M D Mallapur

Factors Affecting Birth Weight of a Newborn – A Community Based Study in Rural Karnataka, India

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem in many developing countries, especially so in India. Although we do not know all the causes of LBW, maternal and environmental factors appear to be significant risk factors in its occurrence. Objectives To know the factors affecting the birth weight of a newborn and to estimate the prevalence of LBW. Methods The present study was carried out amongst 1138 pregnant women and their newborns residing in area covered by Kinaye Primary Health Centre in rural Karnataka, India. The study was conducted from 1st June 2008 to 31st December 2009. Results The mean birth weight of newborns was 2.6 kg with a range of 1.2 to 3.8 kg. The prevalence of LBW was 22.9%. Among the studied risk factors, 25 of them were significantly associated with the birth weight of a newborn on univariate logistic regression analysis. Maternal education [Odds Ratio (OR) 3.2], exposure to passive smoking [OR 2.3], age at first pregnancy ≥25 years [OR 3.6], birth interval <2 years [OR 2.4], previous history of LBW baby [OR 3.3], weight gain ≤4 kg during pregnancy [OR 7.0], maternal weight at last week of gestation ≤45 kg [OR 2.3], pregnancy induced hypertension [OR 3.3], high risk pregnancy [OR 3.6] and late antenatal registration [OR 3.6] emerged as significant risk factors on multivariate analysis. Conclusion The problem of LBW is multidimensional, and hence, we need an integrated approach incorporating medical, social, economical and educational measures to address this issue.

Morbidity among infants in South India: A longitudinal study

To study the incidence and types of morbidity in the first year of life in a birth cohort, a longitudinal study. This study was undertaken in northern part of Karnataka state in India. Birth cohort consisted of all the children born during first six months of the study period. They were assessed at the time of enrollment and monthly follow up was done till they attained one yr of age. Out of the 194 newborns, 46.4% were boys and 53.6% were girls. 24.8% of newborns were of low birth weight and 5.1% were preterm. Four (2.1%) had congenital anomalies and 2.5% developed birth asphyxia. Diarrhea (10.8%) and skin diseases (8.2%) were the commonest morbidities in the neonatal period. The incidence of morbidity was 3.28 per infant per yr. It was more among boys and in the second half of infancy. Commonest morbidities during infancy were respiratory tract infection (62.4%), diarrhea 42.8% and skin diseases (21.6%). Incidence of disease in infancy highlights the need to improve and plan health programmes.

Nutritional status of adolescent girls residing in rural area: A community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Nutritional requirements during this period increase tremendously compared to preceding years of growth. The nutritional status of adolescent girls, the future mothers, contributes significantly to the nutritional status of the community. The present study was aimed to assess the current nutritional status of the adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: This one-year community-based, cross-sectional study was undertaken at a village Peeranwadi of District Belgaum, Karnataka among 400 adolescent girls of 10 to 19 years. Information on socio-demographic variables was collected by an interview using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. A 24-hour recall method was used to assess nutrient intake. The nutrient intake was calculated using tables of nutritive value of Indian foods. For the comparison of anthropometric data, National Center for Health Statistics and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey standards were used. Results: The mean age among the study population was 12.9 ± 2.06 years. Majorities (73.5%) of them were Hindus, 98.5% were literate, and 90% were currently studying. Adolescent girls between 10 and 14 years were more stunted (63.82%) as compared to 15 to 19 years (40.84%) (P = 0.0003) and thin (60.79% vs. 39.43%; P = 0.0009). Overall, the mean calorie intake was observed to be 1272.20 ± 133.28 kcal/day, protein intake was 40.99 ± 3.32 gm, and iron intake was 14.42 ± 2.58 mg. Conclusion: Overall, majority of girls were having dietary intake less than 50% of RDA, and almost three fourth of girls were anemic.

