Low Socio Research Articles

Hope of the of Parents of Primary School Children on Career in a Rural Community of Raozan Upazila, Chattogram

Background: Parents always think about the career of their children. They try to guide the children in such way so that they can lead an independent life in future. The social status, educational background, family environment, ambition etc. forms the basis of thinking of the parents for their children. This study was conducted to find out the pattern of hope ot the parents of Primary School Children on career in a rural community of Raozan Upazila, Chattogram District of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: This descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted during the period February to October 2021. 100 respondents were selected by purposive type of non-probability technique. Face to face interviews were performed for information collection after getting consent. A pre tested mixed type of questionnaire was used. Results: 38% of the parents belonged to age group 31 to 35 years. Mean age of the parents was 25 years. Among them, 15% were of low socio- economic status and only 10% were of upper class. 45% of the parents had ambition that their child would be a doctor, 10% desired for teacher, 5% engineer and 7% as Islamic scholar. 93% parents had choosen Bangla medium school for their children. 65% parents had kept private tutor at home as mentor for their children and same percentage of parents expressed financial problems to provide education for their children, Conclusion: Socio-economic and literacy status of the families as well as monthly income were closely associated with future planning and ambition of the children. IAHS Medical Journal Volume 06(2), December, 2023; 9-12

Knowledge and Prevalence of Hypertension among Pregnant Women attending in People’s Hospital, Chattogram

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is one of the major causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity, mortality, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and low birth weight and solely maternal mortality is account for 10-15% of maternal deaths in developing countries. This study aimed to find prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension among pregnant women in People’s Hospital Chattogram. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Peoples’s Hospital for six months from July 2023 to December 2023.A semi structured questionnaire was used to capture demographic data, obstetric history and on PIH status. 100 pregnant women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling technique. Face to face interview was done to collect socio-demographic and obstetric data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Majority (65%) of the women ranges from 18-25 years of age. The prevalence of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) was found 7%. 38% of them passed SSC, 63% were housewives , 37% came from middle class, 45% from nuclear family. History of hypertension, LUCS, abortion and stillbirth were found 5 (5%), 15(15%), 7 (7%) and 7(7%) respectively. 7% of the women under study were found to hypertensive who had anemia, oedema, oliguria, vertigo and insomnia. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension is 7% which is most usual. Worldwide the ranges vary from 5-8%. The study reveals that among the patients with PIH- most are Primi. Age varies form 18-25 years. They are of low socio economic status and poorly educated.

Evaluation of Dyslipidaemia in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis in a Lower Socio-Economic Country

Patients having chronic viral hepatitis do have disturbances in their serum lipid profiles, still the monitoring of dyslipidemia is not a routine part of management in low socio economic countries. Objective: To investigate the status of lipid profile among patients with chronic hepatitis and compare them with non-infected individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi, from 5th September 2022 to 31st May 2023. Patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, diagnosed within two years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9 kg/m2 were included. Their comparison was done with non-infected individuals of the same BMI. All patients were evaluated with different parameters of lipid profile along with haemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, albumin and international normalized ratio. Results: Among 521 participants of the study, the grouping was almost equal. The age range was 12-75 years, with an increased number of females in each group. In comparing the different statuses of lipid profile, each parameter including cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, all were significantly much less in patients with chronic viral hepatitis as compared to controls with a p-value of 0.000 in all. Conclusions: It was concluded that Dyslipidaemia is not common among chronic viral hepatitis patients’ despite being overweight, particularly among patients with child’s class A.

