Natal Women Research Articles

Breast Cancer in Transgenders: Narrative Review

AbstractThe molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC), the second most common cancer, varies significantly between sexes, with minimal data in the transgender population. The overall prevalence of BC in transgenders is estimated to be 0.02%. Besides experiencing social disparities, transgenders have to face a lot of discrimination in the healthcare system. Adversities faced, along with the urge to identify with physical attributes to the gender felt by them, forces transgenders to use non-prescribed hormones. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a key feature of transition-related care, rehabbing mental health, and the quality of life of transgenders, but at the expense of their health. Studies have reported that GAHT is associated with severe health conditions such as cancer in transgenders. Estrogens and testosterone are associated with a moderate risk of developing BC. The types of BC diagnosed in transgenders after cross-sex hormone therapy include invasive ductal and neuroendocrine carcinoma, in addition to tubular adenocarcinoma. Although diagnosed at an age earlier compared with ciswomen, BC screening recommendations for transgenders are the same as for ciswomen. This review studies in detail the types of transgenders, their characteristics, different types of breast cancers associated, issues faced while treatment, and their best possible solutions. We also hope to have well-designed research in the future, which will fill the existing gaps in knowledge and provide scientific insight into the transgender population and issues related to their health. There are no international guidelines on screening and management of transgender patients but it appears that breast screening before cosmetic mastectomy, exposure to hormonal therapy for more than 5 years, and as per natal women screening guidelines should be offered to the patient with detailed discussion on the harms and benefits of the same.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge of Breast Self-Examination among Postnatal Women

Breast abnormalities are one of the important public health problem and studies have reported that awareness and practice of breast examination is an important method of prevention. Breast problems are significant health concerned to post natal women’s life time. One in every eight post natal women will be diagnosed with breast abnormalities A breast exam is a self-inspection of the breasts. This gives a greater awareness of the condition of breasts. Breast exams may help identify potential breast problems. Breast examination is essential for early breast abnormalities detection. The pre-experimental study was carried out in SRMS hospital with an objective to evaluate the effectiveness of PTP among post natal women regarding BSE (Breast Self examination). Data was obtained from 50 post natal mothers in the age group 20-40 years. A set of 20 questionnaires were used to evaluate the knowledge of post natal mothers. Purposive sampling technique was used. The research design of the study was pre experimental one group pretest posttest design. The result shows the significant difference in pre-test and post-test knowledge scores of post natal mothers. In the pre-test majority 96% had poor scores and 4%had average scores, whereas in the post-test majority76% had good scores and 24% average scores. Nurses play a pivotal role in teaching the BSE to the women’s to identify the Breast abnormalities. The nurses who can promote monthly BSE should be perfect by supporting realistic believes about early detection & prevention of breast abnormalities as well as demonstrating BSE, so that the women can do it themselves without consulting physician.

Abstract 65: Effects of gender affirming hormone therapy on metabolic health and body composition in gender dysphoria

Background: Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may impact metabolic health and body composition in individuals with gender dysphoria.Aims and Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effects of GAHT on metabolic health (HOMA2-IR and lipid parameters) and body composition [BIA (Bioelectrical impedance analysis)] in transgender individuals. They were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (n=38) and Group 3 (n=12) consisted of treatment naïve transwomen and transmen while group 2 (n=7) and group 4 (n=22) consisted of transwomen and transmen on treatment for at least 6 months, respectively.Results: The groups 1 and 4 showed significant differences in FBG (fasting blood glucose), whole-body and subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle percentages; (p<0.005) (cisgender setting). The visceral, subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle percentages were also found to be different (p<0.01) (transgender setting). When groups 2 and 3 were compared, differences between TG, VLDL, subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle percentages (cisgender setting) (p<0.05) were significant.Conclusions: Transmen on GAHT were found to have lower fasting glucose, skeletal muscle mass and higher whole-body and subcutaneous fat as compared to natal men. Transwomen on GAHT were found to have higher TG, VLDLC, skeletal muscle mass and lower subcutaneous fat compared to natal women.

