Educational Status Of Mother Research Articles

Overt and Covert Delinquency: Socio-Demographic Correlates in Justice-Involved Adolescent Males.

Delinquent offenses among adolescents is an important public health concern worldwide and has been increasing at an alarming rate in India. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and pattern of delinquency among justice-involved adolescent (JIA) males and determine the associated socio-demographic factors. This cross-sectional study was carried out during the year 2016 to 2019 among 178 male inmates (aged 10-18 years) of an observation home situated at Berhampur city in the state of Odisha, India. More than half (52.8%) of the JIA males committed overt delinquent acts and 47.2% committed covert delinquent acts. Drug trafficking (34.5%) tops the list among different covert delinquent acts followed by stealing things (33.3%) whereas rape (62.8%) was the most frequently committed overt delinquent act followed by murder (25%). Results of the multivariate analysis revealed that older age {adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 4.05; 95% CI [1.73, 9.51]}, lower education status of mother (aOR: 2.81; 95% CI [1.09, 7.22]), single parenthood (aOR: 4.58; 95% CI [1.27, 16.58]), and non-supportive parenting (aOR: 3.13, 95% CI [1.44, 6.80]) were significantly associated with overt delinquency in JIA males. The prevalence of overt delinquency among JIA males was high. Interventional measures incorporating these determinants should be designed to address overt delinquency in this population.

Spatial variation and determinates of dietary diversity among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis using Ethiopian Demography Health Survey (EDHS) 2019

BackgroundMinimum dietary diversity is the consumption of five or more food groups from the eight World Health Organization recommended food groups. Adequately diversified diet, in terms of amount and composition, is critical for optimal growth, development, and long-term health outcomes in the first 2 years. Understanding the regional variation of dietary diversity and the underlying factors is crucial for developing and implementing interventions. However, the use of spatial approaches in dietary studies has not been widely established. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the spatial patterns and determinates of minimum dietary diversity practice among 6–23 months children in Ethiopia.MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted based on the Demographic and Health Surveys data conducted in Ethiopia. A total weighted sample of 1578 children aged 6–23 months was included for this study. The Global Moran’s I was estimated to look into the regional variation of dietary diversity and hotspot and cold spot areas. Further, multivariable multilevel logistic regression was used for factor analyses. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% CI was used to declare the strength and significance of the association.ResultsOverall, 87.4% (95% CI: 85.7 to 88.9%) of children in 2019 had inadequate Minimum dietary diversity. We identified statistically significant clusters of high inadequate dietary diversity (hotspots) notably observed in Somali, Afar, Eastern and western Amhara, western Tigray, Benishangul, and Northeastern and western parts of the southern nations, nationality and peoples’ regions. Inadequate dietary diversity was significantly higher among young children, uneducated mother, married women, younger mother, no postnatal check, community with higher level of poverty and community level uneducated woman.ConclusionAccording to the findings of this study inadequate Minimum dietary diversity for children as measured by World Health Organization dietary assessment shows high. Children's dietary diversity was distributed non-randomly in different districts across Ethiopia's regions. The findings of the study provided critical evidence about dietary diversity and associated factors. Hence, policy should focused on improve education status of Mother, boosting economic status of the community, increased maternal continuum of care and focused on young children nutrition may advance dietary diversity.

Gençlerin E-Sağlık Okuryazarlığı ve İnternet İçin Eleştirel Bakma Durumlarının Belirlenmesi-Determining the e-Health Literacy and Critical Thought Status for the Internet in Adolescents

This research was conducted to determine the e-health literacy of adolescents, their critical thought status for the Internet, the relationship between them, and the factors affecting them. The design of the research is descriptive and correlational. The population of the research consisted of adolescents enrolled in a total of 6 state-affiliated high schools in a city centre. It was attempted to reach the entire population without using the sampling method in the study, and a total of 1470 adolescents were reached. The mean score of the E-health Literacy Scale of the adolescents was 27.67±7.61, and the mean score of the Critical Literacy Scale for the Internet was 91.74±22.23. It was found that the e-health literacy of adolescents was affected by gender, family type, economic status, and father's educational status. It was determined that the critical literacy of adolescents for the Internet was affected by family type, economic status, and mother's educational status. Adolescents' e-health literacy and the critical literacy mean score for the Internet were found to be positively and moderately correlated. Adolescents, who are a high-risk group in terms of health protection and development, should be made aware of critically consider to e-health literacy.

