Jamnagar District Research Articles

Impact of COVID -19 Outbreak on SSIs: A Study of Jamnagar District of Gujarat

Impact of COVID -19 Outbreak on SSIs: A Study of Jamnagar District of Gujarat

Influence of Family Environment and Tobacco Addiction: A Short Report from a Post-Graduate Teaching Hospital, India.

Background: The initiation of tobacco addiction is complex, and several factors contribute to the onset of this behavior. It is presumed that the influence of family environment may pose a key factor in tobacco addiction. Tobacco-use has been highly observed in the Jamnagar district of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. No earlier study has focused on determining the pervasiveness of tobacco-use in families of tobacco users and non-users in this geographical area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the practice and pattern of tobacco-use (smoking and/or tobacco-chewing) in the families of tobacco-user patients. Methods: We studied the families of 65 tobacco-user patients (Group 1) who visited an outpatient clinic of an Ayurvedic post-graduate hospital with complaints of cough were studied and compared with age and gender-matched non-tobacco users (Group 2). The prevalence of tobacco use among the parents, siblings, and children of both groups was analyzed and compared. Results: The findings revealed that tobacco use among parents, siblings, and children in Group 1 was higher than Group 2 (p < 0.001). This meant that the problems of tobacco addiction are not always related to the individual, and therefore, tobacco-prevention strategies should focus on the entire family. Conclusions: These findings offer further insight into the promotion of smoking prevention interventions. Nevertheless, further research is warranted.

A Study on Perception of Health Care Workers In Relation To HIV/AIDS in Jamnagar District -

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 2.5% of HIV cases among healthcare workers worldwide are due to result of such exposures. While treating HIV positive patients or persons with unknown status and with high risk behavior, health professionals are at risk of getting HIV/AIDS at every stage as one of the occupational hazards. Aim: The perceptions in relation with prevention of HIV/AIDS amongst health care workers. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study carried out among 100 PG students, 50 medical officers, 210 nurses, 40 lab technicians and 100 primary health workers from district hospital as well as from peripheral CHCs and PHCs. Multistage stratified random sampling was done. Data was analyzed by Epi Info software. Results: The overall percentage of health functionaries having faith in Universal Precautions as a preventive tool in present study was 75%.Of those who had knowledge about Universal Precautions; only 49.45% of the PG students, 22% of the Medical officers, 28.3% of the Nurses, 17.40% of the Lab. technicians and 33.3% of the Health workers had favored using Universal Precautions with each patient. Conclusion: At the end of the study we can be able to find out various false perceptions and beliefs amongst health care worker in relation to prevention of HIV/AIDS at day to day work. Supportive supervision and onsite training and corrections are needed. Periodic Joint Training particularly in practical aspect for all level of health care workers is need of hour. Key words: perception, HIV, AIDS, Doctors, Nurses, lab technicians, universal work precaution

A Study on Health Profile of Post-menopausal Women in Jamnagar district, Gujarat -

Introduction: Various menopausal symptoms experienced by middle aged women affect their quality of life. There is lack of awareness regarding menopause and related problems among women. Studies related to knowledge of menopause and awareness regarding how to cope with it to have a good quality of life are very limited. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating various post-menopausal symptoms and various demographic parameters like mean age at menarche, marriage, menopause etc among women aged between 40 and 65 years and comparing them in urban, urban slums and rural areas of Jamnagar district. Material and Methods: 300 women (100 each from urban, urban slum and rural areas of Jamnagar district) aged between 40 and 65 years, through simple random sampling method. Results: Mean age at menarche and menopause were 14.73±1.40 and 46.3±5.29 (mean±SD) respectively, which were higher in rural areas, followed by urban slums and urban areas of Jamnagar district. Whereas mean age at marriage and first pregnancy were found to be 17.71±3.31 and 20.18±3.27 (mean±SD) respectively, which were higher in urban areas followed by urban slums and rural areas. The most common symptoms associated with menopause were joint pain (64%), backache (58%), irritability (56.66%), forgetfulness and sadness (48%) and vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats (47.33%). Conclusion: As life expectancy and population of post-menopausal women increases, efforts are needed to educate them and make them aware about various menopausal symptoms. This will enable them to recognize these symptoms early, to seek timely medical treatment for the same and improve quality of life. Keywords: menstruation, menopause, post-menopausal symptoms, old age, health.