Influence of Pilate Therapy and Conventional Therapy in Post Natal Women with Back Pain

&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Post-partum period is challenging for every woman. It usually starts from delivery and ends by 42 days. In majority of women, complications like hemorrhage, DVT, pulmonary embolism, edema in hand and ankle joints, puerperal infection, problems in breast feeding, kypho-scoliosis and backache arise. Postnatal low back pain and pelvic pain are common problems in the post-partum period; these could vary from mild problems to disability. The incidence of postnatal LBP is very high from 21% to 82% in the fisco year post-partum. Remission of pain occurred in 51% at 1 month and 78% at 6 months in CS group, while in the normal vaginal delivery group 55% at 1 month and 85% in the 6th month had remission of pain. Reoccurrence of pain is common in postnatal period. Physiotherapy has shown to have influence on various problems arising in post-natal period. Health literature listed out various conventional treatment approaches for back pain which includes exercises, yoga, core stability, walking, running, aquatic exercise and aerobics. Pilate therapy focuses on improving the body’s core and makes it more flexible and stronger. Pilates has been found to be effective in neuromuscular problems. Its effect in post natal women is a research area. Its effect over conventional therapy needs to be evaluated for better patient care. &lt;strong&gt;Method:&lt;/strong&gt; 494 subjects were included according to criteria. Subjects were allotted into two groups. Group A: Pilates and Group B: Conventional. Interventions were given for 6 weeks and changes in Visual Analogue Scale, Modified Schober Test, Manual Muscle Testing, Oswestry Low Back Disability were noted. &lt;strong&gt;Result:&lt;/strong&gt; For pre and post interventional analysis between the groups, student’s t-test was used. The results showed significant improvement with Pilates therapy than conventional training in reducing back pain, increasing abdominal muscle strength and improving quality of life. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Pilates therapy reduced back pain than conventional therapy in post natal women.

Environmental Variables Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending Postnatal Clinics in A Tertiary Health Institution

The current WHO/UNICEF feeding recommends that breastfeeding with good nutrition is essential to achieving the UN sustainable development goals. This study was carried out to assess the environmental variables influencing exclusive breastfeeding of infants aged 0–6 months in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Three objectives guided the study. Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by experts and was administered to four hundred (400) post natal women of child bearing age who were randomly selected. The data collected were analyzed using statistical methods, which included mean, chi square, and t-test which were presented in frequencies and percentages. The result revealed that 44.7% of babies were exclusively breastfed while more than half (55.3%) were not exclusively breastfed. The result of this study also showed that maternal education had a significant effect on their exclusive breastfeeding pattern (P &lt; 0.05) as 65.9% of mothers who breastfed exclusively had up to tertiary education. An association was also found between the parity of mother and breastfeeding practices. This is because 46.3% of mothers who had three or more children breastfed their children exclusively. This study showed a positive association between place of delivery and breastfeeding practices. Place of delivery revealed a significant difference between the two groups as exclusive breastfeeding was observed in 95.5% babies delivered in government health facilities compared with 4.5% delivered at private health facilities. Health workers should educate the mothers about the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding. Some other factors found to prevent mothers from practicing exclusive breastfeeding were finance, 36 (16.3%); personal reasons, 51 (20.1%); lack of time as they have to go back to work, 72 (32.6%); dissatisfaction, 40 (18.0%); stress, 9 (4.0%); baby's refusal, 7 (3.2%); and pains, 6 (2.7%).

Clinical Background and Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis Antigen among Infertile Women Attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is an established cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain and infertility among women. It is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the world. The infection is largely asymptomatic.&#x0D; Aim: The study was carried out to determine the Clinical background as well as detect the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen among infertile women attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).&#x0D; Methods: A survey on the Clinical background and antigens to Chlamydia trachomatis was carried out among infertile and post natal women attending fertility Clinic UMTH. A total of 65 endocervical swab samples were collected from the aforementioned group of subjects within the age of 18-47 years, out of which 45 were collected from infertile women while the remaining 20 were obtained from post-natal women to serve as control subjects. The samples were analysed by using Chlamydia Rapid Test device swab/urine (Abon Biopharm(Hangzhou), Co., Ltd) that work on the principle of immunochromatographic technique.&#x0D; Results: Highest number of infertility was observed on women within the age of 30-35 years (33.3%). The result shows that those that attained tertiary educational level have the highest number of infertility (60%). The study demonstrated highest number of infertility among female civil servants (53.3%) followed by full-time house wife (33.3%). More infertility was observed among women who are not engaged in the use of contraceptive measures (95.6%). The overall result from this study shows no prevalence (0.0%) of C. trachomatis genital infection among infertile women in UMTH.&#x0D; Conclusion: Further research using more sensitive and specific procedures for the detection of C. trachomatis from clinical specimens such as nucleic acid amplification tests and cell culture are recommended among infertile women in Borno State, Nigeria.