Determinants of very low birth weight in India: The National Family Health Survey - 4.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is susceptible to neonatal complications, chronic medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. We aim to describe the determinants of very low birth weight (VLBW) in India and compare it with the determinants of LBW based on the National Family Health Survey - 4 (NHFS-4) Methods Data from the NFHS-4 on birthweight and other socio-demographic characteristics for the youngest child born in the family during the five years preceding the survey were used. Data of 147,762 infant-mother pairs were included. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to delineate the independent predictors of VLBW (birth weight<1500 g) or LBW (birth weight: 1500-2499 g). Results Of the 147,762 children included in the study, VLBW and LBW were observed in 1.2% and 15.8% of children, respectively. The odds of VLBW were higher in female children (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15-1.60), among mothers aged 13-19 years (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.07), mothers with severe or moderate anaemia (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.34-1.94), mothers without recommended antenatal care (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31-1.90), maternal height less than 150 cm (aOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.29-1.85) and among mothers with multiple pregnancy (aOR: 21.34, 95% CI: 14.70-30.96) in comparison to their corresponding counterparts. In addition to the variables associated with VLBW, educational status of mothers (no education; aOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15 and primary education; aOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25), caste of the children (scheduled tribe; aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24), and wealthiness of the family (poorest wealth quintiles; aOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19) were associated with LBW. Conclusions Interventions targeting improvements in antenatal care access, maternal health, and nutritional status may reduce the number of VLBW infants. Social determinants of LBW require further detailed study to understand the high propensity of low birth-weight phenotypes in the disadvantaged communities in India.

Determinants of very low birth weight in India: The National Family Health Survey – 4

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is susceptible to neonatal complications, chronic medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. We aim to describe the determinants of very low birth weight (VLBW) in India and compare it with the determinants of LBW based on the National Family Health Survey – 4 (NHFS-4) Methods Data from the NFHS-4 on birthweight and other socio-demographic characteristics for the youngest child born in the family during the five years preceding the survey were used. Data of 147,762 infant–mother pairs were included. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to delineate the independent predictors of VLBW (birth weight<1500 g) or LBW (birth weight: 1500-2499 g). Results Of the 147,762 children included in the study, VLBW and LBW were observed in 1.2% and 15.8% of children, respectively. The odds of VLBW were higher in female children (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15–1.60), among mothers aged 13–19 years (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22–2.07), mothers with severe or moderate anaemia (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.34–1.94), mothers without recommended antenatal care (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31–1.90), maternal height less than 150 cm (aOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.29–1.85) and among mothers with multiple pregnancy (aOR: 21.34, 95% CI: 14.70–30.96) in comparison to their corresponding counterparts. In addition to the variables associated with VLBW, educational status of mothers (no education; aOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15 and primary education; aOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08–1.25), caste of the children (scheduled tribe; aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.24), and wealthiness of the family (poorest wealth quintiles; aOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19) were associated with LBW. Conclusions Interventions targeting improvements in antenatal care access, maternal health, and nutritional status may reduce the number of VLBW infants. Social determinants of LBW require further detailed study to understand the high propensity of low birth-weight phenotypes in the disadvantaged communities in India.

An Exploratory Study on factors contributing towards deviant behavior among adolescents in selected senior secondary schools of district Mohali, Punjab with a view to develop an information booklet

