Children In Karnataka Research Articles

Evaluation of Knowledge of routine immunization among rural High school children in Karnataka: Pre and Post intervention study

Evaluation of Knowledge of routine immunization among rural High school children in Karnataka: Pre and Post intervention study

A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of anaemia in private school children in Bengaluru

Background: Anaemia is defined as an Hb concentration below the diagnostic reference range in children. Most school-aged children have anaemia, which is a common clinical disease. The effects of anaemia in school-age children include decreased resistance to disease, greater susceptibility to infection, poorer physical development, and poor academic performance. Consequently, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anaemia among Bengaluru private school students. This involved being aware of the contributing elements or causes of anaemia, as well as teaching schoolchildren about the disease’s complications and prevention. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children studying in private school from the 3rd to 8th standards in Bengaluru urban north division Karnataka state over a period of one year (March 2021 to March 2022). A total of 86 children were selected using a convenient sampling method. Results: The overall prevalence of anaemia among school-going children was found to be (20.9%). Prevalence of anaemia was strongly significant among variables like; enlarged spleen or liver, pallor skin, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, mizāj ‘ām, chronic infection, pallor mucous membrane of mouth and consumption of milk respectively. Conclusions: Anaemia remains a public health concern in our country. In our study, the overall prevalence of anaemia among school-going children was lower (20.9%) in compression compared to recently published data by (NFHS-5), which showed a prevalence of 65.5% in children in Karnataka.

Challenges Faced by Anganwadis in Implementing Health Care Facilities for Children in Karnataka: A Social Review

Anganwadis form part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program in India. Their goal is to enhance the health and nutrition of children. In Karnataka, these centers offer key services but encounter many obstacles that affect how well they work. Anganwadis struggle with many issues as they try to set up health care facilities for children in Karnataka. These centers play a key role to provide basic health care and nutrition to young children. Yet, they run into various problems that limit how effective they can be. This paper uses real-world data to shed light on these challenges and puts forward possible fixes.

Correlation of Mother’s Knowledge on Child Nutrition, Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children in Karnataka, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Malnutrition is a critical health problem in many countries, including India. The main reason for this is incorrect dietary habits that lead to illness and infections in early childhood. Inadequate food intake can hinder the growth and development of children. Childhood malnutrition can impair psychological and intellectual development, which can subsequently result in low school performance and behavioural disturbances. Therefore, child nutrition is of utmost importance. The knowledge and feeding practices of mothers can significantly influence child nutrition. Hence, it is essential to study the knowledge, feeding practices, and nutritional status of children as influenced by their mothers. Aim: To was to determine the correlation between the knowledge of mothers regarding child nutrition, their feeding practices, and the nutritional status of children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in a 1050-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India, from December 30, 2021, to August 30, 2022. A total of 150 children under the age of five, visiting the hospital accompanied by their mothers, were selected as study participants using a non probability convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a demographic proforma, a structured knowledge questionnaire on child nutrition, a structured checklist on feeding practices, and anthropometric measurements of children, which were taken using a digital weighing scale and stadiometer. Descriptive statistics including mean, frequency, percentage, Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and World Health Organisation (WHO) Anthro software were used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of the study participants, 96 (64%), had average knowledge regarding child nutrition, while all of them had good child feeding practices. Regarding the nutritional status of the children, the majority fell under the normal category based on weight for height (123, 82%), weight for age (118, 78.67%), and height for age (104, 69.33%). The study also revealed a significant correlation between the knowledge of mothers, feeding practices, and nutritional status of children (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that although majority of the study participants had a normal nutritional status and their mothers had average knowledge, regular awareness programs could be conducted, and the nutritional status of children needs to be regularly monitored.

