Rural Gujarat Research Articles

Empowering adolescent girls through video-assisted self-defense teaching program in rural Gujarat, India.

Adolescent girls face myriad challenges impacting their mental health and well-being, necessitating empowerment through self-defense education. In contexts of prevalent gender-based violence, such education becomes imperative, particularly in countries like India. However, the influence of demographic factors on knowledge levels regarding self-defense techniques among adolescent girls remains uncertain. This study employed a one-group pre-test - post-test design to evaluate the impact of a video-assisted self-defense teaching program on adolescent girls in rural Gujarat, India. A sample of 100 girls from Mahesana district schools participated, with data collected via structured questionnaires administered pre and post-intervention. The intervention significantly enhanced participants' knowledge levels, with a remarkable increase in mean post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. Specifically, prior to the intervention, 45% of participants exhibited low knowledge levels, which improved to 19.5% post-intervention. Notably, 80.5% demonstrated excellent knowledge post-intervention. The study underscores the efficacy of a video-assisted self-defense teaching program in augmenting knowledge levels among adolescent girls in rural Gujarat. Despite demographic diversity, the intervention yielded consistent improvements, emphasizing its universal applicability.

Comparative analysis of stress levels among working and non-working Indian women in rural Gujarat.

Stress is derived from the Latin word "stringers" manifests as the body's response to various demands and pressures, affecting individuals' health and well-being. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate stress levels in employed and unemployed women, recognizing the differential stress experiences in various life domains. A quantitative non-experimental comparative research design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires from 120 women in Visnagar, Gujarat. Results: Non-working women demonstrated lower stress levels compared to working women in pre-test measures. Post-intervention, non-working women experienced a reduction in stress, while working women showed no change. Demographic factors like age, education, and family structure did not significantly influence stress levels, except for monthly income, which correlated with lower stress across both groups. The study underscores significant disparities in stress levels between employed and unemployed women in rural Visnagar. Tailored interventions effectively reduced stress among non-working women but showed limited efficacy for working women. Financial stability emerged as a crucial factor in mitigating stress. Younger working women reported higher stress levels, suggesting the need for targeted interventions addressing career and familial pressures.

Validity of "Mid-Upper Arm Circumference" as a Parameter to Identify Undernourished Children in Rural Gujarat.

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measures the arm muscle and fat area. The use of MUAC as a screening measure for assessing undernutrition has the following advantages; it makes use of a simple equipment, is easy to carry at the field sites, and requires minimal training. In India, "mid-upper arm circumference" is widely used and accepted in many nutritional programs. This study was conducted with the primary objective to compare different anthropometric parameters of children and to validate the usefulness and limitations of MUAC to screen out undernourished children. Anthropometric measurements were recorded for all the anganwadi centers of the selected sub-center that comes under the field practice area of our department. The measurements like weight, height, MUAC were done according to the standard guidelines as per WHO, and further, calculations were done with the help of "Anthro software 3.2.2." Comparisons were done between categorization of MUAC tape and Weight-for-Height Z-scores (WHZ), and hence, the sensitivity and specificity of the MUAC tape to screen the malnourished child were found out. Sensitivity of MUAC to categorize a child in red/yellow was only 9.03%, negative predictive value (NPV) was 40.75%, specificity came 95.10%, and positive predictive value was 73.68% on taking WHZ as the gold standard. MUAC has a limited role in screening out an undernourished child (red/yellow category), whereas it has a good role in screening healthy children (green category).

Post-discharge home kangaroo mother care follow-up study in rural Gujarat.

Continuation of kangaroo mother care (KMC) at home is vital for improved infant survival and development. Hence, it is essential to understand potential enablers and barriers to home KMC provision. This observational study was conducted in rural Gujarat. KMC was initiated for all low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates during the hospital stay and were advised to continue home KMC on discharge. The mothers of these LBW neonates were interviewed using a structured questionnaire during follow-up visits or via telephone. A total of 100 mothers were interviewed, and 98 practiced home KMC. Mothers' mean age was 24.41 (±3.1) years, and infants' mean age was 3.48 (±1.81) months. The mean weight of neonates at discharge was 1.85 (±0.28) kg. Out of the 104 neonates (96 singleton pregnancies and four twins), 76 (73.07%) were pre-term. 31% mothers provided 4-6 hours of daily KMC. 60% provided KMC for less than 1 hour during each session, while 36% of mothers provided each KMC session for 1-3 hours. 74% of mothers received family support, and 62% faced difficulties in home KMC provision. 88% of mothers were homemakers, and 53% had other children to care for. 51% mothers pre-maturely discontinued KMC provision. 83% of the mothers reported fatigue or pain during KMC provision. Lack of family support, other household responsibilities, and other children to care for were major barriers leading to pre-mature discontinuation of home KMC.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and hormonal profiles in PCOS women: A comparative study between urban and rural environment

