Field Practice Area Of Department Research Articles

Family planning differentials among religious groups: A study in India

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2015,5,1,98-101.DOI:10.4103/2230-8598.151271Published:January 2015Type:Original ArticleFamily planning differentials among religious groups: A study in IndiaNazish Rasheed, Zulfia Khan, Najam Khalique, Abdul Razzaque Siddiqui1, and Seema Hakim Nazish Rasheed, Zulfia Khan1, Najam Khalique1, Abdul Razzaque Siddiqui1, Seema Hakim2 Department of Community Medicine, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 1Departments of Community Medicine and 2Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India Abstract:Background: A woman’s contraceptive use is largely influenced by the dictates of her religious faith. Acceptance of family planning methods is usually found to be poor among Muslims. This study assesses how acceptance of contraception and contraceptive choices varies across various religious groups. Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of contraceptive use among various religious groups. (2) To study the contraceptive use pattern among different religious groups. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among ever-married women (15-49 years) residing in the field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The study was a community-based cross-sectional study. Current use and ever-use of contraceptives were assessed among women from various religious groups. The contraceptive choice among current users from different religious groups was studied in relation to use of spacing and terminal methods. Results: Current use of family planning methods was similar for Hindus (43.1%) and Muslims (44.1%). However, ever-use of contraception was found to be more among Muslims (72%) than Hindus (50.6%). Spacing methods were more popular among Muslim couples (84.3%) compared to Hindus (71.7%), whereas larger number of Hindu couples preferred terminal methods (28.3%) compared to Muslims (15.7%). Conclusions: Religion does play a role in the adoption of family planning and the specific method adopted for contraception. Keywords:Contraceptive use, Hindus, MuslimsView:PDF (459.63 KB)

A community-based study to assess the awareness of health insurance among rural Northern Indian population

Background : Even after more than 60 years of independence, inequalities in access to health care are widely prevalent in Indian communities. As per National Family Health Survey-3 only 5% household are covered under any health scheme or insurance. Objectives : The present study was planned to conduct with an objective to assess the awareness of health insurance among rural northern Indian population. Materials and Methods : The present cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 422 eligible subjects in the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine of a Tertiary Care Centre located in rural Uttar Pradesh, during June 2013 to August 2013. Results : Overall 44.5% of the study subjects were aware of health insurance, while remaining 55.5% had not heard about it. Gender wise males were more aware than females (51.3% vs. 32.4%). Participants belonging to higher socioeconomic class were more aware (67%) compared to those of the lower class. A good number of respondents believed that health insurance is for tax gain (35.30%) and coverage of medical expenses (41.23%). 77.4% of respondents believed in governmental health insurance agencies rather than private insurance companies. Conclusion : The findings of the study highlight that it is need of the hour to launch information, education and communication activities in order to make rural communities aware of the need of health insurance to meet the ever rising medical expenses in view of unpredictable illness and injuries.

Assessment of nutritional status among elderly population in a rural area of West Bengal, India

Background: Geriatric population is a potentially vulnerable group for malnutrition as per 2002 census of the World Health Organization. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition among elderly population in Arkhali village, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Arkhali village, Amdanga Block, rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, among 235 elderly individuals aged ≥ 60 years during February to March 2014 by applying Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Elderly individuals were interviewed after obtaining informed verbal consent. Results: MNA showed 29.4% elderly had malnutrition and 60.4% were at risk of malnutrition. Females (59.4%) were significantly more malnourished than males (40.6%). Older age (p < 0.001), lower income of family (p < 0.001), low literacy level (p < 0.001), decreased food intake (p < 0.001), and fewer consumption of meals (p < 0.001) were independently associated with lower MNA scores. Conclusion: Nutritional status of elderly subjects is very poor as detected in this study. There is need and scope for geriatric nutritional interventions in rural population.