Factors attributed to non-adherence of treatment among Tuberculosis patients registered in Jamnagar district, Gujarat

Background: Non-adherence to any anti-microbial drug results in to resistance of that particular drug and Anti Koch’s Treatment (AKT) not escaped out of it that leads to serious harm on outcome of Tuberculosis patients. Aims & Objectives: Present study aimed to identify various factors associated with non-adherence of tuberculosis treatment Methods & Material: Total 426 tuberculosis patients had been selected from tuberculosis register of four Tuberculosis Units (TU) of Jamnagar district by Systemic Random Sampling method. DOTS centers were evaluated physically in context of infrastructure and RNTCP (Revised National Tuberculosis control Programme) activity. Personal information and information regarding various factors associated with poor/non compliance of tuberculosis patients had been recorded in pre-structured proforma. Results: About half of the patients (52.16%) in reproductive age. Mean age of men is 36 years and that of women is 30 years. Ratio of male:female patient was 2.1:1. Total 297 (69.71) sputum smear positive. Total (81.14%) children received INH prophylaxis for their children. Keywords: tuberculosis, non-compliance, DOTS strategy, Tuberculosis Units

A cross-sectional study to investigate factors related to the time of initiation of breastfeeding in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India

Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life prevents around 20% newborn deaths and 13% under-five deaths. EIBF is predominately associated with socioeconomic, health related, and individual factors. Very few studies in Gujarat and probably none in Jamnagar district have been conducted to know factors related to the timing of initiation of breastfeeding. Objectives: This study was carried out with the objective to find out the prevalence of EIBF and association of demographic, antenatal, and intranatal factors with prelacteal feeding practice in Jamnagar district of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in 2015–2016 in four talukas of Jamnagar district with a sample size of 426 mother-infant pairs calculated with appropriate formula using prevalence of EIBF. Out of this, 400 samples with adequate response were analyzed. Multistage sampling was done and mothers who gave valid consent were taken as respondent. Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Pearson correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of EIBF was 62% in Jamnagar district. About 94.8% newborn of 15–19 years aged mothers, 96.4% newborns of mothers of Class-V socio-economic class, 87.5% newborns of illiterate mothers, 96.5% newborns of farmer mothers, and 77.4% of 1st birth order newborns received breastfeeding within 1 h of their birth. The proportion of newborn receiving breastfeeding within 1–4 h after birth increased significantly with increasing number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (P < 0.01). Among mothers with prolonged labor, 43.5% could initiate breastfeeding early. Mode of delivery and health facility for delivery were a significant determinant for the time of initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion: EIBF decreased with increasing age of mothers, increasing socio-economic class and increasing the education level of mothers. The practice of EIBF is also low among employed mothers, among newborn with high birth order and among mothers of general caste. EIBF is high in mothers with fewer ANC visits, among mothers with prolonged labor, in case of normal delivery, delivery at primary health care, and delivery assisted by female health staff.

Utilization of 108 EMRI obstetric care services for institutional delivery in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India

Background: Robust emergency transport system is vital in the reduction of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by curtailing delay and thus, it helps in reaching the sustainable development goals of MMR. The emergency management and referral institute (EMRI) model has shown good results in various states of India including Gujarat. There are some demographic and other reasons which may affect the choice of transport service for institutional delivery. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the factors for utilization of 108 EMRI obstetric care services for institutional delivery in Jamnagar district of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: It was conducted in eight Primary Health Centre areas of different four talukas of Jamnagar district with a sample size of 384. Pregnant women whose institutional delivery occurred during past 6 months from the study date were included as the study population. The sampling frame consisted of a list of such woman recorded in E-Mamta from which samples were selected by systematic random sampling. Results: Among 384 institutional deliveries, 150 (39.1%) mothers used 108 EMRI for transport from their place to a health facility. Statistically significant higher utilization of 108 EMRI services was observed among scheduled caste (49.2%), scheduled tribe (42.8%), and among socioeconomic Class V (55.3%) followed by Class IV (45.2%). Absence of felt need was the major reason for not utilizing 108 EMRI. Among user, 78.7% were satisfied with the services of 108 EMRI. Conclusion: A total of 108 GVK EMRI has been the lifeline for transport of institutional deliveries for the socially disadvantaged and economically challenged community.

