Vijaykumar Mane

Abstract

Introduction: Anthropometry is an accepted and most widely used method for assessing the nutritional status of children. Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) has been recommended to be used as a proxy indicator to screen for acute undernutrition in place of Weight for Height index as it requires no scales, measuring devices or graph plotting. Objective: To study the validity of mid upper arm circumference in detection of acute undernutrition (wasting) among preschool children in the study setting. |Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of PHC Aaynoor, Shimoga District, Karnataka state for a duration of 1 year from January 2013 to December 2013. Cluster sampling technique was used for sample selection and 400 preschool children of either sex in the age group of 1-5 years (12- 59 months) were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard techniques. Results: The prevalence of both moderate and severe wasting as detected by MUAC was 27 (6.75%) and 3 (0.75%), which is less than half of that detected by WHZ. MUAC had a sensitivity of 23.2% and 14.3% respectively in detection of moderate and severe wasting. It could identify higher number of wasted children among males and among children aged 12 – 23 months. Conclusion: Current MUAC cut offs are inappropriate for detection of wasting among preschool children. Keywords: Malnutrition, Mid upper arm circumference, Validity, Sensitivity & specificity.

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Abstract

Introduction: Lymphatic Filariasis is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring disease and is a major public health problem in India. Government of India had set the goal of elimination of disease by 2015 and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is recognized as the main strategy to achieve it. Albendazole in combination with Diethyl carbamazine proved to have both long-term effectiveness in decreasing microfilaraemia and adult filarial worm antigen levels. Objective of Study: To estimate coverage and compliance to Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with Albendazole in Bidar District. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional evaluation survey was conducted in the month of September 2016 in Bidar district using multi-stage cluster sampling technique. A total of 744 subjects were interviewed and information about intake of Albendazole was collected in a predesigned questionnaire after taking an informed consent. Data thus obtained were entered and analyzed using Epi info software version 3.5.4. Results: The coverage, compliance and effective compliance to Albendazole as a part of MDA in Bidar district were 82.5%, 72.2% and 59.6% respectively. Among those who have received, only 39.3% have taken Albendazole by DOTS (Directly observed treatment). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates poor compliance to Albendazole during MDA campaign in Bidar district, emphasizing the need to emphasize on DOT method of drug administration for better compliance. Keywords: Albendazole, Compliance, Filariasis, Mass drug administration.

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Abstract

Introduction: Ensuring healthy growth and development of children should be a prime concern of all the countries as they are the future citizens of a country. Preschool children represents the most vulnerable group and they suffer from highest morbidity. There are geographical differences in the nature and extent of morbidities highlighting the need for area specific strategies and interventions. Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted for a duration of one year from January 2013 to December 2013 in the catchment area of PHC Aaynoor, Shimoga, Karnataka. Cluster sampling technique was used for sample selection and 400 preschool children were included by house to house visit. Data was collected using a pretested and semi - structured questionnaire by interviewing the mothers/guardian. Data thus obtained were entered and analyzed using WHO Epi-info software version 3.5.4. Results: The prevalence of morbidity among study subjects was 20.25%. Acute respiratory infections were the most common morbidities affecting majority of the preschool children. Morbidity was found to be significantly associated with age, number of siblings and the paternal literacy of the child. Conclusion: The present study findings may have important implications for policy-makers and planners seeking to improve child health. Keywords: Preschool child, Morbidity, Age, Literacy.

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