as they represent the level of awareness of their families. Hence a study was conducted among the adolescent students in age group of 14-19 years ie. Class 9-12 years. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Study Subjects: adolescent students in age group of 14-19 years ie. Class 9-12 years. Study Period: Dec 2015 Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in village Maralian of Block RS Pura (rural field practice area of Department of Community medicine, GMC Jammu). The schools chosen were High and Higher secondary standards where the students of age group >14 years could be contacted. Study Instrument: A pre tested schedule containing (47) questions related to Knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents about modes of transmission and prevention of HIV infection, attitudes and beliefs about it and their related practices was used to interview. It was seen that the students in age group of 14-18 years were much aware about the HIV/AIDS, it’s causes, routes of transmission, risk factors, preventive measures and facilities for diagnosis and drugs. Students of this age group can be taken as proxy to the families they belong to and hence the general population of the area under study. But still, a large proportion is having wrong concepts or no ideas about all the aspects associated with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Hence, conducting and sustaining IEC activities in the area is recommended. Keywords: HIV, AIDS, Awareness, Students, Prevention.

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