Gender preference for child among reproductive age group women - A cross-sectional study in Jamnagar district

Background: Today, female feticide and gender preference are a big problem in India. Although there is so much emphasis against it, the problem has become aggravated. In this context, various studies showed that the male child preference leads to skewed sex ratio. The present paper is an attempt to determine the view of the people for giving their preference to the male child. Objectives: The objectives were to study the preference of women for gender of child, as well as reasons for preference for it, and association between socioeconomic factors and demographic factors with gender preference. Materials and Methods: It is a community-based cross–sectional study, in which 500 married women of 15–49 years of reproductive age group, 150 randomly selected women from one urban municipal ward, and 350 randomly selected women from seven villages of rural area were constituted the study population. Widow and separated women were excluded from the study. A pre-tested, semi‑structured questionnaire was administered to each individual to collect information. Microsoft Excel 2007 software and the Chi‑square test were used. Results: Almost half of the women (51.4%) have preference for male child. Women from lower age group (65.25%), currently married (66.42%), Muslim religion (72.22%), lower education (59.01%), and low socioeconomic status (66.67%) and those who are laborer (71.83%) have male child preference. Conclusions: This study concludes that more number of females have preference for male child in women of younger age group. Muslim religion and its customs, thoughts, and rearing practices make difference. Lower socio-economic status and poor education are also major contributory factor. Male child will support in old age and will take social responsibilities are the main basic reasons found to be associated with male child preference.

A Study to assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on the Knowledge regarding Warning Signs of Pregnancy among Antenatal Mothers in Selected Rural Area, Jamnagar District

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding warning signs of pregnancy among primi gravid mothers in GG Hospital Jamnagar. The hypothesis of this study was there is no significant relationship between the structured teaching programme on the level of knowledge regarding warning signs of pregnancy among primi gravid mothers. Extensive review of literature facilitates the investigator to collect the relevant information of facts to support the study. The conceptual framework of this study was based on King's Theory of Goal Attainment. The study was conducted by adopting a pre-experimental one group pre test post test design. Sixty primi gravid mothers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling technique. Each day the investigator collected data from 2–3 primi gravid mothers to assess the level of knowledge on warning signs of pregnancy. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the mothers to assess the pre test level of knowledge on warning signs of pregnancy among primi gravid mothers. Then followed by a structured teaching programme on warning signs of pregnancy and its management were educated to the primi gravid mothers. A post test was conducted to assess the level of knowledge with the same questionnaire provided in the pre test. Analysis revealed that the paired ‘t’ test value of 28.14 was highly significant at the level of p<0.001. Thus it indicates the effectiveness of structured teaching programme and level of knowledge regarding warning signs of pregnancy among primi gravid mothers.

A Study on the Pattern of Self-reported Tobacco Addiction in Hypertensive Patients in Gujarat, India.

BackgroundBoth hypertension (HTN) and tobacco addiction pose a threat to the health, environment, and socioeconomic status (SES) of the people. When tobacco use disorder exists in people with HTN, it hastens the disease progress and causes early complications. The present study aimed to study the knowledge and practice of tobacco addiction in patients with HTN and find out the correlates of knowledge and practice of tobacco addiction.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one year in the Jamnagar District of Western Gujarat, India. Out of total 400 samples, 50% were collected from the five selected Community Health Centers (CHCs) by random sampling and the rest from non-communicable disease (NCD) clinics at the tertiary care hospital of the district.FindingsMost of the patients were in their fifties or above (67.0%), women (57.0%), and married (86.5%). Only 12.0% had awareness about the hazards of tobacco addiction and the prevalence of tobacco addiction was 11%. It was found that use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) among samples was the highest (72.7%) followed by dual consumption, i.e., SLT and smoking (20.5%). The frequency of consumption was ≥ 5 times/day in 54.5%, 70.4% were addicted for > 10 years, and only 15.9% had ever tried to quit tobacco while only 11.4% had successfully quit it. It was seen that those who were aged < 50 years, men, literates, employed, and those belonging to higher SES and urban residence had better knowledge of the health hazards. This was found to have significant statistical association.ConclusionThe results provide valuable insight into the tobacco addiction in patients with HTN on which non-pharmacological treatment of HTN can be based.