Gender, Shame, and the ‘Efficacy of Congress Methods of Struggle’ in 1959 Natal Women’s Rural Revolts

In early September 1959, over 1000 delegates – almost half of them from rural Natal – packed the Bantu Social Centre in Durban for a Natal People’s Conference. A banner stretched across the stage, thanking women for their courageous leading of protests against apartheid. For several months, women had been storming municipal beerhalls and destroying cattle dipping tanks, symbols of Bantu authorities in the rural areas. But African National Congress president Albert Luthuli sought to rein in the women’s violence, declaring it the Congress’s task to educate them ‘of the efficacy of Congress methods of struggle’. Existing scholarship has revealed the contradictory nature of women’s actions – both defending a way of rural life under assault and resisting a system that conscribed their access to urban life. This article considers how women not only challenged gender hierarchies when they initiated violent resistance, but also used ideas about masculinity and the family to shame their husbands and African National Congress (ANC) leaders into joining the rebellion. The article also demonstrates how ANC president Albert Luthuli responded, making gendered discourse part of ‘Congress methods of struggle’ in 1959. Luthuli sought not only to steer women towards non-violence, but to use their behaviour to mobilise men into action.

Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Iron Deficiency Anemia in Postnatal Women

AbstractBackground: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is diminished red blood cell production due to low iron stores in the body. It is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide and accounts for approximately one-half of anemia cases, it is a common problem in postnatal period due to dietary deficiency of iron and folates during pregnancy and the blood loss during delivery.Aim of Study: This study was conducted to determine the effect of aerobic exercises on iron deficiency anemia in postnatal women.Material and Methods: Fifty post natal women after delivery complaint from iron deficiency anemia (diagnosied by gynacolgist/physican) shared in this study. their ages ranged from 20 to 35 years old, their body mass index >35kg/m2 and thir serum ferritin level ranged from 30 to 70ng/dl. They were devided randomly into two groups (A & B) equal in numbers. Group A (study group) was treated by iron supplemnt tablets (ferrous sulfate 200mg once per day), diet therapy and aerobic exercises in a form of walking on elctrical treadmill (30min/ session, 3 times/week for 3 months), while group B (control group) was treated by iron supplement tablets (ferrous sulfate 200mg once per day) and diet therapy only. Serum ferriten level, body weight and body mass index were measured befor and after performing the treatment program for both groups (A & B).Results: The obtaied result showed that there was signif-icant decrease (p>0.01) in the mean values of serum ferriten levels, body weight and BMI in group (A) post-treatment when it compared to pre-treatment mean values, whlie in group (B) there was a statitcally signifcant increase in (p>0.01) in the mean values of serum ferritin levels in post-treatment when in compared to pre-treatmen mean values and there is significant decreace in mean values of body weight in posttest when it compared to pretest mean values with no significant difference in mean values of BMI in pre and post-test.Conclusion: The result of this study could be concluded that aerobic exercises was not recommended for women with iron deficiency anemia during postnatal period.

Effectiveness of self-instructional module regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis on knowledge and practice of postnatal mothers

Motherhood is a distinct bio-psychosocial process that transforms and broadens the role of women into that of a mother. Puerperium is a period, where the experiences are intense physical and emotional stress due to exhaustion, anxiety and excitement. Puerperal infection causes a number of distressing conditions into post natal women. There are chances of puerperal infection in the genital urinary tract and caesarean section, wound infection. This Study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of self-instructional module regarding prevention of puerperal sepsis on knowledge and practice of postnatal mothers in a selected hospital, Bangalore. A quasi experimental one group pre and post test design was undertaken on 50 post natal mothers who were selected by purposive sampling technique. Initially Level of Knowledge was assessed before administration of Self instructional Module. After that seven day post test was conducted with the same questionnaire. The study revealed that there was a significant difference between the Pre and Post test Level of Knowledge at p<0.05.