Comparison of breast feeding practices among urban and rural mothers: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Exclusive breast feeding practice ranks first among the most effective interventions to improve child health. Present study was undertaken to compare breast feeding practices among urban and rural mothers and the factors influencing these practices. Materials and Methods: One year long community based cross-sectional study was done at villages namely Vantamuri, Kakati (A and B), Honaga, and Bhutramanahatti; and urban area Khasbag which are the field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, J. N. M. C., Belgaum. By random sampling, 380 rural mothers and 400 urban mothers having 1-year-old child were selected. Information on sociodemographic variables, breast feeding practices was recorded. Results: In the present study, majority of urban (65.00%) as well as rural mothers (64.21%) were between 20 and 24 years of age and were literates (90.25 and 77.89%, respectively). Majority of the mothers in both urban and rural areas gave prelacteal feeds (54.25 and 57.11%, respectively). Many mothers in both rural and urban areas discarded the colostrum, (14.75% in urban vs 25.79% in rural). Initiation of breast feeding after delivery was delayed by 24.50% of mothers in urban and 33.68% of mothers in rural areas. As many as 67.89% rural mothers practiced demand feeding as opposed to 38.75% urban mothers. Age of the mother, education, socioeconomic status, type of family, place of delivery, and education about benefits of breast feeding influenced the breast feeding practices. Conclusions: Various inappropriate breast feeding practices are prevalent both in rural as well as urban areas. Elder's advice played an important role in shaping the breast feeding practices.

A Community Based Study on Awareness of HIV/AIDS among Young Males of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a challenging illness caused by the HIV virus, which weakens the immune system and leads to death through secondary infections. HIV/AIDS is spreading globally, hitting the younger generations. Objective: To assess the knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS among young males of rural and urban area of Meerut District. Study Design : Cross-sectional, community based study. Settings and Participants: One urban (Multan Nagar) and one rural (Khajuri) area under the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut. Sample Size: 600 male young males aged 15-24 years, 300 were selected from urban area and 300 from rural area respectively. Study Period: Jan 2011 to June 2011 Methodology: A pre-designed, pre-tested, interview schedule was used after taking verbal consent. Questions consisted of awareness (i.e. whether ever heard of HIV/AIDS), knowledge about source of infection, modes of prevention of HIV/AIDS and source of information regarding HIV/AIDS, Results: The awareness of HIV/AIDS was higher (80%) among the urban respondents as compared to the rural respondents (53.3%). The predominant source of information among urban respondents was reading material such as newspapers, magazine, brochure and electronic media and rural subjects was interpersonal communication with doctors, health workers and friends. 42.5% of the rural respondents and 16.7% urban respondents did not know about any source of infection of HIV/ AIDS. The predominant mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS which the maximum respondents knew was unsafe sex among both urban and rural area. 37.5% of the rural respondents and 16.7% urban respondents did not know about any modes of prevention for HIV/AIDS although 25% urban and rural respondents knew that condom usage prevents HIV infection. Conclusion: HIV/AIDS awareness and knowledge among the young males was found to be low. Targeted approach and more intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns are needed to contain this dreaded epidemic.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF UNDER NUTRITION AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN A RURAL COMMUNITY

AbstractChildren of today are citizens of tomorrow; the young child under 5 years is most vulnerable to the vicious cycles of malnutrition, infection and disability all of which influence the present condition of a child and the future human resource development of the nation as a whole. Hence the assessment of the ground reality as reflected by the statistics on nutritional status of children becomes very significant in this context.The study was done to determine the prevalence of under-5 under nutrition and to identify the major child factors contributing to the development of under nutrition among the under 5 children.This was a cross sectional study conducted in the rural community of Nitte, a field practice area of Department of Community medicine, K S Hegde Medical Academy among all the children of the anganwadis under ICDS scheme. A total of 133 under 5 children were assessed for their nutritional status and the factors that affect nutritional status.The overall prevalence of under-5 under nutrition was found to be high at 63.16%. More girls were undernourished compared to boys, lower grades of undernourishment were more common and the prevalence of under nutrition increased with increasing age. There was a higher prevalence of underweight in children born with low birth weight, born premature, those children not exclusively breast fed and on improper complementary feeds. Immunization and Vitamin A supplementation of the under-5 children status was highly satisfactory.