Factors determining place of delivery of pregnant woman: A cross-sectional study conducted in Western part of Gujarat

Background: Institutional delivery with appropriate delivery care is one of the key paths toward achieving maternal mortality ratio target of sustainable developmental goals-3. Delay in receiving timely and adequate care at health facility is deciding factor in reducing maternal mortality. Importance of closeness of health facility, cost at private hospitals, spiritual factors, social factors, etc., play a crucial role in deciding place of delivery. Important indicator of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn Child plus Adolescent Health programme for antenatal care (ANC) is early registration of pregnancy, minimum three (upgraded to four) antenatal checkups, proportion of delivery conducted by skilled birth attendant, etc. Various demographic factors and ANC factors play a crucial role in selection of place of delivery. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the demographic factors and ANC in determining place of delivery. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in eight Primary Health Centre areas of Jamnagar district of Gujarat during September 2015–August 2016. Multistage sampling was used and convenient samples of a total of 400 mothers who delivered during the past 6 months were taken as study participants. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used for analysis. Results: Among the study participant mothers, 384 (96%) had institutional delivery while 16 (4%) mothers were delivered at home. Statistically significant difference in place of deliveries was found among caste (P < 0.05), among different socioeconomic classes (P < 0.01), and among different education level of mothers (P < 0.01). Among 16 home deliveries, 10 (62.5%) were neither registered during antenatal period nor received Mamta Card. Conclusion: Increasing education level of females, 100% ANC registration, and minimum four ANC checkups are the key steps toward 100% institutional deliveries.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Dietary Risk Factor for Malnutrition in Adolescent of Jamnagar District

Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,2018,3,2,369-376.DOI:10.5530/jams.2018.3.11Published:October 2018Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Hetalben Amin, Hitesh Vyas, and Mahesh Vyas Author(s) affiliations:Hetalben Amin*, Hitesh Vyas1, Mahesh Vyas2 Central Ayurvedic Research Institute of Drug Development (CCRAS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India), 4-CN block, Sector-5, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700091. 1Department of Basic Principles, IPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar 361008. 2Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi 110076, India.Abstract:Introduction: Adolescence is a period of crest growth for boys and girls. Nutritional requirements in relation to age are more during adolescence. The nutritional status which is often poor during early life gets worsened as the adolescent growth spurts happened. The common causes of malnutrition among adolescents in the poor community may be of less access to food and inadequate knowledge about dietary requirements. No study has been conducted on adolescent of particular Jamnagar district to determine their nutrient intake and nutritional status. The present study was conducted to fill this gap in the knowledge. Methods: Adolescent between age group of 16-25 years who has lived in Jamnagar for at least 5 years was considered eligible to be enrolled for the study from the surrounding area of Jamnagar district with problem of poor weight, poor growth, lean and thin body complains were taken for study. After taking a complete history emphasizing on milestones and dietetic history this problem is selected for present study. Results: 58.00 % of patients were taking fermented items in food, 60.00 % of patients had to take food in poor quantity, 29.00 % of patients had taking food in moderate quantity, it can be conclude in this regards that poor quantity of food may ultimately leads to malnutrition. Conclusion: This may be due to tense life of studying, away from parents, exposure to sunlight, much activeness, faulty food habits which are leading to malnutritionin that particular age group. Therefore, lack of proper nourishment most of the poor adolescents are more effected to malnutrition. Keywords:Adolescent, Diet, Jamnagar, Malnutrition, NutritionalView:PDF (2.72 MB)