Retrospective analysis of burden of maternal syphilis and the outcome in the fetus in a tertiary care centre

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Syphilis in pregnancy has its own significance with regards to the outcome of pregnancy. In the meanwhile, it also reflects the effectiveness of health system in the community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care centre in Chennai between January 2014 and July 2015 to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women. A total of 4423 ANC mother attending the hospital were included in the study.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Of the 4423 cases studied, 7 cases were found to be positive for RPR accounting to the prevalence of 0.15%. One mother was symptomatic, presenting with condyloma lata. TPHA was positive in 2 cases (28.5%) Most common association was with HIV infection, 2/7 (28.5%). All the RPR positive patients were treated with tablet erythromycin 500 mg qid × 14 days. Epidose for the partner was given. The outcome was uneventful except for one. A single case of congenital syphilis was reported.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Though the prevalence of RPR positive in routine screening is less, the outcome of single congenital syphilis is worrisome. To conclude, although the prevalence of syphilis (0.1%) is low, routine screening of asymptomatic ante natal women is recommended to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis &amp;amp; perinatal complications and it is always better to treat the ANC mothers with syphilis with Penicillin, preferably with a second dose also.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of Adult Female Rat Androgenization on Brain Morphology and Metabolomic Profile.

Androgenization in adult natal women, as in transsexual men (TM), affects brain cortical thickness and the volume of subcortical structures. In order to understand the mechanism underlying these changes we have developed an adult female rat model of androgenization. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy were used to monitor brain volume changes, white matter microstructure and ex vivo metabolic profiles over 32 days in androgenized and control subjects. Supraphysiological doses of testosterone prevents aging decrease of fractional anisotropy values, decreased general cortical volume and the relative concentrations of glutamine (Gln) and myo-Inositol (mI). An increase in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/mI ratio was detected d. Since mI and Gln are astrocyte markers and osmolytes, we suspect that the anabolic effects of testosterone change astrocyte osmolarity so as to extrude Mi and Gln from these cells in order to maintain osmotic homeostasis. This mechanism could explain the brain changes observed in TM and other individuals receiving androgenic anabolic steroids.

Prevalence of Low Birth Weight in Mbuji-Mayi City, Democratic Republic of Congo

Low birth weight is a major public health problem, both in developed countries and developing countries, by its magnitude and its strong association with morbidity and mortality. The aim in this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight in Mbuji-Mayi. This is a descriptive study conducted in the city of Mbuji-Mayi in three health zones targeted by the study which DUILU, Dibindi and KANSELE among natal women and their newborns respectively registered for the period of one month, from 1 June to 30 June 2015. Data were collected in an integrated way. The following observations were made: in the study period, 1266 women were interviewed. After analysis: the prevalence of low weight was 14.3%; gestational age at birth superior to 36 SA represented 89.9% and 50.6% of newborns were female.

The Outcome of Postnatal Exercise on Depressed Women Six to 16 Weeks after Delivery in Sukabumi City, 2014: Pre and Post Intervention Study

Evidence shows that psychic disturbances among women during pregnancy and postnatal period causes depression syndrome. Risk factor of postnatal depression includes depression and anxiety and stressful life experience during that risky period. Statistic from the city of Sukabumi indicated the unavailability of data on post natal depression among women. The study question is to evaluate the outcome of exercise among depressed post natal women in Sukabumi city in 2014, during six to sixteen weeks after delivery. The study design is pre-and post-outcome evaluation of post natal exercise intervention. Out of 120 target population obtained from the main Cross Sectional Survey, it was selected study sample of 14 depressed women. A regime of post natal exercise was given to the sample, consisted of postnatal exercises for 10 weeks @ 3 sessions per week or 30 sessions with 30-50 min exercise per session done in the morning before 10 O’clock and in the afternoon after 3 p.m. The outcome variable is EPDS score before and after intervention of post natal exercise. The cut-off point to determine possible depression is EPDS score of ≥10. Univariate analysis was conducted on socio-demographic characteristics of the sample. Bivariate analysis was done to test a null hypothesis that EPDS is the same pre-and post-exercise, assuming that no other variables confound the intervention. The paired t-test results indicated that the EPDS decreased significantly 7.6 points (p<0.05) after 10 weeks from 13.15 (10.66, 15.64) down to 5.55 (4.20, 6.90). After 10 weeks of postnatal exercise conducted, out of 14 subjects there was one subject who remained depressed, but the other 13 women were normal (p<0.05). Software used was SPSS v17 trial version. The study infers that postnatal exercise routinely and regularly may be promoted to be conducted by local health services.

Who Are Gynandromorphophilic Men? An Internet Survey of Men with Sexual Interest in Transgender Women.