A Pilot Study on Aetiology of Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Among Children Hospitalized of Respiratory Illness at a Rural Hospital in South Coastal Karnataka

Objective: Aetiological diagnosis can significantly impact the clinical management and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in children. There is a paucity of data on etiological agents of acute LRTI among children in Karnataka, especially in Udupi district. Present study provides an insight into the pathogens associated with acute LRTI among children in Udupi district of south coastal Karnataka. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed at a rural hospital in south coastal Karnataka, A total of 50 children clinically diagnosed for acute LRTI and admitted in paediatric ward were enrolled for the study. Nasopharyngeal/throat swab specimens were collected, and nucleic acid was extracted, and Multiplex real-time PCR was performed for detection of bacterial and viral aetiology. Results: S. pneumoniae was detected in 16% (8/50), followed by ‎ Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 14% (7/50), H. influenzae 8 % (4/50) and M. pneumoniae 2% (1/50). Mixed infection was detected in 28% (14/50) of children. S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae was the most prevalent co-infection and was detected in 10% (5/50) followed by H. Influenzae and RSV (4%, 2/50) co-infection. Conclusion: S. pneumoniae and RSV were the most predominant bacterial and viral pathogens respectively associated with LRTIs among paediatric population in present study. Further we found very high number of cases with mixed infections which signifies the urgent need of much elaborate studies for elucidating the clinical significance of these infections as well as for better understanding of epidemiology of LRTI among children in this region.

Potential Risk Factors of Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Among Adolescents in South India.

IntroductionAlthough most of the disease burden internationally is due to tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco (SLT) use contributed to an estimated 76 000 deaths in 2017. We have studied the potential risk factors for SLT use among adolescents in South India.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey of all students in grades 6–8 in schools in the Udupi district of Karnataka State ascertained SLT use status and potential determinants of SLT uptake. Ever SLT use was defined as any reported consumption of any SLT products, currently or at any time in the past. Independent effects on ever SLT use status were estimated using multiple logistic regression.ResultsOf 46 706 students from 914 participating schools, 39 282 (84.1%) provided questionnaire responses sufficiently complete for analysis. Ever SLT use was reported by 775 (2.0%) participants and in a mutually adjusted model was significantly related to age, male sex, family use, or friend’s use of SLT, low socioeconomic status, high rebelliousness, and low self-esteem. After controlling for these effects, the odds of ever-SLT use were significantly higher among students who had least awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use (odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence interval [2.9, 4.7]) and significantly lower among those not exposed to tobacco advertising (odds ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval [0.5, 0.8]).ConclusionsThe prevalence of SLT use among children in Karnataka is relatively low when compared with other studies in India. The significant potential risk factors of SLT use include low awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco control policies and exposure to tobacco advertising.ImplicationsThe prevalence of SLT use among school going adolescents in South India is relatively low. The potential risk factors for SLT use among adolescents in southern India are similar to those for smoked tobacco. It includes age, male gender, family or friend’s use of SLT, low socioeconomic status, high rebelliousness, low self-esteem, exposure to tobacco advertisement and least awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and of tobacco control policies. The present study lays emphasis regarding creating awareness about tobacco harms and control policies for further reducing tobacco use among adolescents.

Current Scenario and Retrospective Analysis of Kyasanur Forest Disease (Kfd) In Children in Karnataka

Current Scenario and Retrospective Analysis of Kyasanur Forest Disease (Kfd) In Children in Karnataka

Assessment of mental health status among adolescent school children in Karnataka

India has the largest population of adolescents in the world (1/5th of world’s adolescents)with4-33% prevalence of mental health disorders. The present study was conducted to assess the mental health status of adolescent school going children in Karnataka. A cross sectional study was conducted among 375 adolescent school going children aged 10-15 years in a private school in Karnataka (June-August 2019). Students were interviewed by pretested questionnaire after obtaining informed assent from the school administrators and primary care givers. The questionnaire included 4 different domains viz., Educational, Physical health, Emotional and Social factors. Scores ranged between 0 – 41 and interpreted as higher the scores better the mental health status of student. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 24.Out of 375 participants, 48.8% were girls and 51.2% were boys with mean age of 12.7 yrs. Overall 12.5% students had abnormal mental health status, which was more among girls (15.4%) compared to boys (9.9%) and it was statistically significant (p < 0.021). Of 4 domains, physical health factor was most affected (17.3%), followed by educational factor (15%). Gender-wise, educational domain was most affected among boys (17.7%, p = 0.034) and physical health domain among girls (20.2%, p<0.001), which was statistically significant.This study shows that abnormal mental health status is prevalent among adolescents and more among girls. Of the 4 domains, Physical health was most affected. This problem needs addressal with well defined school-based intervention programs.