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a multifaceted endocrine disorder, affects a significant proportion of women globally, with its etiology rooted in both genetic and environmental factors. This study delves into the environmental aspect, particularly focusing on the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the context of urbanization and industrialization. This research examines the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) — Bisphenol A (BPA), Mono-ethyl Hexyl Phthalate (MEHP), and Di-ethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP) — on 40 women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) across urban and rural Gujarat. Employing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and chemiluminescence, we analyzed their blood samples for EDCs levels and hormonal parameters. Urban individuals displayed significantly higher BPA and DEHP concentrations, highlighting the environmental exposure differences. Notably, urban exposure to MEHP and DEHP correlated with a marked decrease in estradiol levels, while rural DEHP exposure was associated with an increase in estradiol but a decrease in prolactin and DHEAS levels. These findings illuminate the variable effects of EDC exposure on hormonal profiles in PCOS, influenced by geographical and environmental contexts. The study underscores the critical need for tailored environmental health policies to mitigate the diverse impacts of EDCs, advocating for a nuanced approach to PCOS management that considers environmental exposures. Our insights contribute to the understanding of PCOS’s hormonal dynamics, emphasizing the significance of addressing EDC exposure in different settings.

Pre-term labour: A study on evaluation of causes and outcome.

Despite recent advances in medicine, the incidence of pre-term birth is increasing globally. Approximately 70% of neonatal deaths, 36% of infant deaths, and 25-50% of cases of neurological impairment in children can be attributed to pre-term births. Identification of risk factors in women, supervised obstetric care during pregnancy, female empowerment, and patient education are strategies to minimize the burden of preterm deliveries. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a 1-year period among 658 women in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Anand, Gujarat. Detailed history, general, and obstetrical examinations were carried out. Maternal and foetal outcomes were noted. Statistical software STATA 14.2 was used for data analysis. The incidence of pre-term birth in our study was 34.95%. The incidence of late pre-term, very term, and extremely pre-term was 28.42%, 4.71%, and 1.82%, respectively. Pre-mature rupture of the membrane was observed among 20.34% of patients with late pre-term labour. IUGR was identified in 9.52% and 15.94% of the very and late pre-term births, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the 1 minute and 5 minute Apgar scores between pre-term babies and term babies. Pre-maturity is a huge health and financial burden in rural and semi-urban central Gujarat. Pre-mature rupture of membranes, previous MTP, extreme physical activity, and maternal anaemia were the major risk factors linked with pre-term labour. Poor neonatal outcomes like LBW, IUGR, and a low Apgar score were significantly associated with the babies delivered pre-mature in our study.

Evaluation and significance of a digital assistant for patient history-taking and physical examination in telemedicine

Introduction Assisted history-taking systems can be used in provider-to-provider teleconsultations to task-shift the collection of evidence-based medical history and physical exam information to a frontline health worker. We developed such a task-shifting digital assistant, called ‘Ayu’, for nurses in rural India to collect clinical information from a patient and share it with a remote doctor to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and triage decision. Materials & Methods We evaluated the ability of the task-shifting digital assistant to collect a comprehensive patient history by using 190 standardized patient case studies and evaluating the information recall of the assistant by a skilled clinician. Following this, we tested the ability of nurses to use the system by training and evaluating the system’s accuracy when used by 19 nurses in rural Gujarat, India. We also measured the diagnostic and triage accuracy based on the generated history note. Finally, we evaluated the system’s acceptability by using the Technology Acceptance Model framework. Results Ayu could capture 65% of patient history information and 42% of physical exam information from patient case studies. When used by nurses, the mean accuracy of the generated clinical note was 7.71 ± 2.42. Using the information collected by a nurse using Ayu, a primary care physician could arrive at the correct diagnosis in 74% of cases, and correct triage decision in 88% of cases. Overall, we saw a high acceptability from nurses to use the system. Conclusions Ayu can capture an acceptable proportion of clinical information and can aid in collecting an evidence-based medical history by task-shifting some of the early investigational steps. Further development of Ayu to increase its information retrieval ability and ease of use by health workers is needed.

Identifying gaps in maternal knowledge and care-seeking for neonatal health: A mixed methods study in rural pregnant women.