This study aimed to assess the level of deviant behavior and then explore the factors contributing towards deviant behavior among adolescents in selected senior secondary schools of district Mohali, Punjab with a view to develop an information booklet. A quantitative approach with exploratory design was adopted. By convenient sampling technique 200 adolescents were selected from selected senior secondary schools of district Mohali, Punjab. Modified Normative Deviance Scale (NDS) and structured checklist were used to collect the data from adolescents in selected senior secondary schools of district Mohali, Punjab. Findings of the study shows that shows that majority 70.5% of the adolescents were in the age group of 15-16years, 59% of adolescents were female, 57.5% of the adolescents were Hindu, 62% were living in nuclear family, 36% adolescents had more than 3 siblings, 40% had 30,001-50,000 family income per month (in rupees), 28.5% adolescents’ mother studied up to secondary level and 64.5% had non-working mothers, 32.5% adolescents’ father studied up to graduation level, 98.5% had working fathers, 52.5% adolescents had 71- 90% class attendance and 55.5% adolescents were using WhatsApp in their most of the leisure time. The majority of the adolescents i.e. 187(93.5%) fall into a category of mild level of deviant behavior, 12(6.0%) were having moderate level of deviant behavior and 1(0.5%) were having severe level of deviant behavior. there was significant association of level of deviant behavior with educational status of mother, working status of mother.

Under-nutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in public health care hospitals of Gedeo Zone, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundBalanced and adequate nutritious food during pregnancy helps to improve maternal weight and for the healthy growth of the fetus. There has been little progress in reducing pregnant undernutrition in Ethiopia; it has been too slow. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in public health care hospitals of Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. MethodA cross-sectional study design was used in public hospitals of Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia from February 01 to March 01, 2019. Pretested structure questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the study participants. Epi-data was used to code and enter the data and SPSS-25 was used to analyse and interpret the data. To assess the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables, bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. ResultsIn this study, the prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 21% (95% CI: 20.8–21.2). After controlling other co-variables, the multivariable logistic regression model revealed that average monthly income, women's educational status, nutrition education and counseling, and parity were found to have a significant association with pregnant women's nutritional status. The odds of under-nutrition among pregnant women whose monthly income is <800 ETB were 2.8 times higher than those whose monthly incomes were >1500 (AOR: 2.89; 95%CI: 1.49–5.6). ConclusionIn this study the magnitude of undernutrition among pregnant women was found to be higher than the previously reported findings. Average household monthly income, family size, mother's educational status, nutrition education and counseling, current health condition of the mother, and parity were factors significantly associated with undernutrition of pregnant mothers. Therefore, Interventions should be initiated in earlier stages of pregnancy to prevent the high level of undernutrition during the second and third trimester in this study area.

Determinants of maternal literacy and nutritional status among children under 5 years in Umunneochi L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze the determinants of maternal literacy and nutritional status of children 0-5 years in Umunneochi LGA, Abia state, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Random and convenience sample techniques were used to collect data from 210 respondents with the use of a well-structured questionnaire. The study employed descriptive statistics and adopted the Likert scale to assess the child feeding practices of mothers, the level of nutritional knowledge of the mothers and the nutritional status of children under five years.&#x0D; Findings: The findings revealed that the acceptable practices for child feeding were giving colostrum, prelacteal feeding, late introduction of optimal complementary foods, initiation of solid and semi-solid foods, late initiation of breast feeding and continuing to breastfeed for two years. The study also discovered that as common practice, mothers initiated exclusive breastfeeding as soon as the baby was born, rarely gave water to children under the age of six months and introduced complementary food once the baby developed teeth. At a 5% level of probability, the correlation analysis discovered a strong positive (r = 0.2034) correlation between education and nutritional status of mothers in the study which calls for promotion of maternal literacy and policy intervention to young mothers, particularly on child nutrition improvement.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: In addition, the health and community services sectors can promote the use of community-based food and utilization forms for ease of acceptability among mothers. Future interventions should focus on improving food access and availability for enhanced diet diversification for the rising population.

Under nutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls in Fik district, Erar zone, Somali region, Ethiopia, 2019