Land Resource Inventory (LRI) for development of sustainable agricultural land use plans using geospatial techniques: A case study of Pata Meghpar village, Jamnagar district, Gujarat

The soil and land resource inventory at village, as basic unit, are providing baseline data on soils, their constraints and potentials for crop production. Considering this fact, Pata Meghpar village (22013’14’’ to 22016’09’’ N latitude and 70029’16’’ to 70032’59’’ E) in Jamnagar district of Gujarat with an area of 1683 hectares was selected for land resource inventory on 1: 10000 scale for land use planning activity. The soils developed on Deccan trap geological formations with distinct basaltic landforms appear at an elevation of 100 meters above mean sea level near Und river. The landform analysis of study area was carried out with the visual interpretation of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite P6 LISS-IV data of April 2012 in conjunction with cadastral map. The four basic landforms identified are isolated upland (119.3 ha & 7.1%), ravinous land (409.6 ha & 24.3%), very gently to gently sloping plains (543.9 ha & 32.3%) and nearly level plains (610 ha & 36.2%). The detailed soil survey was carried out and identified seven soil series with 10 phases. The soil series Pata Meghpar-1(Loamy, Lithic Ustorthents) and Patameghpar-2 (loamy-skeletal, Lithic Ustorthents) occurring on isolated upland are very shallow, excessively drained, brown loam (7.5YR 4/4) to dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), gravely loam and slightly alkaline (pH 7.27.8). The Pata Meghpar-3 (fine-loamy, Typic Ustorthents) on ravinous lands are moderately shallow, excessively drained, strongly calcareous, dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), weak fine sub-angular blocky structure, slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline (pH 7.7 to 8.6). The Pata Meghpar-4 (fine, Typic Haplustepts) and Pata Meghpar-5 (fine, Vertic Haplustepts) occurring on very gently to gently sloping plain are moderately deep (50-75cm), moderately well drained, slight to moderately calcareous, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), moderate, medium, sub angular blocky structures and moderate to strongly alkaline (pH 8.1 to 8.8). The Pata Meghpar-6 (fine, Leptic Haplusterts) and Pata Meghpar-7 (fine, Typic Haplusterts) occurring on nearly level plains are deep, clayey, moderately well drained, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) to very dark gray (10YR 3/1), weak fine angular blocky to moderate medium angular blocky structure, moderately calcareous and moderately alkaline (pH 8.0–8.5). The baseline resource data are useful for deriving soil-landscape relationships in basaltic terrain at village and forms the basis for upgrading management packages for sustainable crop production at farm level.

Assessment of available macro and micronutrient status of coastal Jamnagar District in Saurashtra region of Gujarat

Two hundred surface (0–20 cm) soil samples from the ten talukas of coastal Jamnagar district viz., Jamjodhpur, Bhanvad, Kalyanpur, Dwarka, Kalavad, Jamnagar, Lalpur, Jamkhambhalia, Jodiya and Dhrol were collected from the cultivated soils, and were analyzed for different chemical properties. Soils were deficient with respect to available N and S, whereas medium in available P and high in available K status. The soils are alkaline in reaction with overall pH2.5 8.18. Soils of entire district were calcareous (free CaCO3 54.9%) in nature with low to medium in organic carbon. Among the DTPA extractable micronutrients, Mn and Cu found sufficient, whereas the soils are medium in Fe and Zn. The nutrient index found for available N (1.59) and S (1.62), medium for available P (1.68) and high for K (2.67), DTPA extractable Zn (1.59) low, and high for Fe (2.35), Mn (2.36) and Cu (2.48) in the soils of Jamnagar district. Significant and positive correlation was found between soil organic carbon content and pH, available N, Mn and Zn. The soil pH was found to negatively correlated with available N, P, K and S.