Pandemic influenza A H1N1 awareness in a rural community of North Karnataka, India

Background: Globally, India was one of the most affected countries for cases and deaths of swine flu (influenza A H1N1) during the 2009 influenza pandemic with a lot of public hype and panic. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude, and hygienic practices during the swine flu pandemic (influenza A H1N1) in a rural community of Belgaum district, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Vantmuri, Belgaum district, Karnataka, India between November 2009 and December 2009. There were 250 households that were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire by systematic random sampling. One person from each household, preferably the head of the family, had been questioned to know their knowledge, attitude, and practices during the swine flu pandemic. Results: Among the 250 study participants, 79.6% had previously heard of swine flu. Around one third of them cited mass media communication as a major source of information. Around 80.9% of the participants reported fever as the most common symptom, and facemask usage was accepted as an important mode of prevention by 45.7% participants. Only 5.0% were willing to leave their locality temporarily if any cases were reported. Majority of the participants preferred government hospitals for treatment facilities. Around 57.3% of the respondents were aware of hand washing as a mode of prevention. If educated regarding swine flu, around 60.8% of the population was willing to share their knowledge with others. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding the swine flu pandemic was low among study participants. Although many of the participants had health seeking behavior, only half the participants practiced hand washing. Creating awareness about the pandemic through effective mass media communication is vital for containing the pandemic.

Thinness among preschool children residing in rural area: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The legacy of malnutrition especially among preschool children is a huge obstacle to overall national development. India is home to more than one-third of the world′s under-nourished children. While there is global acceptance that body mass index (BMI) should be used for assessment of obesity/adiposity in children, there has not been a similar consensus regarding use of BMI for assessment of under-nutrition in children. Materials and Methods: The present study was a community-based cross-sectional study carried out in a primary health center between January and December 2011. Study population comprised of 697 children aged between 2 and 5 years. Weight (kg) and height (cm) measurements were taken on each subject, and BMI was computed. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Cole′s age- and sex-specific cut-off points of BMI. One-way ANOVA (F-test) was performed to test for age differences in means of weight, height, and BMI using SPSS statistical package. Results: A total of 339 boys and 358 females were studied. Result showed that age-combined prevalence of under-nutrition (Grades I, II, and III combined) among boys and girls was 63.4% and 58.6% respectively with an overall prevalence of 61.7%. There were significant mean differences between ages among boys in weight (F = 4.160; P < 0.001) and height (F = 6.502; P < 0.001). However, no significant mean differences between ages for BMI (F = 1.098; P = 0.295). Similar findings were seen among girls where in significant differences were observed in weight (F = 3.125, P < 0.001) and height (F = 6.895; P < 0.001) but not with BMI (F = 1.091; P = 0.311). Conclusion: Our study provided evidence that these children were under acute and chronic nutritional stress in the form of thinness.

Teenage pregnancy outcomes in a rural area of South India: A prospective study

Context: Teenage pregnancy is dangerous for the mother, child and the community, and teenage girls are twice as likely to die of pregnancy and childbirth related complications as opposed to older women. Aims: (1) To know the outcomes of teenage pregnancies. (2) To study the sociodemographic profile of teenage pregnancies. Study Design: A longitudinal study. Study Setting: Vantamuri Primary Health Centre-Rural field practice area of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Belgaum. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 teenage pregnant women, aged between 15 and 19 years were selected and information on sociodemographic variables, and pregnancy outcome was recorded in 3 visits. Statistical Analysis: Percentages and Ratios, Chi-square test to find an association between various study variables. Results: In the current study majority, 66.0% participants were of 18-19 years age, 90.3% adolescents were housewives and 53.5% had studied high school and beyond. The mean age of marriage was 16 years, and 79.2% of them were primigravidae. Traditional practice (68.8%) was the commonest reason for early marriage, and family pressure (46.5%) was the often cited reason for early pregnancy. Live births were noted in 93.1% teenagers, stillbirths and abortions were present in 4.8% and 2.1% teens respectively. Age and previous pregnancies affected the outcome. Conclusion: The mean age of participants was 17.8 years, and that of marriage was 16 years and this occurrence of pregnancy in teenage leads to adverse outcomes. Thus, periodic Information, Education and Communication activities have to be held, and child marriage act has to be strictly enforced to improve their health.