Background: Malnutrition in adolescent is a major public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries, which is responsible for bone mass disability and affects their ability to learn and work at maximum productivity. Despite this, there is a shortage of information on the nutritional status of adolescent girls in Somali region, Ethiopia. This study was therefore performed to help redress this lack of data and to provide information for future improvements by health planners and policy makers.Method: Data were collected from 538 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years by community cross sectional study design. WHO Anthro-plus software was used to analyze nutritional statuses of adolescent girls and magnitudes were determined using WHO 2007 references point. Data were entered into Epi data and transferred to SPSS (version 20) for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the association between the dependent variable and independent variables with 95% confidence intervalResults: The result of the study revealed that prevalence of thinness and stunting are 32.7% and 2.8% respectively. Factors independently associated with thinness were age of adolescent girl (AOR=0.50, 95% CI=0.27-0.92), mother education status (AOR=2.30, 95% CI=0.72-7.36), father occupation (AOR=0.44, 95% CI0.22-0.87), dietary diversity score (AOR= 0.61, 95% CI=0.38-0.97) and less than two daily meal frequencies (AOR= 2.17, 95% CI=1.00-4.69).Conclusions: The prevalence of thinness was high in the study area. Thus, focus should be given adolescent girls nutrition and provide a unique opportunity to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. The government, school teacher and parents should give more attention to adolescent girls as they are crucial segment of the population and develop strategies on improvement of dietary diversity intake.

Factors associated with health insurance enrolment among Ghanaian children under the five years: analysis of secondary data from a national survey

BackgroundHealth insurance enrolment provides financial access to health care and reduces the risk of catastrophic healthcare expenditure. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of health insurance enrolment among Ghanaian children under five years.MethodsWe analysed secondary data from the 2017/18 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. The survey was a nationally representative weighted sample comprising 8,874 children under five years and employed Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing to collect data from the participants. In addition, Chi-square and Logistic Regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with health insurance enrolment.ResultsThe results showed that a majority (58.4%) of the participants were insured. Health insurance enrollment was associated with child age, maternal educational status, wealth index, place of residence and geographical region (p < 0.05). Children born to mothers with higher educational status (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.39–3.30) and mothers in the richest wealth quintile (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 2.00–3.98) had a higher likelihood of being insured compared with their counterparts. Also, children residing in rural areas (AOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61–0.91) were less likely to be insured than children in urban areas.ConclusionThis study revealed that more than half of the participants were insured. Health insurance enrolment was influenced by the child's age, mother's educational status, wealth index, residence, ethnicity and geographical region. Therefore, interventions aimed at increasing health insurance coverage among children should focus on children from low socio-economic backgrounds. Stakeholders can leverage these findings to help improve health insurance coverage among Ghanaian children under five years.

Parental Treatment Satisfaction Scores in a Day Care Pediatric Surgical Procedures

Objective: To determine the mean Parental treatment satisfaction scores in a day care pediatric surgical procedure. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Pediatric Surgery, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi between September 2019 to March 2020. All children of age 1-15 years of either gender admitted in Day Care Surgery for undergoing any of the pediatric surgical procedures (Hernia surgery, circumcision surgery or cysts surgery) were included. Data regarding age of child, gender, educational status of mother and father and parental age was obtained and was noted. The questionnaire covered the following areas: surgical staff and general treatment satisfaction, nursing staff and general information satisfaction; and Anesthetic staff satisfaction. The total parenteral treatment satisfaction scores were calculated. Results: Age range of children in this study was from 1 to 15 years with mean age of 7.7 ± 5.5 years, mean age of mother was 35.1 ± 7.5, mean age of father was 39.7 ± 6.9, mean duration of surgery was 45 ± 13 and mean duration of anesthesia was 47 ± 5 in minutes. The mean Parental treatment satisfaction scores in a day care pediatric surgical procedure was 6.67 + 0.7. Conclusion: The satisfaction level of the parents was fair enough considering the units where pediatric sedation was administered. When the physical conditions and the communication with patients and their relatives are improved and the procedure schedule is followed strictly, there will be further improvement in positive clinical results. Keywords: Pediatric surgery, Parental, satisfaction score, Sedation

A descriptive study to assess the Knowledge Regarding Reproductive health among adolescent girls in Govt. Sr. Sec. Girls’ School, Jind, Haryana