Effectiveness of an Educational Package on Health Promotion Behaviours of Mothers of Asthmatic Children in Karnataka, India: A Quasi Experimental Study

Effectiveness of an Educational Package on Health Promotion Behaviours of Mothers of Asthmatic Children in Karnataka, India: A Quasi Experimental Study

Malnutrition among Children in Karnataka: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Malnutrition is a leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity. It is a silent emergency which results from combination of factors and conditions. Growing children are most vulnerable to its consequences. Aim: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition among preschool children in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was done to find out the pooled estimation of prevalence of malnutrition. An extensive literature search of International and National electronic databases were carried out. The criteria used for the search were limited to descriptive studies, cross- sectional studies, and epidemiological studies in English language. Out of 2183 studies, 28 papers were assessed for methodological quality and finally 24 papers were included in the review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies were then subjected to quality of assessment using the STROBE guidelines. Results: Out of 24 articles, 19 articles were graded prevalence of malnutrition as per New WHO 2006 child growth standards and five studies were graded malnutrition as per IAP classification. The pooled prevalence of malnutrition as per IAP classification was 41% with 95% CI (0.23- 0.59). The pooled prevalence of underweight as per WHO child growth standard was 44% with 95% CI (0.38–0.49), stunting 35% with 95% CI (0.31-0.40), and wasting 28% with 95% CI (0.17–0.38). Conclusion: The findings of this review indicate that malnutrition is still an important problem in children. There is a need for finding the risk factors for malnutrition and a consistent effort from departments and parents concerned to improve the nutritional status further to reduce morbidity among children.

Hemoglobin level and prevalence of anemia in Soliga tribal children of Karnataka, India

Hemoglobin status of tribal children in Karnataka has not been investigated adequately and extensively. Hematological parameters help to understand the normal growth and nutritional status of the children. A cross-sectional purposive sampling study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of anemia among 152 Soliga tribal children belonging to 6+ to 10+ years of Mysore district, Karnataka, India. Hemoglobin level was determined by cyanmethaemoglobin method. As per the WHO cut-off points, the children were grouped under mild, moderate and severe anemia where the level of hemoglobin below 11.5 g/dL. BMI values were estimated based on the measurements of height and weight of the children. The overall prevalence of anemia was 91.4%; 7.2% mild, 74.3% moderate, and 9.9% severe anemia. Mean hemoglobin values between boys and girls of 7+ years age group were statistically significant. A higher proportion of girls were severely anemic in the age group of 9+ and 10+ years than boys. The prevalence of different grades of anemia was more or less equally distributed among boys and girls of Soliga children. Remarkably, about 94.3% normal BMI children were anemic. Comparison of mean values of anemia and BMI between boys and girls were found statistically significant. The level of hemoglobin among Soliga Children in Karnataka is a cause for concern. Appropriate measures should be taken by the respective authorities to decrease the prevalence of anemia and improve the condition of health among the children.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(2) 2016: 37-41

Mapping the prevalence of deleterious oral habits among 10–16-year-old children in Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Deleterious oral habits are possible causes of unbalanced functional forces on the developing dentition and are factors in the development of dento-skeletal abnormalities and hence possible etiologic factors in malocclusion. Therefore, recognition and elimination of deleterious oral habits is of utmost importance. Aim: To assess and district wise map the prevalence of deleterious oral habits among 10–16-year-old children in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional was conducted over a period of 2 years from January 2012 to January 2014. With 95% confidence level, the sample size of 9505 was estimated using population proportionate technique. The list of schools provided by the Karnataka Higher Primary and Secondary Education Board were stratified district wise, and then the required number of subjects was chosen by simple random sampling method. Oral habits were diagnosed using data gathered from a clinical examination of occlusion and extra-oral assessment of the face, combined with the history of habits from parents and guardians. Z-test for proportions was used to compare the prevalence between the genders. Results: The study demonstrated a low prevalence of 6% deleterious oral habits, and tongue thrusting was the most prevalent habit found in 2% of children. The highest prevalence of 12% was found in the district of Karwar. There was no significant difference of deleterious oral habits between the genders (P = 0.315). Conclusions: Highest prevalence of 12% was observed in Karwar district. Overall a low prevalence of 6% was found in Karnataka. 2% prevalence of tongue thrusting was the most prevalent habit.