Hubungan Antara Paparan Asap Rokok dan Status Gizi (LiLA) dengan Kejadian BBLR di Puskesmas Sidotopo Kecamatan Semampir Kota Surabaya

LBW (Low Birth Weight) is a health or nutritional problem that is a concern in countries with low socio- economic status, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. LBW is also one of the causes of death of a baby in the first month of birth. In general, the incidence of LBW is caused by maternal factors (nutrition status MUAC (upper arm circumference), fetal factors and placental factors. In addition, there are environmental factors that can cause LBW, namely exposure to cigarette smoke. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between exposure to cigarette smoke and nutritional status (MUAC) with the incidence of low birth weight in the Sidotopo Health Center area, Semampir District, Surabaya City. This research is an analytic observational type research where the researcher does not provide treatment to the intended subject. In addition, the research design used is case control. The study sample is 38 people were taken randomly using simple random sampling. Primary data collection included filling out a cigarette smoke exposure questionnaire.Meanwhile, secondary data collection included nutritional status data (MUAC) contained in the mother's KIA book. Data analysis used in this study was chi-square The results showed that there was a relationship between the nutritional status (MUAC) of mothers (p=0.004) in the case and control groups and the incidence of LBW in the Sidotopo Community Health Center, while exposure to cigarette smoke (p=0.693) in the case and control groups had no relationship with the incidence of LBW. in the Sidotopo Community Health Center. The conclusion from this study is that there is still a lack of MUAC nutritional status measures (<23.5 cm) in pregnant women which can be a risk cause or support for LBW events in infants. It is better to do socialization about LBW and programs for pregnant women and WUS (women of childbearing age). The programs that can be carried out are socialization about the dangers of cigarette smoke to prospective mothers and husbands and improving nutritional status (MUAC) for prospective pregnant women.

Relationship between Urinary Tract Infections and Various BMI Categories: A Prospective Research Study

Introduction: Throughout the globe, there is increase in obesity as well as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Body mass index (BMI) and low socio economic status were reported to be the risk factors of UTI. There were no reports on in this area. Hence a study was conducted to find the correlation between sociodemographic features and the incidence of UTI.
 Methods: It was a prospective research conducted from May 2021 to May 2022. Individuals aged > 18 with the symptoms of UTI were included, malignant individuals, those on steroid treatment were excluded. The participants clinical history was recorded in the proforma. Sociodeconomic data was recorded as per the Modified Kuppuswamy scale and BMI was estimated by entering height and weight in the National Institute of Health (NIH) website and divided in to 4 categories. Sample size, specimen collection, culture were practised as per the guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was applied and P <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.
 Results: UTI was detected in 322 (100%). The mean age of the study members was 37.2 years, 123 were male and 199 were female participants, the female male ratio was 1.7. Highest number of UTI was detected in lower class (78; 24.2%) followed by middle class (73; 22.7%), upper class (64; 19.8%), upper middle class (59; 18.3%) and lower middle class (48; 24.2%). Maximum (102; 31.7%) UTI was diagnosed in obesity followed by over weight (96; 29.8%). Logistic regression analysis did not show any association between BMI and UTI (OR = 0.986, 95% CI: 0.923-1.024, P = 0.810).
 Conclusions: UTI is common among sexually active female. As per the study findings low socioeconomic status and obesity are the common risk factors for UTI. Hence individuals with a high BMI should be evaluated for UTI if symptoms are noticed.

Prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India

Background: In India, iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent, particularly among women of reproductive age group. Following early childhood, during adolescence, the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia reappears for both boys and girls, but remains more susceptible to girls because of menstrual loss. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India. Methods: This study was a descriptive form of review of literature on data from comprehensive national nutrition survey (CNNS 2016-2018). CNNS was conducted to collect data on the nutritional status of Indian children from 0-19 years of age. The data collection period was from 26 February 2016 to 24 October 2018 and data was collected using individual and household questionnaires. Results: In the study, prevalence of various levels of anaemia (mild, moderate and severe) was higher in adolescent girls as compared to adolescent boys. Adolescent girls had 31.3% iron deficiency whereas adolescent boys had 11.5% iron deficiency. Anaemia prevalence was also higher in the age group 15-19 years as compared to 10-14 years. Conclusions: It was concluded that iron deficiency anaemia was more prevalent in adolescent girls than boys. Inadequate intake of iron rich foods and vitamin C, less knowledge about anaemia, low socio economic conditions along with poor hygiene and sanitation practices are the major factors that contribute to iron deficiency anaemia.