Background and aim: Reproductive health of vulnerable adolescent girls is a top priority in global Programme. Adolescent girls are at risk of AIDS and other STDs, unplanned pregnancy, childbirth, unwanted pregnancies, illegal and unsafe abortions. There are Adolescent girls make reproductive health decisions and choices based on their knowledge and the availability of such choices can either negatively or positively affect their lives. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding reproductive health among adolescent girl in govt. Girls School of Jind, Haryana. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 30 girls of govt. girl’s sr. sec. school of Jind by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with the help of structured knowledge questionnaire and data were collected method was self-reporting questionnaire and data analyzed by Descriptive by Chi Square and unpaired’ test. Girls with their selected socio demographic variables. Results: Half of the above of total sample 16 (53.33%) have low level of knowledge. Samples with average level of knowledge were 14 (46.67 %). None of the samples have very low, high and very high level of knowledge, there will be no significant association between level of knowledge on reproductive health and socio demographic variables. (Age, Religion, Educational Status of Mother, Residence, Monthly Income and Source of Information) Conclusion: A little above one half of the total sample 16 (53.33%) have low level of knowledge. Samples with average level of knowledge were 14 (46.67 %). None of the samples have very low, high and very high level of knowledge.

P18 Prevalence and risk factors for nasal colonization with MRSA among children attending immunization in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial agent commonly found on the skin and anterior nares of healthy individuals. There has been an increase in the carriage of MRSA globally. Nasal MRSA colonization is a public health problem because it is a significant risk factor for staphylococcal infection. This study explores the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profile and risk factors for nasal colonization of healthy children under 5 years old attending immunization.MethodsNasal swabs were collected from 176 healthy children 0–60 months old, attending routine immunization in Port Harcourt. Questionnaires covering demographic information and potential risk factors were administered to caregivers of the children. Collected samples were tested for the presence of MSSA and MRSA. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on all MSSA and MRSA samples.ResultsThe prevalence of MSSA and MRSA were 10/176 (5.68%) and 48/176 (27.3%), respectively. The MDR rate among the 58 S. aureus samples was 53/58 (91.38%). Children who had an ear infection in the preceding 1 month were at a higher risk of being colonized with MRSA at P = 0.048 (95% CI). There was also a significant association P = 0.036 (95% CI) between the educational status of mother and nasal colonization, with higher educational status reducing the chances of association.ConclusionsThere is a rising prevalence of MRSA colonization and MDR strains. A history of ear infections and a poor level of education of the mother were identified as significant risk factors for MRSA colonization.Table 1.Association between potential risk factors and MRSA carriageFactorsMRSAχ2 P valuepositivenegativeHospitalization0.3770.539f Yes01 No48127Hospital visit0.1400.708 Yes511 No43117RTI0.8630.353 Yes2474 No2454Ear infection4.8600.048* f Yes42 No44126Antibiotic use1.3750.241 Yes935 No3993Family health worker0.3040.582 Yes510 No43118Smoker1.6380.243f Yes213 No46114*Significant at 95%; fFisher's exact test.

Logistic Regression Modeling for Maternal Determinants of Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight is a major public health issue in India. Low birth weight leads to an impaired growth of the infant resulting in a higher mortality rate and increased morbidity. In India, nearly 20% of new borns have Low birth weight. Males have less frequency of Low birth weight than females. This study emphasizes the need for improving maternal health, weight gain during pregnancies, prevention and proper management of risk factors along with improving socioeconomic and educational status of mothers. Logistic regression is a statistical model for analyzing a dataset in which one or more independent variables that determine an outcome. The main objective of this paper is to identify the predictors of low birth weight through simple logistic regression model.

Determinants of very low birth weight in India: The National Family Health Survey – 4

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is susceptible to neonatal complications, chronic medical conditions, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. We aim to describe the determinants of very low birth weight (VLBW) in India based on the National Family Health Survey – 4 (NHFS-4). Methods Data from the NFHS 4 on birthweight and other socio-demographic characteristics for the youngest child born in the family during the five years preceding the survey were used. Data of 147,762 infant–mother pairs were included. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to delineate the independent predictors of VLBW (birth weight&lt;1500 g) or LBW (birth weight &lt;2500 g). Results Of the 147,762 children included in the study, VLBW and LBW were observed in 1.2% and 15.8% of children, respectively. The odds of VLBW were higher in female children (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.15–1.60), among mothers aged 13–19 years (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22–2.07), mothers with severe or moderate anaemia (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.34–1.94), mothers without recommended antenatal care (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31–1.90), maternal height less than 150 cm (aOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.29–1.85) and among mothers with multiple pregnancy (aOR: 21.34, 95% CI: 14.70–30.96) in comparison to their corresponding counterparts. In addition to the variables associated with VLBW, educational status of mothers (no education; aOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15 and primary education; aOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08–1.25), caste of the children (scheduled tribe; aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.24), and wealthiness of the family (poorest wealth quintiles; aOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19) were associated with LBW. Conclusions Interventions targeting improvements in antenatal care access, maternal health, and nutritional status may reduce the number of VLBW infants. Social determinants of LBW require further detailed study to understand the high propensity of low birth-weight phenotypes in the disadvantaged communities in India.