Gynandromorphophilia (GAMP) is attraction to gynandromorphs (GAMs), who are natal males with both breasts and a penis, colloquially known as "she-males." Men with GAMP (n=314) and heterosexual men not attracted to GAMs (n=211) completed an Internet survey regarding their sexual attraction patterns, relationship history, and potential correlates of GAMP. Men with GAMP reported much higher attraction to natal women than to men, although they also reported slightly higher levels of bisexual feelings compared with controls. Men with GAMP were equally attracted to natal women and GAMs, on average. Thus, GAMP is best considered an unusual form of heterosexuality rather than a separate sexual orientation. Indeed, men with GAMP scored much higher than controls on a measure of autogynephilia, or sexual arousal by the idea or fantasy of being a woman, which is also considered a variant of heterosexual attraction.

A Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Transgender Persons on Cross-Sex Hormone Therapy

Background: To date, research findings are inconsistent about whether the neuroanatomy in transgender persons resembles that of their natal sex or their gender identity. Moreover, few studies have examined the effects of long-term cross-sex hormonal treatment on neuroanatomy in this cohort. The purpose of the present study was to examine neuroanatomical differences in transgender persons after prolonged cross-sex hormone therapy. Methods: Eighteen transgender men (female-to-male), 17 transgender women (male-to-female), 30 nontransgender men (natal men), and 27 nontransgender women (natal women) completed a high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging scan at 3 T. Eligibility criteria for transgender persons were gender-affirming surgery and at least 2 years of cross-sex hormone therapy. Exclusion criteria for nontransgender persons were presence of psychiatric or neurological disorders. Results: The mean neuroanatomical volume for the amygdala, putamen, and corpus callosum differed between transgender women and natal women but not between transgender women and natal men. Differences between transgender men and natal men were found in several brain structures, including the medial temporal lobe structures and cerebellum. Differences between transgender men and natal women were found in the medial temporal lobe, nucleus accumbens, and 3rd ventricle. Sexual dimorphism between nontransgender men and women included larger cerebellar volumes and a smaller anterior corpus callosum in natal men than in natal women. The results remained stable after correcting for additional factors including age, total intracranial volume, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Neuroanatomical differences were region specific between transgender persons and their natal sex as well as their gender identity, raising the possibility of a localized influence of sex hormones on neuroanatomy.

A Comparative study of visual inspection with acetic acid versus PAP smear in detection of cervical dysplastic lesions in ante – natal women

Aim Of The Study: To Compare the method of visual inspection with acetic acid(VIA) with pap smear in detection of cervical dysplastic lesions in ante–natal women. Materials And Method: It was a prospective study performed in 113 antenatal patients between 16-28 weeks of gestation.The pap smear and VIA performed for all patients in the study group. Positive screens were classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; low-grade or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, including those showing atypia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or carcinoma-in-situ. All patients with positive pap screens or positive for aceto white lesions were subjected to colposcopy. Results: Out of the 113 patients screened 10 patients were VIA positive,among them 3 were found to be colposcopically positive. one patient found to be pap smear positive, and subsequently found to be positive. In our study the detection rate of VIA was 2.65%, and pap smear was 0.88%. In our study the ratio of detection rate between VIA/PAP smear 3.01.Specificity for VIA in our study is 93.6% and for pap smear sensitivity is 100%.

Bone in trans persons.

We provide an update of bone health in trans persons on cross-sex hormonal therapy. This drastic hormonal reversal will have direct but also indirect effects on bone, through body composition changes. Recent evidence suggests that trans women, even before the start of any hormonal intervention, already have a lower bone mass, a higher frequency of osteoporosis, and a smaller bone size vs. natal men. During cross-sex hormonal treatment, bone mass was maintained or gained in trans women. In trans men, bone metabolism seemed to increase during short-term testosterone therapy, but no major changes have been found in bone density. On long-term testosterone therapy, larger cortical bone size was observed in trans men vs. natal women. Follow-up of bone health and osteoporosis prevention in trans persons is important. We advise active assessment of osteoporosis risk factors including the (previous) use of hormonal therapy. Based on this risk profile and the intended therapy, bone densitometry may be indicated. Long-term use of antiandrogens or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists alone should be monitored as trans women may have low bone mass, even prior to treatment. Therapy compliance with the cross-sex hormones is of major concern, especially after gonadectomy. Large-scaled, multicenter, and long-term research is needed to determine a well tolerated dosage of cross-sex hormonal treatment, also in elderly trans persons.

Partial Treatment Requests and Underlying Motives of Applicants for Gender Affirming Interventions.