Type 1 diabetes in India: Overall insights.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is also on increase like type 2 diabetes, even though not in the same proportion, but still with a trend of 3–5% increase/year. India has three new cases of T1DM/100,000 children of 0–14 years. Three sets of prevalence data shows 17.93 cases/100,000 children in Karnataka, 3.2 cases/100,000 children in Chennai, and 10.2 cases/100,000 children in Karnal (Haryana). T1DM may be autoimmune or idiopathic in nature and is present in 9% cases of insulin deficiency. T1DM is primarily caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, and disorder of the immune regulatory mechanism. A combination of all these three factors causes autoimmune disease, which may ultimately result in the destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis and potentially death, if not treated with insulin. Prediabetes is the phase before the onset of T1DM, which provides a window of opportunity for early intervention. All available interventions including steroids, immunosuppressants, and cyclosporins can be possibly applied during the prediabetes phase. The treatment goals for T1DM are simple and include maintaining near normal blood glucose levels and avoiding long-term complications, which is a constant juggle between insulin and maintaining an appropriate lifestyle. The Indian Council of Medical Research funded Registry of People with diabetes in India with young age at onset (YDR) was started in the year 2006 with 10 collaborating centres across India. This registry is focusing on to provide an overview of diabetes in the young.

Awareness of Orthodontic Treatment in School Children of Karnataka State – A Survey

Aims: To assess the awareness of Orthodontic treatment among school children in Karnataka. Settings and Design: School settings and Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Methods and Material: A cross- sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in all the 30 districts of Karnataka. School children in the age group of 10-16 years were the target population. Population proportionate technique was employed for the sample size estimation. A total sample of 9505 was randomly selected from 102 schools all over Karnataka. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to record the awareness of children towards orthodontic treatment. Statistical analysis used: One way Anova, Scheffe's post hoc-test. Results: Our study showed an average awareness of orthodontic treatment in Karnataka school children. Conclusions: The awareness was influenced by the literacy rate as districts with higher literacy showed higher awareness of children towards orthodontic treatment and districts with lower literacy rate showed lesser awareness of children towards orthodontic treatment. Keywords - Awareness , Karnataka, Literacy, Orthodontic treatment , School children.

Role of new anthropometric indices, validity of MUAC and Weech’s formula in detecting under-nutrition among under-five children in Karnataka.

Background and Objective: There should be one comprehensive measure or index which can represent the overall prevalence of under-nutrition of all three forms (underweight, wasting and stunting). Composite index of anthropometric failure is one such indicator, proposed by Svedberg. Three new indices namely UI, WI and SI has also been proposed and used. The advantage of use of MUAC is its simplicity. Weech’s formula is an age old formula used by clinicians to identify undernourished children. Material and methods: The study included 171 children under the age of five years, who were referred from the anganwadis of Dakshina Kannada region during the period of January-March 2012. The proportion of underweight, wasting and stunting were calculated according to the new child growth standard of the WHO. CIAF, UI, WI and SI were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and likelihood ratios were calculated for MUAC and Weech’s formula. Results: 58.4% children belonged to category “D” of CIAF. Weech’s formula’s sensitivity in detecting underweight and stunted children was 100% and 96% respectively. Conclusion: Use of CIAF, UI, WI and SI is recommended to present the overall picture of undernutrition among under-five children. Weech’s formula is a sensitive and specific tool to identify to undernourished children.