Development of statistical model for Pre-Harvest yield prediction of Kharif groundnut in Jamnagar District of Gujarat State

Groundnut productivity depends considerably on soil characteristics and weather conditions during season. The present study of forecasting groundnut yield for Jamnagar district of Gujarat, is based on weekly average data of weather parameters like maximum and minimum temperature, morning and afternoon relative humidity, sunshine hours and historic total rainfall over a period of 35 years (1976–2010) for Jamnagar district of Gujarat. The method used for forecasting yield involved original weather variables and week-wise approach. The time trend was included as an explanatory variable. For this district, the model of 14-week period (week-wise approach) was selected. The model for Jamnagar district can be used for providing pre-harvest forecast two weeks before expected harvest date. The results of the study show that model selected for Jamnagar district for pre-harvest forecast explained more than 86 percent variation and thus suggested good prediction ability.

Design and Surge Study of Salaya Mathura Pipeline for Higher Throughput of Crude Oil Transportation

Salaya Mathura Pipeline (SMPL) is one of the major crude oil pipelines in India stretching over a length of 1870Km Starting from Salaya (near Vadinar) in Jamnagar district on the coast of Gujarat totransport crude oil to Indian Oil refineries at Koyali (Gujarat), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and Panipat (Haryana). In light of the expansion of crude refining capacities of these refineries, redesign of SMPL is imminent. In this paper, two models for SMPL have been developed for design and operation increasing the throughput of crude oil from 30MMTPA to 40 MMTPA. In the first model, design of larger diameter loop-lines has been undertaken in order to meet the increased capacity. In the secondmodel, an alternative design has been proposed increasing the diameter of the main pipeline.The design methodology of these two models has been accomplished usingPipeline Studio (PLS). The first model deals with replacing the existing loop-lines, whereas the second model is concerned with replacing the entire main pipeline with larger diameter pipeline that can be run parallel to the existing line.In view of higher throughput, the pump stations have been redesigned.Both the cases of pipelines have been tested for real time operation by making a detailed study assuming steady state flow at various pressure conditions. As pressure surges occur due to the events such as shutting down of a pumping station or pumping unit, unstable controls, oscillation in tank levels, the sudden closure of a valve, or any other sudden blockage of the moving fluid, calculations have been carried out to predictthe pressure surges in the aforementioned pipelines using the Joukowsky equation. Comparison has been made between the results obtained from the equation and the pressure trends observed using PLS while operating under steady state conditions.

A study on dietary intake among school going adolescent girls in rural and urban area of Jamnagar District, Gujarat

Background: During adolescent period, rapid changes in physical growth and psychosocial development have placed these young adults in nutritionally vulnerable groups with poor eating habits that fail to meet essential dietary requirements. Health of adolescent girls has intergenerational effect. Objectives: (1) To assess the dietary intake of various food items and (2) to see the variation in dietary intake of girls from rural and urban area. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 670 school going adolescent girls of Jamnagar District of Gujarat, with the help of a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Information were collected regarding sociodemographic features and dietary pattern, intake of nutritious, and non-nutritious food items from 9th to 12th std. girls who were willing to participate. Analysis was done using percentages and χ2 test to see rural-urban differences. Results: Most of the girls (90%) in both rural and urban area were pure vegetarian and had regular meal. 83.1% of girls had habit of snacks 1–2 times a day. Only 1.5% of rural and 9% of urban area girls consume pulses daily. 59.6% of study adolescents were taking green leafy vegetables 1–3 times a week. Two-third (67%) of study participants had intake of fruits 1–3 times a week. Only 17.5% had daily intake of milk. 16.7% of girls had habit of daily consumption of tea/coffee. Frequency of intake fast food and sweets/ice cream/pastries was 1–3 times a week in two-third of adolescents. Statistically significant difference was observed in intake of various nutritious and non-nutritious food items (except for milk and fast food) in rural and urban area girls (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Majority of the adolescents had regular enough number of meals and snacks, but intake of nutritious food such as milk, protein-rich food, green leafy vegetables, and fruits was not enough according to ICMR standards. On the other hand, intake of non-nutritious food such as tea/coffee, fast food, sweets, ice cream, and pastries was observed in girls. On comparison, intake of nutritious food items was less in rural area, whereas non-nutritious food items were more in urban area.