Historically, only individuals with a cross-gender identity who wanted to receive a full treatment, were eligible for "complete sex reassignment" consisting of feminizing/masculinizing hormone treatment and several surgical interventions including genital surgery (full treatment). Currently, it is unclear what motives underlie a request for hormones only or surgery only or a combination of hormones and surgery (e.g., a mastectomy), but no genital surgery (partial treatment). The aims of this study were (i) to describe treatment requests of applicants at a specialized gender identity clinic in the Netherlands; and (ii) to explore the motives underlying a partial treatment request, including the role of (non-binary) gender identity. Information was collected on all 386 adults who applied for treatment at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria of the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the year 2013. Treatment requests were available for 360 individuals: 233 natal men (64.7%) and 127 natal women (35.3%). Treatment requests were systematically collected during assessment. Individuals were classified as either desiring a full or partial treatment. The motives behind a partial treatment request were collected and categorized as well. The majority of applicants at our gender identity clinic requested full treatment. Among those who requested partial treatment, the most reported underlying motive was surgical risks/outcomes. Only a small number of applicants requested partial treatment to bring their body into alignment with their non-binary gender identity. It becomes clear that partial treatment is requested by a substantial number of applicants. This emphasizes the need for gender identity clinics to provide information about the medical possibilities and limitations, and careful introduction and evaluation of non-standard treatment options.

Utilization of ante natal care services and it′s determinants by women admitted in a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata

Background: Poor access and utilisation of antenatal services contribute to high Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) along with other socioeconomic factors. Objectives: To evaluates the utiliation of ante natal care (ANC) services and it's determinants among full term pregnant women and recently delivered women. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 380 full-term ante natal women and recently delivered women (RDW) admitted in obstetric ward of a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata between February 2014 to July. 2014 using a predesigned pretested schedule. Results: About 47.11% of the study population were between the age of 20-30 years; 68.95% were Hindu; 55.53% belonged to nuclear family; 60.53% were from rural area; 53.42% were multipara; 89.47% were literate; 63.95% were homemakers; 28.95% belonged to class III. Cent percent registered for ANC); 91.05% took three ANC visits; 65.26% registered during the first trimester; weight and blood pressure was measured in 99.74% and 98.95% respectively; 99.2% had an abdominal examination; 100% received Tetanus Toxoid (TTTT); 43.96% consumed 100 Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets; 97.63% had blood test for Haemoglobin and blood typing; 92.11% had blood test for VDRL; 100% had an urine examination for albumin. All of the subjects was advised about diet and immunisation; 97.89% for rest/sleep; 82.89% for physical activity; 27.89% for personal cleanliness; 27.37% for family planning; 49.21% for breastfeeding and newborn care and 66.05% for warning signs. When comparison between women who went for at least four ANC visits and who did not significant difference was observed in terms of age, educational level, socio-economic status (SES), timing of registration and parity. Conclusion: At this stage of pregnancy, women are usually more receptive to their advices. This opportunity may be utilised today for the sake of a better maternal health tomorrow.

Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge on Practice regarding Breast feeding among Postnatal Women seeking Medical Services in Shri Vinoba Bhave Civil Hospital, Silvassa

Breast feeding is a mother's gift for herself, her baby and earth. Breastfeeding is an instinctual, natural act and an art that is learned day by day. It is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. Mothers have many doubts and fears about breastfeeding and caring for their young ones. As breast feeding has so many advantages for mothers as well as children but having inadequate knowledge of mothers, because of lack of time and superstitious beliefs they neglect it. Hence, this study focused to assess the knowledge on breast feeding practice among postnatal women. Quantitative approach with descriptive survey design was used. By convenient sampling technique 65 postnatal women were selected. Data were collected by using check list regarding knowledge on breast feeding practice and it was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Socio-demographic variable of Post natal Women shows that maximum women (69.23%) were in 21–25 years of age and most of the women (55.38%) were primary educated. Most of the women (60%) were Home maker. More than half of the husbands (60%) were private employee. Majority of the women (41.53.0%) were having family monthly income of Rs. <5000. Maximum women (53.84%) were living in joint family. Majority women (89.23%) were belongs to Hindu religion, more than half women (52.30%) were non-vegetarian, maximum (55.38%) were Primigravida. Most of the women (75.38%) were from tribal area and most of the women (83.07%) were got knowledge on breast feeding practices from health care personal. Most of the Post natal Women (59%) were having very good knowledge on breast feeding practice. The chi square value showed that there was a no significant association between the findings and socio-demographic variables.