Health Intervention Impact Assessment on Glycemic Status of Diabetic patients

Diabetes has been proved to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, and is gradually emerging as an important health problem in developing countries as well. Diabetes, an iceberg disease could be described as the ‘sleeping snake’- which bites when it wakes up. Diabetics, who are joyfully moving in and around us in the society, who are really not aware of the possible catastrophic end results of harbouring this ‘sleeping snake’. This study was carried out to assess the impact of health intervention on life style, self care practices and Glycemic status of Diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shivaji Nagar urban slum which is a field practice area of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine; of TN Medical College Mumbai, India. Diabetic patients above 40 years of age were included in this study. The information was gathered by personal interview using semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data was numerically coded and entered in Microsoft Excel 2007 and then transferred to SPSS version 15.0 Added data was analysed with appropriate test and results were obtained. Out of 300 subjects183 (61%) were males, 146 (48.7%) patients were in the age group of 51-60. Before intervention 178 (59.3%) patients’ had Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m<SUP>2</SUP><SUP> </SUP>and they had poor control over blood sugar. Significant improvement in life style, self care practices; illness perception and Glycemic status of patients were seen after health intervention. People have to be educated through mass media about Diabetes and its risk factors like consumption of food having high Glycemic index, alcohol etc. People have to be educated on the importance of regular physical exercises and should be encouraged to do the same.

Assessment of the Nutritional Status and Immunization Coverage of Anganwadi Children in Rafiq Nagar, Mumbai

India has made huge strides in the past decades in warding off the spectre of famine. The Green Revolution should have gone a long way to tackling child malnutrition, Norman Borlaug's creation of dwarf spring wheat strains in the 1960s meant that India could feed itself at last. Better farming techniques and food security policies have made mass starvation a thing of the past. Yet the problem of child malnutrition remains critical, and the reasons it deserves concerted attention are many. Besides the obvious moral obligation to protect the weakest in society, the economic cost to India is and will be staggering. The present study is carried out to assess the nutritional status and immunization coverage of children attending Anganwadi in Rafiq nagar Mumbai. A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted at Rafiq Nagar urban slum which is a field practice area of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, TN Medical College, Mumbai, India. All children below 6 years of age attending 6 Anganwadi were included. The information was gathered by personal interview of mothers using semi-structured questionnaires. Out of 194 children 93 (47.9%) were males. According to WHO malnutrition grading, 59.8% children were malnourished and only 90 (46.4%) were completely immunized. Malnutrition was prevalent in the age group of 1-2 years. Thus mother should be properly educated regarding the nutritional needs of the growing children and importance of complete immunization. Importance of exclusive breastfeeding, timely weaning, provision of proper protein rich and energy dense complementary food should be stressed.

Assessment of Co-Morbidities and Self Esteem in Obese Population of Urban Slum of Mumbai

Obesity is perhaps the most prevalent form of malnutrition. As a chronic disease, prevalent in both developed and developing countries , and affecting both children and adults replacing the more traditional public health concerns including under-nutrition. For industrialized countries, it has been suggested that such increase in body weight have been caused primarily by reduced levels of physical activity, rather than by changes in food intake or other factors. The present study was carried out to assess the various co-morbidities associated with obesity and to assess self-esteem score of obese patients in an urban slum of Mumbai. A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted at Cheetah Camp urban slum which is a field practice area of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, TN Medical College, Mumbai, India. Obese and overweight patients above 40 years of age were included in this study. The information was gathered by personal interview using semi-structured questionnaires. Out of 350 subjects 163 (46.57%) were males. Mean Self-esteem score was 19.47 Patients having high body mass index had poor control over blood pressure and blood sugar. Thus society for elderly should be formed where various life style changes to prevent geriatric problems including obesity and associated co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, etc. should be encouraged.