Knowledge of neonatal danger signs is crucial for timely care-seeking and improved newborn survival. This study assessed this knowledge among pregnant women in rural western Gujarat. A mixed methods study was conducted among 390 pregnant women selected through a two-stage sampling procedure. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered via in-depth interviews with 20 purposively sampled women. Logistic regression identified determinants of knowledge. Thematic analysis was done for qualitative data. The majority of women were young (220, 56.5% ≤25 years), literate (333, 85%), and from rural backgrounds (320, 82%). Overall, 232 (59.5%) knew about cord care, and 301 (77.2%) correctly identified breastfeeding initiation time. Recognition of key danger signs such as fever (311, 79.7%), vomiting (292, 74.8%), and jaundice (275, 70.5%) was high, but only 70 (18%) identified chest in-drawing. Multiparity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.2-3.9), lower age (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 2.4-5.8), education (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5-6.4), inadequate counseling (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.82-5.190), and normative delivery (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.16-5.006) were associated with poor knowledge. Qualitative findings revealed reliance on informal sources, family elders, and financial constraints as key barriers along with limited comprehension of some danger signs. Focused interventions via health workers, family members, and community platforms are needed to increase neonatal danger signs awareness among vulnerable women in the region to enable timely care-seeking.

Prevalence of essential tremor in rural Gujarat, India

Prevalence of essential tremor in rural Gujarat, India

A technological approach to "Reaching the Unreached" - Leveraging teleophthalmology services in Rural Gujarat.

Early detection of sight-threatening disorders by technological applications like teleophthalmology and prompt treatment can help decrease visual impairment. This study evaluated the role of teleophthalmology in underserved rural areas along with cost-saving estimates for the end user. A prospective, observational, cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted over 3 months. First 1000 teleconsultations were included. None of the patients denied providing informed consent. The patients were consulted at the eight vision centers and three satellite centers of the hospital in the nearby rural and tribal regions closer to their residential places. These vision and satellite centers were connected to the base hospital like a hub and spoke model with a teleophthalmology network. Cataract (n = 301, 30.1%) and refractive error (n = 290, 29%) were the most common diagnosis. 42.1% of patients were referred to base hospital for further evaluation. Thus, a total of 57.9% of patients were not required to visit the base hospital for initial consultation, saving time and money. Furthermore, 15.1% of patients were provided medical treatment at the vision center and satellite center, which helped in making teleophthalmology cost-saving for the patients. An average of Rs. 621/- were saved per patient for the community in our study. Networked teleophthalmology model can be an affordable and feasible tool for providing eye care delivery services in rural and tribal regions of Gujarat and the whole country, especially for the end user. Thus, it may be a workable model in ophthalmology practice with substantial cost saving to the community.

Diagnostic concordance of telemedicine as compared to face-to-face care in primary health care clinics in rural India: a randomized crossover trial.

Background With the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase and scaling up of provider-to-provider telemedicine programs that connect frontline health providers such as nurses and community health workers at primary care clinics with remote doctors at tertiary facilities to facilitate consultations for rural patients. Considering this new trend of increasing use of telemedicine, this study was conducted to generate evidence for patients, health providers, and policymakers to compare if provider-to-provider telemedicine-based care is equivalent to in-person care and is safe and acceptable in terms of diagnostic and treatment standards. Objective This study aims to compare the diagnosis and treatment decisions from teleconsultations to those of in-person care in teleclinics in rural Gujarat. Methods We conducted a diagnostic concordance study using a randomized crossover study design with 104 patients at 10 telemedicine primary care clinics. Patients reporting to 10 telemedicine primary care clinics were randomly assigned to first receive an in-person doctor consultation (59/104, 56.7%) or to first receive a health worker–assisted telemedicine consultation (45/104, 43.3%). The 2 groups were then switched, with the first group undergoing a telemedicine consultation following the in-person consultation and the second group receiving an in-person consultation after the teleconsultation. The in-person doctor and remote doctor were blinded to the diagnosis and management plan of the other. The diagnosis and treatment plan of in-person doctors was considered the gold standard. Results We enrolled 104 patients reporting a range of primary health care issues into the study. We observed 74% (77/104) diagnostic concordance and 79.8% (83/104) concordance in the treatment plan between the in-person and remote doctors. No significant association was found between the diagnostic and treatment concordance and the order of the consultation (P=.65 and P=.81, respectively), the frontline health worker–doctor pair (both P=.93), the gender of the patient (both P>.99), or the mode of teleconsultation (synchronous vs asynchronous; P=.32 and P=.29, respectively), as evaluated using Fisher exact tests. A significant association was seen between the diagnostic and treatment concordance and the type of case (P=.004 and P=.03, respectively). The highest diagnostic concordance was seen in the management of hypertension (20/21, 95% concordance; Cohen kappa=0.93) and diabetes (14/15, 93% concordance; Cohen kappa=0.89). The lowest values were seen in cardiology (1/3, 33%) and patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms (3/10, 30%). The use of a digital assistant to facilitate the consultation resulted in increased adherence to evidence-based care protocols. Conclusions The findings reflect that telemedicine can be a safe and acceptable alternative mode of care especially in remote rural settings when in-person care is not accessible. Telemedicine has advantages. for the potential gains for improved health care–seeking behavior for patients, reduced costs for the patient, and improved health system efficiency by reducing overcrowding at tertiary health facilities.