An assessment of maternal morbidity pattern among reproductive age group women in a district of West Gujarat: A community based cross sectional study

Introduction: For each maternal mortality, there are number of various morbidities, which directly or indirectly affects health of women. For every woman who dies of pregnancy-related causes, an estimated 20 women experience acute or chronic morbidity, often with tragic consequences. Objectives: To assess maternal morbidity pattern, prevalence of maternal morbidity & its associated factors. Material and Methods: A community based cross- sectional study was conducted among 450 women of reproductive age group women of Jamnagar district. Study subjects were selected by multistage sampling. Data collected in proforma consist of sociodemographic profile, past obstetric profile & any antenatal, Intranatal, & postnatal morbidities. Results: Prevalence of maternal morbidity was about 80% with, highest morbidity found during antenatal period in 36% subjects, followed by 26% in postnatal period. There were also associated medical problems during pregnancy. Conclusion: There is 80% prevalence of morbidity related to pregnancy which adds on to ill health of women. It was also observed that statistical significance between few of the important variables like educational status, parity & place of delivery, which could be independent risk factors & occurrence of maternal morbidity.

Assessment of cold chain maintenance for routine immunization in Jamnagar district, Gujarat

Background: Immunization is one of the main components of primary healthcare. At the peripheral level, primary health center (PHC) is the key holder of cold chain system. One of the important elements for improving the immunization is cold chain and vaccine logistics management which is the backbone of immunization program. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess cold chain and logistics management for routine immunization at PHCs and community health centers (CHCs). Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted during November 2013–November 2014 at 20 PHCs and 10 CHCs of Jamnagar district using prestructured and pretested questionnaire. Result: A single person was assigned for cold chain handling at 15 out of 20 PHCs, all were trained and 9 out of 10 CHCs of whom only four were trained. At the time of visit, 56.7% cold chain equipments were locked. Only 36.7% cold chain equipments were having digital thermometers. Two PHCs and one CHC had stored other sera or vaccines in ice-lined refrigerators (ILRs). Proper placement of vaccine in ILR was seen at majority of PHCs and CHCs. Temperature records were proper, but alternate power source was available at 70% PHCs only. In only 20% PHCs, Medical Officers cross-checked temperature book at least 4 times in a month. Conclusion: Overall, cold chain management for routine immunization was good at all visited PHCs of Jamnagar, but some aspects need improvement such as internal monitoring, training for all cold chain handlers, and alternate source of energy in case of power failure.

Geographical Information Based Evaluation System for Drought

Drought is one of the major natural hazards affecting the environment and economy of countries worldwide. As a natural hazard, drought is best characterized by multiple climatological and hydrological parameters. An understanding of the relationships between these two sets of parameters is necessary to develop measures for mitigating the impacts of droughts. Droughts are recognized as an environmental disaster and have attracted the attention of environmentalists, ecologists, hydrologists, meteorologists, geologists, and agricultural scientists.. Low rainfall has mainly caused droughts and subsequent reduction in agricultural production. Droughts have been a recurring feature of the Indian climate, therefore, study of historical droughts may help in the delineation of major areas facing drought risk and thereby, management plans can be formulated by the government authorities to cope with the disastrous effects of this hazard. In recent years, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) have played a key role in studying different types of hazards, either natural or man-made. This paper emphasizes upon the application of RS and GIS in the field of drought risk evaluation. The study area taken is a part of the Jamnagar district of Gujarat between latitude 22°19′46′′N to 22°46′01′′N and longitude 70°20′56′′E to 70°47′34′′E. The study was conducted with satellite images of year 1977, 1990 and 1999. Data has been acquired mainly from two sources, firstly Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) obtained from satellite sources and secondly rainfall obtained from ground rainfall stations record. In the present paper, an effort has been made to derive drought risk areas facing agricultural as well as meteorological drought by use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Landsat images. NDVI values reflect the different geographical conditions quite well. The NDVI and rainfall was found to be highly correlated. It is therefore concluded that temporal variations of NDVI are closely linked with precipitation.