Risk Factors for Patients Severe and Critical with Covid-19

In the fight against infectious diseases, the formation of collective immunity among the population is the main tool in the fight against diseases and the prevention of deaths. At the same time, even after vaccination, the occurrence of diseases among the population remains one of the current problems. Aim: To identify and assess risk factors for those with severe and very sever COVID-19. Materials and methods: Statistical analysis of the primary medical data of 1862 patients treated at the Republican Special Hospital for Infectious Diseases Zangiota №2, a retrospective research method was used. Results: When analyzing the patients infected with COVID-19 disease by age and gender groups, it was found that among the age groups under 20 years of age, the prevalence of the disease is almost the same among both sexes, where men are 4.88±0.2%, women are showed that 4.81±0.2%. When analyzing the patients infected with COVID-19 disease by age and gender groups, it was found that the prevalence of infection among both sexes is almost the same among the age groups under 20 years, where men are 4.88±0.2%, women are 4.81 showed that it is ±0.2%. We can explain the fact that the lifestyle and activities of these age groups in our country are almost the same, that is, they study in schools, lyceums and colleges. Among patients aged 20-49, the percentage of men is high (34.4±0.45%), while the percentage of women is slightly lower (29±0.43%). Conclusion: Factors that cause severe and very severe degree of COVID-19 include the elderly population, male sex, regular smokers, low socio economic populations, and people with chronic diseases was found to be.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Carcinoma Gall Bladder a North Indian Perspective

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC), although rare, is the most common of biliary tract malignancy. It has been thought to be fatal disease with an extremely poor prognosis. Gallbladder cancer is often discovered incidentally after cholecystectomy performed for gall stone disease. Material & Methods: It is an retrospective observational study conducted in our surgical unit of Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, India. Case records of 106 patients, from June 2017 to December 2022 were analyzed. Results: A total of 56% cases were in more than 60 years of age group and the mean age recorded was 58 years. 54.7% cases were females and 62.3% cases had a rural background. 59.4% of the cases were from lower socio-economic strata. A body mass index of more than 30 was recorded in 72.7% cases. 62.3% patients gave history of tobacco abuse. 39.6% cases were natives of Punjab and 37.8% cases were migrants from the Gangetic belt (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar). Pain abdomen was the most common presenting symptom found in 67.9% cases. 54.7% cases presented with abdominal mass. Majority of the patients (67.9%) reported in Stage 4 of the disease. Fundus involvement was seen in 45.3% cases. 94.3% cases had associated gall stones with 64.2% cases having multiple stones. Conclusion: We studied the clinical profile of the patients with gall bladder carcinoma and found its high incidence in the fifth decade of life and its association with female sex, low socio economic status, obesity, local and Gangetic belt ethinicity, gall stones and a late stage at presesentation.

Evaluation of association between the quality of life of urban senior citizens living in the slum area and their socio-demographic factors: A community-oriented approach

Factors influencing the quality of life (QoL) of senior citizens are many. We evaluated the factors affecting various domains of quality of life in this vulnerable population. A community-based survey was conducted in the Thane District of Maharashtra state, India amongst 427 individuals above 60 years of age. A pre-validated World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) followed by personal interviews was used.Overall a lower QoL was observed amongst the study participants. Advanced age, female gender, informal education, economically dependence on the family members, low socio -economic status and those with multiple health problems were observed to be associated with poor QoL. We have identified factors significantly associated with poor QoL amongst the senior citizens living in a slum area. Interventions targeting this vulnerable population (particularly with risk factors) should be explored for their utility in improving the QoL.

MATERNAL AND FOETAL OUTCOMES IN PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION AMONG ANTENATAL MOTHERS ATTENDING GAUHATI MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, ASSAM.