Heavy Metal Pollution of Soil and Crops in Rural Gujarat, Next to an Industrial Area: A Correlation Study

Heavy metal contamination is one of the significant concerns of environmental pollution. The present study was conducted to find out the correlation between soil and crop/food matrices grown at the exact location for Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Na, P, Zn, and Pb elements near the industrial areas of Narol, Changodar, Vatva, Makarpura, Nandesari, and Ankleshwar in Gujarat, India. Soil samples were collected from 64 sampling sites in an industrial area. Twenty of these sites contained crop/food matrices used for the correlation study. The ranges of concentration of Cr (17-74.4 mg.kg-1), Cu (9.6-82.4 mg.kg-1), Ni (10.6-55.9 mg.kg-1), Pb (4.5- 20.7 mg.kg-1), Zn (21.5-112.4 mg.kg-1), and Al (7075-44557.5 mg.kg-1) for Soil and for crop Cr (0.3-0.6 mg.kg-1), Cu (0.3-8.6 mg.kg-1), Zn (1.1-43.5 mg.kg-1), Fe (12.6-69.4 mg.kg-1), and Al (5.8-102.2 mg.kg-1). According to the study, there is a strong correlation between the soil and crop/food matrices at the different locations, like 0.97 for Fe and Ni, 0.94 for Mg, 0.95 for Mn, and 0.55 for Pb and Zn, and very little correlation between K, P, and Ca, while a negative correlation between Al, Cr, Cu, and Na. The DTPA extractable method was used for the elemental analysis, and analysis was done using the ICP-OES instrument following microwave-assisted digestion. The results show that metal contamination transforms from soil to crop/food matrices, which represents a serious concern and requires action to address the metal contamination by industrialization.

More weightage to diabetes in undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum in medical colleges: Has the time arrived?

Abstract Background: Diabetes is no longer the domain of physicians alone. Every specialty needs to know about diabetes management, which, when poorly controlled, affects patient outcomes. Knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys in this group would help design and change the current academic scenario. This study aims to conduct this amongst postgraduate students in surgical branches at a medical college in rural Gujarat. Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding Diabetes management among surgical postgraduate students; (2) to formulate or modify teaching practices based on the knowledge gaps; and (3) to stress the need for more weightage to diabetes in the medical curriculum. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital in rural Gujarat and 73 surgical postgraduate students participated. Results: Attitude towards learning was good, with 98.6% keen to learn. 97.3% felt the need for a teaching program. With regards to hurdles faced, 57.5% attributed it to lack of knowledge, 93.2% felt diabetes was not their domain, and 84.9 % regarded confusion regarding insulins. Only 48% were aware of the magnitude of the problem and knowledge regarding the management of diabetes in inpatients was less than expected. Conclusion: Results showed a good attitude, willingness to learn, and awareness about the impact of uncontrolled diabetes. The need for reinforcement of knowledge about diabetes was felt and willingness to manage diabetes if the hurdles were addressed was seen. There is a need to implement changes and give more weightage to diabetes and more hands-on experience to graduates and postgraduate curriculum (surgical branches) in medical colleges.

DIGITAL PAYMENT IN RURAL GUJARAT- AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FOR ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT

Digital payment is payment without physical exchange of money. Such transactions are done through digital mode in Digital Financial Services industry. Different researchers have studied Various digital payment methods in developed nations but there is a strong research gap for such studies in developing country like India. Research objective for the study is to measure User opinion towards Digital Payment in Rural Gujarat. Study is based on primary research. Data analysis is done using SPSS 26.0. Study provides strong value addition to researchers, academia, industry and society as a whole.

