Tanu Midha

Abstract

Introduction: Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in children is a leading public health problem in developing countries like India and is a direct or indirect cause of most of infant and child morbidity and mortality. Objective: To study the prevalence and determinants of protein energy malnutrition among under five children of Kannauj district. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted among children in the age group 0-60 months in the slums of Kannauj district. The statistical tools used for analysis were percentages, Pearson's Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of PEM in the study population was found to be 59.1%. The study revealed a significant association of age (OR=0.438), timing initiation of breast feeding (OR=0.682), colostrum feeding (OR=0.364), practice of breast feeding (OR=3.611) and initiation of complementary feeding at 6 months (OR=2.651) were significantly associated with PEM. Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the need to correct behavioural factors like breast feeding practices among Indian mothers to bring down the problem of PEM in under five children. Keywords: PEM, Under five children, Malnutrition, Determinants.

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Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension or increased blood pressure is a major public health problem in India. Medical students are very susceptible to hypertension. Objectives: 1) To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among medical students. 2) To identify the determinants of hypertension. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done among the students of Govt. Medical College Kannauj. A total of 558 subjects, aged 17 to 21 years, 305 boys and 253 girls were included. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression.  Results: Prevalence of hypertension among medical students was 18.5%. A significant association of hypertension with males (OR=0.328), family history of hypertension (OR=2.812) level of physical activity (OR=0.395) and BMI (OR=3.710) and academic performance (OR=2.611) was observed. Conclusions: A high prevalence of hypertension was found among medical students. BMI and physical activity are the modifiable factors associated with hypertension which can be addressed to reduce the magnitude of hypertension in this study group. Keywords: hypertension, BMI, Physical activity.

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