Background : Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a syndrome of hypertension usually occurring late in pregnancy and regressing after delivery. PIH is one of the major causes of maternal & perinatal morbidity and mortality[1]. A report “Global Statistics –PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION” estimated that Global prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension among women is 10-13.However,17.3% of maternal death occur in Assam is due to PIH. Objectives: 1. To nd out the maternal and fetal outcomes pregnancy induced hypertension among antenatal mothers 2.To study the factors leading to PIH in pregnancy among the study population. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the department of Obstretics and Gynecology at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for a study period of one year. 400 antenatal mothers were taken out of which 120 with PIH and 280 without PIH .Data about maternal risk factors ,maternal complications ,maternal and neonatal outcomes , were collected in predesigned and pretested schedule. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel software. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Primiparity Results: ,increasing BMI ,family history preeclampsia were found to be important risk factor in development of PIH.All the maternal complication like PPH and maternal deaths were found to be high in PIH ,the rate of neonatal outcomes like preterm baby ,IUFD ,LBW ,NICU admission was also noted to be high in PIH. Pregnancy induced hypertension is a common medical disorder s Conclusion: een associated with pregnancy especially among young primigravidas .Association of various risk factors with Pregnancy induced Hypertension and its feto maternal outcomes observed were young age , lack of proper antenatal care , illiteracy and low socio economic status . Maternal and fetal morbidity can be reduced by early recognition and institutional managemen

Impact of Nutritional Insufficiency on Nutritional Status of Adolescents in low and high Income Socio Economic Group

Background: Adolescence is the most crucial period with uplifted energy need that demands an intense nutritive care for fulfillment of complete good wellbeing in the upcoming life course and evaluation of the nutrient inadequacy as a part of their daily routine tells about diet quality which is an essential element at every stages of a human life. Aim: To assess the energy insufficiency of adolescents in low and high socioeconomic status as it has high significance in the growing stages because it affects both the physiological and psychological aspects of overall well-being. Method: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. The research was conducted on 410 adolescent girls and boys with age ranging from 10 to 14 years of Lahore from public and private sector schools selected through lottery method that basically reflects low and high socioeconomic background effects with detailed energy intake analysis and association of nutritional status to the total energy consumed per day of these groups. The data was collected on the basis of a questionnaire consisting of demographics and 24-hr recall calculated by taking an average of the last 3 days’ food intake. Results: The results revealed that adolescent groups belonging to high socioeconomic class were more in the normal health status, had less energy insufficient values and better food quality than adolescents from low socio economic class. Practical implication: The study will provide light to do in depth research should be conducted in the community in innovative ways for the better understanding of nutritional health related problems and its solutions for the children as well as adolescents as the new generation are the future of our beloved country. Conclusion: The result shows that as socioeconomic status tends to get better, diet quality improves and encourages a healthy lifestyle as compared to those living in improvised conditions. Keywords: Adolescence, Nutrient Inadequacy Energy Insufficient, 24-Hr Recall

Occurrence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections Among Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients in A Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Background: Blood transfusion is an important treatment modality in the modern health care system; however, transfusion transmitted infections(TTI) could be fatal or life-threatening in some cases.Objective: To determine the occurrence of transfusion transmitted infections among transfusion dependent thalassemia patients and to study the socio-demographic characteristics of the recipients.Methods: This hospital-based descriptive longitudinal studywas conducted between February 2019 and June 2020, on 102 transfusion-dependentthalassaemic patients receiving blood transfusion at Bankura Sammilani Medical College & Hospital, Bankura,West Bengal, India. They were tested for HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis and malaria by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Lisa Scan EM, Merilisa HBsAg, Merilisa HCV, RPR kit and Maleriscan malaria Pf/Pv.Results: Out of 102 patients, 5.90% were positive for TTI. The highest occurrence was found to be of HCV 3.90%. HBV and HIV showed similar occurrence of 0.98% and none came out positive for syphilis or malaria. The highest occurrence of TTI was found among females 66.7%. The average age of the participants was 7.97±3.27years. The average number of blood transfusion received per year was 11.95±2.71units. Majority of the participants belong to low socio- economic group family 62(60.8%). In respect to ethnicity 14.7%were tribal, while 85.3%were non-tribal population.Conclusion: The cause of high prevalence of HCV may be due to donors being asymptomatic in early stages and failure of detection due to window period of infection. More sensitive screening tests should be done for HIV, HBV, and HCV. All donors must be screened by NAT if not possible the patients must be screened for TTI regularly.Thalassemia patients being the most affected, premarital screening for thalassemia should be done.Every patient should be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 07 No. 02 April’23 Page: 171-175