Prevalence of Anemia Among Adolescent Girls Residing in Rural Haryana: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundAnemia continues to be a major public health problem in India despite multiple initiatives to address it among various vulnerable groups including adolescents.AimThis study was conducted to assess the prevalence of anemia among rural adolescent girls who had attained menarche.MethodsThe community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 28 villages of Ballabgarh Block of district Faridabad, Haryana. From the computerized Health Management Information System data (HMIS), a random list of 363 adolescent girls was generated. Adolescent girls who had attained menarche were included in the study. Hemoglobin level was measured for all the consented or assented participants using a digital hemoglobinometer (HemoCue201+ photometer, HemoCue AB, Angelholm, Sweden).ResultsA total of 272 participants were enrolled in the study. Mean (SD) age at menarche was 13.2 (1.2) years. Prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls who had attained menarche was observed to be 71.7% (95% CI: 66.3 - 77.1) as per the WHO classification. Among the 195 anemic adolescent girls, severe, moderate, and mild anemia was observed in 4.8%, 41.2%, and 25.7%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, after adjusting for the age, the mother’s education was significantly associated with anemia (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.96, p-value = 0.04).ConclusionThe prevalence of anemia among rural adolescent girls who had attained menarche was high. Mother’s education status had a protective effect on anemia among adolescent girls.

BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING A MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE HOSPITAL OF GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE IN SOUTH KASHMIR, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Maternal death is an issue of great concern especially when these deaths can be prevented by appropriate management of the delays causing it. To prevent these delays, the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) has put forward the concept of Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR). BPCR matrix comprises several core elements covering antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess BPCR status and its associated factors among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in a rural tertiary care hospital. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 568 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of GMC, Anantnag from October 2021 to March 2022. After giving informed consent, participants were interviewed regarding BPCR using a questionnaire adapted from the JHPIEGO. Results: BPCR index in our study was 42.34%. Almost half of the pregnant women (49.8%) were “well prepared” and remaining half (50.2%) were “less prepared”. The association between level of preparedness was statistically significant with educational status of mother (p=0.017), primi parous (p=0.04), and multiple ANC visits (p=0.014). Conclusion: Overall BPCR index was on the lower side with knowledge regarding various key danger signs, identification of a skilled health care provider and a health-care facility being very unsatisfactory.

Evaluation of the Traditional Practices of Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding and Increasing Breast Milk in Mothers with 0-24 Month-Old Infants

Introduction: To evaluate the traditional practices of breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and increasing breast milk in mothers with 0-24 month-old infants. Material and methods: The study sample includes 215 mothers with 0-24 month-old infants. The mothers’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and behaviors regarding breast milk, complementary feeding, and traditional practices for increasing breast milk were questioned. Results: 60.0% of the infants were exclusively breastfed in the first six months. There was a significant difference between the mothers’ educational levels and the frequency of breastfeeding (p&lt;0.001). A significant difference was observed between the educational level of the mothers and the first complementary food given to the infants (p=0.046). The rate of mothers who breastfed less frequently after introducing to complementary feeding was significantly lower in the group with a low level of education compared to the group with a high level of education (p=0.040). The rate of receiving training from a healthcare professional specialized in breastfeeding before and after birth was significantly higher in the group with a high level of education (41.1% and 52.8%, respectively) than the group with a low level of education (17.3% and 15.4%) (p=0.002 and p&lt;0.001, respectively). The rate of those who knew that breast milk alone was sufficient for feeding the infant in the first six months was significantly higher in the group with a high level of education (96.3%) than the group with a low level of education (86.5%) (p=0.017). Percentage of mothers with a high educational level who consume herbal tea (17.8%) is higher than those with low educational level (4.0%). There is a statistically significant difference between the educational status of mothers and traditional practices to increase breast milk (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Mothers had imperfect knowledge regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding. They should be educated by healthcare professionals to eliminate deficiencies and correct their current practices.

