Aniruddha Gohel

Current scenario of malarial trends in Jamnagar district: a cross-sectional study -

Background: Malaria is one of the major public health problems in India. In the year 2012, across the globe, there were 40 million confirmed malaria cases and 106,887 confirmed malaria deaths. In the year 2012, India had 1.07 million confirmed malaria cases and provisional 519 malaria deaths. In the last 5 years, trends of India are showing that total number of malaria cases, P. falciparum cases, and deaths are reduced. In the study district, 3,328 total malaria cases and 519 P. falciparum cases were noted in the year 2008. The study district is one of the endemic regions of the country. Keeping in view the abovestated problem, there is a need to know the current scenario of malarial trends in Jamnagar district. This might help in introducing new policy and help to focus on demanding areas. Objective: To know the current scenario of malarial morbidity and mortality in Jamnagar district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of the study district. Of the total talukas in the study district, one PHC was selected from each taluka by simple random sampling technique. Result: In this study, total malaria cases were showing a gradual decrease in trend from the period 2009 to 2013. P. falciparum malaria cases were showing a gradual decrease in trend from the period 2009 to 2012. One upsurge of total malaria cases was noted from 2009 to 2010, and P. falciparum malaria cases were noted in the year 2013. In study district, no death was reported owing to P. vivax malaria. Malarial mortality owing to P. falciparum malaria was reported in the study district. Conclusion: In this study, malarial morbidity showing declining trend for last 5 years but one upsurge for both total malaria cases and P. falciparum cases was noted. Malarial morbidity owing to P. falciparum malaria was showing rising trend—a concerning finding of study. There were five deaths reported owing to P. falciparum malaria in the year 2009 and 2010. There is no single death owing to P. vivax malaria reported.

The burden of unintended pregnancies: a cross sectional study

Background: Even though family planning methods and various health services are available, there is little increase in couple protection rate. The unintended pregnancy may end in termination of pregnancy of a birth of a child contributing to population explosion. Identifying the prevalence of termination of pregnancy and factors associated with the termination of pregnancy among reproductive age group women could help in determination as well as bridging the gap. Objective: The primary objective was to find out the prevalence of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) and factors related with MTP in rural community. The secondary objective was to explore obstetric profile, to find out any association of obstetric profile and MTP. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based observational study was conducted among 450 reproductive age group women in a study district by multistage sampling. Each participant was interviewed in detail following written informed consent. Result: Prevalence of MTP in this study was 21.88%. The high prevalence of unmet need of contraception was 42.88%, with various reasons. Most of the CPR is contributed by permanent method of contraceptives. It was found that 33.6% women had three or more children. Initial conceptions were not intended by the women. Conclusion: There is need to counsel women of reproductive age group that MTP is not a way to control unwanted birth and it is not free from risk. They should be motivated for various methods of contraception.