Correlation of Socio Cultural Factors in Patients of Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases

Majority of the patients of PID are from low socio economic status. Unhygienic delivery, post partum infection,unsafe abortion procedures are observed to be linked to pelvic infection.The sequele to PID include chronicabdominal pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, etc. PID is the most serious complication of Sexually TransmittedDiseases. It is also related to the number of sexual partners. Social factors are very important in PID like age,educational status, marital status,socio economic status, religion, type of family etc. The present cross-sectionalstudy was conducted in Gynaecological OPDs of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rural and UrbanHealth Training Centres (R.H.T.C & U.H.T.C) of the Department of Community Medicine in JN Medical College,AMU, Aligarh.The study was carried out for a period of one year, from 1st August 2001 to 31st July 2002. A totalof 350 ever married females were selected on the basis of history of PID elicited. The aim of this study was to findthe correlation of socio cultural factors in patients of PID. This study reported that unhygienic deliveries may giverise to more chances of pelvic infection. It also reported that abortion rate is more in lower social classes(III-V). Themaximum cases of infertility were seen in the age group 25-29 years (37 cases).There were 51 cases presenting withprimary infertility and 9 cases of secondary infertility. Damage to the female reproductive tract from PID is usuallyirreversible; therefore, prompt antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent any scarring of the reproductive tract.

STUDY ON VARICOSES FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, GUNTUR

Introduction: Varicoses are part of the penalty we pay for adoption of the erect posture. Varicose veins and its associated symptoms and complications constitute the most common vascular insufciency and a substantial number suffer economic hardship from the resulting disability. Aims&objectives: The objectives of the present study were to enumerate various clinical modalities of varicose veins and to determine varicose veins with reference to clinical presentations, common site of incompetence, involvement of perforators, different modalities of treatment, response to treatment and cause of recurrence if any Methods:All patients attending the cardiothoracic surgery department, Government General Hospital, Guntur from August 2021 - August 2022 presented with varicose veins who were diagnosed by using clinical and radiological methods. All patients were operated in Elective theatres with aseptic precaution under Spinal / Epidural anaesthesia. All patients were applied Elastocrepe Bandage immediately after surgery. Patients were encouraged ambulation only after 48 hours and instructed to contract the leg and dorsiex the foot against the railing of the bed. All patients were thoroughly assessed for complications and discharged after suture removal with instructions to attend surgical OPD 1 month and 3 months after surgery and follow up was done. Results: The majority of patients were in the age group of 30–60 years (72%). i.e. young adults and elderly with predominant being males (90%). Left limb involvement is more common than Right. Most of them are agricultural labourers and belonged to low socio- economic group. In all the patients varicose veins were of primary variety. Supercial venous system is only involved in all the patients. In more than 60% of cases the site of incompetence is saphenofemoral junction. Majority of cases (84 %) were treated by Trendelenberg's operation. Trendelenberg's operation with or without sapheno – femoral ligation had given good results in our set up. Recurrence rate was 10%. Conclusions: Appropriate management of the condition is extremely important for better quality of life and to prevent recurrence.