Age-sex trends of under nutrition among the adolescent school children in an urban resettlement colony of District Gautam-budhnagar, Uttar Pradesh. A comparative study with WHO 2007 reference standards

Background: The World health organization (WHO) defines adolescents as individuals between the ages of 10–19 years and they make up about 20% of the world’s population. Under-nutrition is still highly prevalent among the adolescents of developing countries including India. Aims & Objective: The present study was undertaken to assess the age-sex trends of under nutrition among the adolescent age group school children of 11-18 years age group in District Gautambudh-nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Material and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out in the Government schools in Bhangel, the urban field practice area of Department of Community Medicine. A questionnaire was administered to 392 school students (290 boys and 102 girls) of 11-18 years age group studying in VIth-XIIth standard. All the students were also subjected to measurement of height and weight. Body mass index (BMI) of all students was calculated. The heights and BMI of the students were then compared with the WHO 2007 reference standards. Results: The mean BMI was found to be less as compared to the WHO 2007 reference standards in both the sexes and the difference was found to be statistically significant in almost all age groups. The mean height was found to be less as compared to WHO reference for height in all age groups in both sexes and the difference was statistically significant in almost all age groups. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the nutritional status of the adolescent school children in our country is very poor.

Prevalence of Ocular Morbidity in 5 to 14 Years Children in an Urban Resettlement Colony of New Delhi, India

Objective: To study the prevalence of ocular morbidities in children between 5 to 14 years in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi. Materials and method: It is a community based cross-sectional study in Kalyanpuri, an urban resettlement colony and the urban field practice area of department of Community Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. A semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire was prepared and filled by the principal investigator himself. A stratified random sample of 650 children using the proportionate allocation method was taken for the study. This was about 10% of the estimated children's population of the colony. Data was tabulated & analyzed using SPSS for windows software version 10.5. Results: 25% of the study subjects were found to be suffering from some kind of ocular morbidity with 10.46% suffering from infectious & 15.69% from non-infectious disease.

Epidemiological study of depression among population above 60 years in Visakhapatnam, India

Background: As the World’s population is ageing, there is growing interest in various morbidity patterns among the elderly. Depression and depressive symptoms are common in elder people. Often depression is difficult to recognize. Aims & Objective: The study aims to assess the prevalence of Depression among study population and its relationship with socio demographic factors, co-morbid illness and functional impairment. Material and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was done in selected rural & urban field practice areas of Department of SPM by means of simple random sampling. 17,415 populations were screened from 3383 households in both rural and urban areas to identify 1200 elderly aged 60 and above were administered with pretested questionnaire incorporating geriatric depression scale for assessing Depression. Results: The prevalence of Depression among study population was 31.7% (317/1000). The prevalence was high in rural areas (36%), as compared to urban areas (27%) and increasing with increasing age. It was significantly high among females (37.5%), singles (46%), staying alone (65%), low socio-economic group (34%), those with stressful life events (71%). The most common illnesses among the study population with depression were osteoarthritis (43.9%) cataract (25.2%), hypertension (17.6%), diabetes (7.6%) and heart diseases (3.9%). It was observed that functional impairment was high among those who have depression (6.5%). Conclusion: Depression is relatively high in rural area, females, illiterates, singles and sufferers of stressful life events or chronic diseases. There is a significant functional impairment with presence of Depression.

Prevalence of Hypertension in the Rural Community of Central Maharashtra, India

Background: Hypertension is the commonest risk factor for cardiovascular disorder and though it is preventable diseases by very easy means like avoidance of risk factors and regular blood pressure screening and treatment but still very neglected. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of hypertension in rural India and this study was done to determine the same amongst rural population in the field practice area of S.R.T.R. Medical College, Ambajogai,Beed, India Objective: To find out the prevalence of hypertension among adults of the rural community and to classify them according to the classification given by JNC7. Study design: community based cross sectional study. Study area: Village Chanai, the field practice area of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, S.R.T.R. Medical College, Ambajogai, Beed, Maharashtra, India Study population: whole the population of village Chanai i.e.2235 aged 18 years and above was screened by house to house survey for hypertension. 39 subjects were excluded according to exclusion criteria and finally 2196 study subjects were included in the study. Inclusion Criteria: All population of selected village above 18 years of age. Exclusion Criteria: 1. All pregnant women, 2. Subjects who were not willing for the interview or examination. Two readings of blood pressure were taken 3 minutes apart and the average was noted with standardized mercury sphygmomanometer throughout the study. Observations: Overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 12.75% and it increased significantly with the age. Sexwise prevalence was slightly higher in males i.e.13.10% whereas it was 12.52% in females and it also increased in both sexes with age. Most of the cases of hypertension i.e.55.71% belonged to stage II of hypertension in both male and female. Conclusion and Recommendation: Prevalence of hypertension in village Chanai rose by double in merely seven years i.e. from 5.92% to 12.75%. Most of the patients had first time exposed to the blood pressure recording procedure during the study and diagnosed as hypertensive indicating the lack of awareness about warning symptoms, risk factors, importance of BP screening and ideal time of BP screening. So there is a need for strengthening health & nutritional education programs promoting hypertension awareness, and emphasizing preventive measures. Multipurpose health workers can be trained for detection and monitoring of hypertension. Community interventional programs targeting the 1st degree blood relatives of the cases of hypertension should be given priority.