Dietary diversity score and associated factors among high school adolescent girls in a selected school of Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa.

Introduction:Adequate dietary intake is critical for modification of eating behavior and provides nutrients required for growth particularly among adolescents. The evidence revealed the variation and unrelated data on the prevalence of dietary diversity among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.Objective:To assess the magnitude of dietary diversity and associated factors among high school adolescent girls at the selected school of Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2021.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in high schools of the Yeka sub-city. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS and the characteristics of the study participants were reported using descriptive statistics. A logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with dietary diversity.Result:The mean score of dietary diversity was 4.9 ± 1.47 with a response rate of 97.2% among a proposed number of participants. The dietary diversity score is high in 56.7% and low among 43.3% of adolescents. Stayed a long time on social media (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6), school type (adjusted odds ratio = 6.5), educational status of mother (adjusted odds ratio = 8.7), consuming more sweet food (adjusted odds ratio = 3.6), occupation of the mother (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3), household security (adjusted odds ratio = 2.3), and fear of obese/worried about shape (adjusted odds ratio = 5.0) were statistically associated with low dietary diversity score.Conclusion:The finding of the study revealed that the magnitude of low dietary diversity among adolescent girls was found to be high. Long time social media usage, school type, educational status of the mother, consuming more sweet food, occupation of mother, household food security, and fear of obese/worried about shape were statistically associated with dietary diversity score.

Clinical Profile of Refractive Errors Associated with Screen Time in Children Aged 5-15 Years in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Southern India during COVID Pandemic: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Refractive errors cannot be prevented, but it is important to detect them early to improve the quality of life and prevention of blindness. Refractive errors screening in children during COVID pandemic was difficult task as they were high-risk group. Increased near activity due to online classes and smart devices usage may increase the uncorrected refractive errors. The study emphasizes on the refractive errors screening during COVID pandemic. Aim: To study the clinical profile of refractive errors of the children aged 5-15 years in a tertiary care hospital in COVID pandemic in association with screen time, outdoor activity, type of gadget, amblyopia and educational status of mother. Materials and methods:This was a hospital based prospective analytical study conducted in children 5-15 yrs attending the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of ESIC Medical College and Hospital from May 2021 to October 2021.Children were screened for refractive errors and compared with the refractive errors data of different children of same age referred from Paediatric Outpatient Department and who attended to Ophthalmology Outpatient Department for regular eye checkup in pre-pandemic time. Unaided visual acuity of all children were measured with the help of Snellen’s chart. Children with refractive errors underwent Cycloplegic Retinoscopy followed by post-mydriatic test. Screen time and outdoor activity duration were recorded. Interpretation and analysis of obtained results was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for descriptive statistics. Non-parametric tests like Pearson Chi-square test were used to express the qualitative data.Data with p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 790 children were screened out of which 358 (45.3%) presented with refractive error when compared with the pre pandemic prevalence 276 (34.9%) out of 790 children screened, presented with the refractive error. A total of 118 (33%) of the children presented with increased blink rate associated with increased screen time and dry eye. Rate of progression of more than 1D was observed in 44 (12.29%) of which Myopia 28 (7.8%) Astigmatism 10 (2.7%) and hypermetropia 6 (1.6%) in 6 months. A total of 286 (79.8%) children presented with myopia and 24 (6.7%) presented with hypermetropia, 48 (13.4%) presented with astigmatism. A total of 258 (72.06%) presented with screen time for 4-7 hrs, and 32 (8.9%) children presented with amblyopia. Conclusion: Refractive errors increased due to smart classes in schools or use of laptops, television viewing, computers or mobiles. Hence, this reinforces the need to screen all the school going children and children with the history of gadgets use