ERKEN ÇOCUKLUK EDEBİYATINDA PSİKOLOJİK SAĞLAMLIĞIN İNCELENMESİ

This study aims to determine the factors that risk or support resilience within preschool picture books that are in the libraries of preschool institutions settled in the socioeconomically risky areas. At first, for the research, three schools placed in districts with low socio- economic status in Ankara were chosen accordingly the “Ankara Statistical Report of 2011”. Within these schools, 204 children’s picture books were examined with the help of ‘The Checklist of Analyzing Resilience in Preschool Picture Books’ prepared by researchers. Resiliency indicators were recorded as positive/ negative/ not encountered in the checklist. When the results were checked, it was seen that analyzed children’s picture books are insufficient in supporting many of the dimensions of resilience after all, contain the factors triggering risk within themselves. Besides, it was stated that the samples which have the features of strengthening resilience are a considerable amount. Considering all this information, suggestions for serving for future studies and for educators towards criteria for choosing books were presented.

Paying Adolescents for Health Screenings Works

With regard to their future health, adolescents are at a critical stage. Previous evaluations have shown that health screenings, counseling and other intervention programs during this phase of life are important, in particular for those with a low socio economic background. Unfortunately, adolescents tend to have little interest in preventive programs. We have designed a field-experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of financial incentives to promote the participation in health screenings. Our study comprises more than 10;000 participants, who we observe in high quality administrative data from Austria. The treatment group received a e40 shopping voucher if they participated in an age-specific health screening. On average the financial incentive increased the likelihood of participation by 280 %. Treatment effects are comparably larger for children in families with a higher socio-economic status, and of parents with a revealed preference for secondary health prevention.

SURGICAL OUTCOME OF MODIFIED LAPAROSCOPIC RETRORECTUS APPROACH FOR UPPER MIDLINE VENTRAL AND UMBILICAL HERNIAS

Background: The incidence of ventral hernias such as umbilical, epigastric and midline incisional hernias has increased over the years. Many surgical modalities of treatment have been evolved for better management and outcome of hernia repair. Igor Belyansky performed the rst successful endoscopic Rives Stoppa procedure (eTEP). The current Laparoscopic retrorectus repair needs more than three ports, and it also requires USG marking of the retrorectus space. Crossing over to the opposite retrorectus space will be difcult for beginners. This study standardises the easy and ergonomically better Laparoscopic Retrorectus approach for umbilical and upper midline hernias using three ports in the suprapubic area. Aim And Objectives: To study the feasibility and effectiveness of the Modied Laparoscopic Retrorectus approach. Material And Methods: This prospective study involved 18 patients admitted to tertiary health center, with umbilical hernia, epigastic hernia and upper midline ventral hernia. We performed the analysis after taking institutional ethical committee approval and informed consent from patients. A qualied surgeon performed laparoscopic retrorectus hernioplasty (e -TEP) with modication in port placement. An observational analysis was done on the feasibility and outcome of the modied approach. SPSS version 20. was used to perform the statistical analysis. Unpaired t-test, Pearson's correlation coefcient was applied. Results: A total of 18 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 48.78 years. The hernia was predominantly seen in the female gender, overweight or obese patients. The mean duration of the procedure with the modied approach was 160minutes. The patients' numeric rating scale of pain on postoperative day 1 and day 2 was mild in 66.6% of patients. We noted seroma formation in two patients, which was signicantly associated with the duration of surgery (p =0.0069). Most of the patients were discharged on postoperative day 5. Follow up of patients up to 1 year had no history of recurrence or chronic pain. Conclusion: The standard of care for ventral hernia repair is the laparoscopic e – TEP approach. This study's modication of port placement showed better cosmetic results with reduced risk of chronic pain and low recurrence rate. The prolene mesh used during this procedure is very economical, making laparoscopic hernia surgery affordable for low socio–economic populations in developing countries.