Assessment of KAP, Risk Factors and Associated Co-Morbidities in Hypertensive Patients.

Objective: (1) To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hypertensive patients. (2) To assess the risk factors and associated co-morbidities in them. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shivaji Nagar urban slum which is a field practice area of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, of TN Medical College Mumbai. Hypertensive patients above 40 years of age were included in this study. The information was gathered by personal interview using semi-structured proforma. Results: Out of 340 subjects 176 (51. 76% ) were males. Majority of subjects 43.82% belonged to joint family and 64.11% subjects were from III, IV, V socioeconomic class. 39.7% patients were unemployed and unskilled. 131 (38.52%) patients had the family history of Hypertension. majority of the patients 117 (34.41%) had Smokeless tobacco addiction, followed by Cigarettes smoking 45 (13.23%). Alcohol consumption and smokeless tobacco chewing both in 43 (12.64%) patients. 90 (26.47%) patients had Diabetes Mellitus along with Hypertension followed by Anaemia 68 (20%) and Osteoarthritis / Osteoporosis 51 (15 %). 221 (65%) hypertensive patients had BMI equal to or more than 25 Kg/ m 2 . Poor knowledge, attitude and practices were in 83.42%, 69.11%, 73.24% patients respectively. Mean systolic BP, Diastolic BP, Body mass index and weight was 145.58 mm of Hg, 92 mm of Hg, 25.09 Kg/ m 2 and 67.8 Kg respectively. Conclusion: Most of the patients had associated co-

A Study of Determinants of Use of Healthcare Services in India

a b S t r a c t Context: Healthcare in india is a complex mix of providers, facilities and payment systems with low budgetary support from the government. after decades of neglect there is realisation that health is a priority and spending should be increased. also there is a shortage of evidence and subsequently a need to suggest direction based on this evidence. Aims: To determine the burden of illness in the study population; find out the types of healthcare facilities used during illness; study the medico-social and economic factors influencing utilization of healthcare services. Settings and Design: 10 locations, 5 villages and 5 urban areas in the field practice areas of department of Community Medicine, AMU aligarh. Methods and Material: Cross sectional field based study on 2518 individuals using systematic random sampling. Participants interviewed and data collected on a piloted proforma. Data c ollected in two parts, initial information about burden of illness and later information of treatment seeking behaviour. Statistical analysis used: chi Square tests, Proportions. Results: Disease severity and economic reasons play a part in treatment seeking behaviour. Some kind of treatment is sought in majority of illnesses. t reatment seeking increases with the perceived severity of illness. choice of treatment facilities depends on various factors including availability, cost and type of illness. Conclusions: t here is a hidden need for healthcare in rural areas which is expected to increase with rising awareness about health. Poverty is the major reason for not seeking any treatment in urban areas reflecting an urgent need of health provision for poor.