A Study on Healthcare Infrastructure for Children in Karnataka

The major objective of this article is to take stock of the overall healthcare infrastructure for children in the district hospitals in the state of Karnataka. Governmental healthcare initiative in India can be traced back to the year 1951. Interestingly, India was the only country in the world to launch a Family Planning Programme intended to reduce population growth. This was renamed as Family Welfare Programme in 1977. Thereafter, in 1983, the National Health Policy was institutionalised with the objective of reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Neo Mortality Rate (NMR) and Child Mortality Rate (CMR) by the year 2000. Concurrently, programmers like Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and Oral Dehydration Therapy (ORT) came into existence in the country. As follow-up of these major initiatives, in the year 1997, a specific programme called Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) became operational in all the districts of the country. As a result of these initiatives, over the years, India has been able to cross a major milestone in reducing IMR, NMR, as well as CMR. According to latest NFHS-3 (National Family Health Survey) report, the IMR, NMR and CMR rates in the country are 57, 39 and 18 respectively. However, the progressive state of Karnataka has always registered lower IMR (43.2), NMR (28.9) and CMR (12.1) than the national average. The present investigation is based on the information collected from children outpatient departments of the district hospitals in Karnataka.

Effectiveness of Informational Booklet on Cure and Management of epileptic Children in Karnataka

Effectiveness of Informational Booklet on Cure and Management of epileptic Children in Karnataka

Tobacco use amongst children in Karnataka

To estimate the prevalence, pattern and correlates of tobacco use amongst the 13-15 year olds in schools of Karnataka. A three stage (area, school level and class level) cluster sample design was adopted and 80 schools from 12 districts of the state were selected. A total of 4,110 students participated in the study with an overall response rate of 87%. Point prevalence of tobacco use amongst 13-15 year old was 4.9%. Current tobacco use was predominantly a male feature and use of smokeless variety predominated (transitional Karnataka (8.2%); metropolis (6.8%); rural (3.4%). One third of current tobacco users (30.8%) purchased tobacco product in a store and one-fifth used it at home. Nearly half of the never smokers (43% to 56.7%) were exposed to tobacco smoke outside home and 83% favored a ban on smoking in public places. A male tobacco user was perceived to have more friends and was reported to make them look attractive. Print media was a predominant source of message, more so in the metropolitan region. Only one-third (31.6%) reported that the reasons of tobacco usage amongst youth was discussed in formal school settings. GYTS Karnataka has provided reliable estimates and shown the feasibility of implementing a surveillance programme. Specific challenges for Public health that emerge from the study are increasing number of users in transitional areas, continued media exposure, tobacco users being perceived to be popular and attractive, easy and relatively unrestricted access, lack of systematic support within schools and social acceptance of tobacco use at home. The need of the hour is to target and focus interventions through comprehensive programmes aimed at children, school authorities, parents and policy makers.

Nutrition scenario in Karnataka, a state in southern India

India is an agricultural country and the majority of India's population live in rural areas. This is so in Karnataka, a state in southern India. The present report consists of a detailed nutrition situation analysis. Karnataka has a population of 45 million, which is approximately 3-5% of India's population. One in every two women are agricultural labourers, reflecting women's predominance in the field of agriculture. The state has a literacy rate of 56%. The food consumption patterns reveal that cereals and millets are the main food items. However, protective foods (i.e. foods that are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals) are consumed in lesser amounts. When compared with the average Indian recommended dietary intake (RDI), the intake of energy in adults was found to be higher, as was protein. The average intake of vitamins, however, was 50% less than the RDI. Unlike adults, energy deficiency is a problem in the diets of preschool children. Growth retardation has been observed in a vast majority of children in Karnataka. An improvement in the nutritional status of rural adults has been observed in recent years. Protein energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency and B-complex deficiencies are the major nutritional deficiencies among preschool children, while anaemia remains a major health problem in women. Improvement in the healthcare system has brought a decline in the infant mortality rate in Karnataka and the state attained universal immunization coverage in 1990. The National Nutrition Programme - Integrated Child Development Scheme provides an integrated package of services to residents of Karnataka.