Pattern of Congenital Central Nervous System Anomalies Among Newborns at A Regional Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

Background: Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are important causes of childhood mortality, chronic illness and disability. They have significant implications for childhood growth and development particularly in resource limited settings. Areview of their occurrence is valuable to instituting preventive and curative health care services.Objective: To document the pattern of congenital CNS anomalies in our practice Subjects and Method: A retrospective study of all neonatal admissions with congenital anomalies of the CNS (Patients) admitted into the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi-Nigeria, between June 2013 andJanuary 2016. The anomalies were classified according to the ICD 10 Classification. Other parameters assessed were: age at admission, gestational age at delivery, family history of congenital anomalies, maternal age, social class, history of ante natal care, and admission outcome.Results: A total of 73 (9.3%) out of the admitted 785 neonates had congenital anomalies and majority (28, 38.4%) were of the CNS. The affected patients had a male preponderance (20, 71.4%). Myelomeningocele was the commonest CNS anomaly (20, 71.4 %). Poor antenatal care, lack of periconceptional folic acid (pFA) intake, late folic acid supplementation, low socio economic class, and late presentation were all associated with the incidence of congenital CNS anomalies. The patients had a neonatal mortality rate of 7.1% over the study period of 30 months (2.8% per year).Conclusion: Congenital CNS anomalies were the predominant congenital anomalies, and myelomeningocele was the commonest. The study underscores the need to institute a comprehensive healthcare programme for the prevention and management of congenital anomalies of the CNS in our practice.

Parents and Students’ Satisfaction on Existing Instructional Practices and Educational Provisions for Children with Vision Impairment in Government Special Education Institutions

Purpose: This study is an effort to depict the level of satisfaction in children with vision impairment and their parents about instructional practices and educational provisions available at primary level in Government Special Education Institutions of Punjab, Pakistan.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: It was a descriptive mixed method research. Multistage sampling technique was applied to collect the data from randomly selected 31 parents and 53 students with vision impairment studying in fifth grade. Three institutions were randomly selected from each zone to conduct the structured interviews from parents while four special education institutions were chosen randomly from each zone to fill the questionnaires by all available CWVI studying at primary level.
 Findings: The study reported that the majority of parents are belonging to low socio economic status and they have minimum level of education and awareness and as do CWVI. Teachers usually have good attitude with parents. School management gave stipend, uniform and shoes in time. In addition CWVI praised the instructional practices of their teachers in reading, writing, mathematics, assigning & checking homework, regular class tests and provision of result cards to their parents. But they had reservations due to lack of training in orientation and mobility, absence of training in vocational skills and lack of in time availability of Braille books
 Implications/Originality/Value: Study recommended that various programs and seminars should be arranged for parents to get better understanding of the standards of instructional practices and educational provisions. Braille books and Braille equipments should be provided to CWVI. Sufficient training about orientation and mobility, vocational subjects and use of assistive devices/IT should be provided to students in all special education institutions.

Prevalence of trichomonas vaginalis and candida species among women of reproductive age group

Background: Vaginal infections are common among women of reproductive age. They can be caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms or by some disorder resulting in the proliferation of endogenous microbiota. Among the more frequent microorganisms are the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Aim of this study to find out the Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis & Candidia species (primary) and socio-demographic profile and different clinical presentations (secondary) in women of Reproductive Age Group with vaginal discharge. Methods: Total 140 sexually active females age group of 18-45 yrs with meeting the eliglibility criteria complain of vaginal discharge. High vaginal swabs (HVS) were collected from the patients and processed for microscopy and culture. Comparative study was done by using chi-square test. Result: The prevalence of Candida species and Trichomonas vaginalis is calculated to be 27.8% and 4.3% respectively. Total 67% belong to rural population in candiasis where 83% belong to urban population in Trichomoniasis. Maximum number (77%) in Candiasis and all cases (100%) in Trichomoniasis were belonging to low socio economic status. Multiparous women were more prone for both candiasis and trichomoniasis infection. In both infections, majority were using OCP as contraceptive measure.