Study of Contraceptive Practices and Reasons for not Accepting Contraceptives in Rural India: Chanai Village as a Case Study

India was the first country in the world to implement National Family Planning Programme in 1952. In spite of availability of a wide range of contraceptive and mass media campaigns and information, education and communication programmes, the population control remains a distant dream to achieve. The objective of this research was to study the prevalence of contraceptive acceptance, the type of contraceptive used and the reasons for not accepting contraceptive methods in rural area. A cross sectional study was carried out in rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine at village Chanai, Ambajogai, Maharashtra Dt., India. Data was collected by house to house survey using predesigned and pretested questionnaire inall the married women between 15-49 years. Out of 512 married women 48.63% were contraceptive acceptors; 64.66%women were accepted permanent method of contraception. Among the temporary methods most commonly accepted was IUD by 19.28% women. Commonest reason for not accepting contraceptives was desire of children in 25.85% women followed by fear of side effects in 16.34% women

P2-448 Smoking and body mass index among males aged 20 years and above: A South Indian Study

IntroductionTo investigate the relationship between smoking status and Body Mass Index (BMI) in men aged 20 years and above.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area...

Prevalence of dental fluorosis among primary school children in rural areas of Chidambaram taluk, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India

Background:Fluorosis is one of the common but major emerging areas of research in the tropics. It is considered endemic in 17 states of India. However, the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu is categorised as a fluorosis non-endemic area. But clinical cases of dental fluorosis were reported in the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University, Chidambaram. Since dental fluorosis has been described as a biomarker of exposure to fluoride, we assessed the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among primary school children in the service area.Materials and Methods:Children studying in six primary schools of six villages in the field practice area of Rural Health Centre of Faculty of Medicine, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, were surveyed. Every child was clinically examined at the school by calibrated examiners with Dean's fluorosis index recommended by WHO (1997). Chi-square test, Chi-square trend test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test were used for statistical analysis.Results:Five hundred and twenty-five 5- to 12-year-old school children (255 boys and 270 girls) were surveyed. The overall dental fluorosis prevalence was found to be 31.4% in our study sample. Dental fluorosis increased with age P < 0.001, whereas gender difference was not statistically significant. Aesthetically objectionable dental fluorosis was found in 2.1% of the sample. Villages Senjicherry, Keezhaperambai and Kanagarapattu revealed a community fluorosis index (CFI) score of 0.43, 0.54 and 0.54 with 5.6%, 4.8% and 1.4% of objectionable dental fluorosis, respectively. Correlation between water fluoride content and CFI values in four villages was noted to be positively significant.Conclusion:Three out of six villages studied were in ‘borderline’ public health significance (CFI score 0.4-0.6). A well-designed epidemiological investigation can be undertaken to evaluate the risk factors associated with the condition in the study region.

Impact of religious faith &amp; female literacy on fertility in a rural community of west Bengal

<b>Background : </b> Role of different social factors on fertility control is evident from different studies. What is the impact of religious faith and female literacy on fertility?<br><b> Objectives : </b> To study the role of religious faith and female literacy on fertility regulation in a rural community of West Bengal.<br><b> Methods : </b> Cross Sectional Study at rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, based on interview of married women in reproductive age group. A total of 671 filled in schedules were analyzed by Epi info package.<br><b> Results : </b> Average number of pregnancies ever occurred among Muslim mothers (2.8) were higher in comparison with Hindu mothers (1.68). Regarding current fertility, live births in last 2 yrs was more among Muslim mothers (25.2%) as compared with their counterparts among Hindu community (12.4%). In both the cases differences were found to be statistically significant. Female literacy was found to have no impact on fertility as a whole, but while stratified, its positive role was evident among Hindu mothers but not among Muslim mothers.<br><b> Conclusions : </b> Factors, which have made differences in fertility between two religious groups, should be properly assessed and duly addressed for better fertility control in the community.

Profile of menopausal women in rural north India

Objective To ascertain the profile of menopausal women in rural north India.Setting Six villages were selected in a rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, north India.Methods A female social worker obtained relevant data in the study area during 1999–2001. This involved individual interviews of women aged 35–55 years through a house-to-house survey.Results Of the 558 enlisted women, 152 (27.2%) had attained menopause. Average age at menopause was 44.1 years. More than half (53%) reported seven or more symptoms at menopause. Diminished vision was reported as the most common symptom at menopause. The majority (85%) admitted that menopause adversely affected women's physical health. However, most of them (95%) considered menopause socially good for women and welcomed it. None of our respondents reported use of hormone replacement therapy.Conclusion Women in rural north India viewed menopause positively. Medicalization of menopause was minimal.