Estimation of elder abuse and its associated factors in a rural area of Gujarat: A community based cross sectional study

Introduction: The Indian population experiencing rapid ageing. By 2050, elderly would be 19.5% of the total population. The increasing elderly in society brings with new social problems having tremendous health impact. Elder abuse is a serious but neglected social problem that has adverse consequence on health. Objective: To measure the prevalence of elder abuse and to determine associated factors of elder abuse. Method: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among elderly population aged 60 years and above in the Piparia village of Vadodara district. A sample of 126 study participants were nterviewed to collect data on prevalence of abuse and associated factors leading to abuse. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to draw conclusion from collected data. Results: Prevalence of elder abuse was found to be 28.57%. Emotional abuse was the commonest type of abuse reported. Socio economic status, family type, Tobacco use (Smoke and smokeless) were found to be significantly associated with elder abuse. Conclusion: Elder abuse is prevalent in rural Gujarat. Further evidence is needed to assess the magnitude of the problem and the type of intervention necessary to resolve it.

Food Consumption Pattern and Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and Adolescent Girls in Devbhumi Dwarka District, Gujarat: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundFood consumption patterns and dietary diversity are vital sources for the nutrition status of pregnant women (PW) and lactating women (LW), children, and adolescent girls. Undernutrition, food consumption pattern, and poor dietary diversity are interlinked; however, not much is known in the context of rural Gujarat. This study aims to assess the regional pattern of food consumption and dietary diversity among pregnant and lactating women, children, and adolescent girls from Devbhumi Dwarka District in the state of Gujarat.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in four blocks of Devbhumi Dwarka District of Gujarat. A cluster sampling method was used for a better representation. A total of 632 pregnant women, 562 lactating mothers, 855 children aged 7-24 months, and 1,252 adolescent girls were assessed for food consumption patterns.ResultsConsumption of cereals (98%) was found to be highest among pregnant women, whereas consumption of pulses and fruits, which are rich in proteins and vitamins, was inadequate. Overall, the consumption of fruits was inadequate among adolescent girls (56.5%). Moreover, inadequate consumption of green leafy vegetables (36.4%) was noted among children. The dietary diversity score (DDS) for the study population ranges between 4.5 and 4.8, indicating medium diversity in food.ConclusionCereal consumption is higher, which indicates a major part of the energy consumed by vulnerable groups. In contrast, low consumption of pulses, fruits, milk, and green leafy vegetables suggests the possibility of one or more micronutrient deficiencies. There is a need for innovative intervention to change food habits and promote locally available nutrient-rich food and awareness of the importance of various food groups to improve food patterns and the health of vulnerable groups.

21st Century Cancer Care Center-a Dream Come True.

Dr. Akshay Nadkarni-the youngest oncosurgeon cum entrepreneur-was formally inaugurated in March 2021 by his mother late Dr. Purnima Nadkarni, which was the culmination of a vision of Dr. Akshay Nadkarni who wanted to bring advanced comprehensive cancer care to Rural Gujarat. He is a gold medalist surgeon and did his MS, DNB from Manipal and Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery Fellowship from Pune under Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar. The ultimate inspiration for the cancer initiative came after the fellowship in oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, where he was moved by the plight of thousands of suffering cancer patients who thronged there from all parts of the country. Having honed his onco-skills, he joined Nadkarni and 21st Century Group of Hospitals-our family enterprise in 2011. Hard work, factory visits, innumerable cancer check-up camps, lectures, and awareness programs, crisscrossing entire South Gujarat, UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and northern Maharashtra, marked the 1st 8years of his onco-practice which created a huge patient base. Practically all types of cancer surgeries, e.g., head-neck, abdomen, breast, and renal, were performed. The addition of different government schemes increased the patient volume. Chemotherapies were also given as the services of a medical oncologist were made available. Having created this patient base and realizing the need for all facilities under one roof, this advanced cancer center with a radiation unit (Halcyon Varian) was set up in a single vertical building with CT scan, X-ray, USG, invasive procedures, biopsies, frozen section-state-of-the-art modular OT with 4K Karl Storz Camera, with the complete team of radiation onco-, med onco-, surgical team, and immunotherapist, which was set up in record time (bunker set up in 3months amidst the COVID pandemic). This was done under the banner of Nadkarni Medical Foundation so that free and subsidized services could be given to the rural population. The Tumor Board meets regularly every 15days, and all cases are reviewed comprehensively. With such a large body of work and successful patients over 6000 onco-surgery and 10,000 chemotherapy in 8years and 850 patients of radiation over 2years, the 21st Century Cancer Care Center is a shining star on the onco-horizon of the country, particularly South Gujarat.

"Economic Development of Milk Producers through Dairy Cooperatives with Special Reference to Banaskantha District"

"Dairy cooperatives in rural Gujarat provide a stable source of income for millions of people. Rural inhabitants are mostly involved in farming as well as non-agricultural activities such as livestock husbandry and dairy. The Economic Development of Member Dairy Farmers through Dairy Cooperatives was examined in this study. The primary data was acquired using a convenience sampling method from 200 Members Dairy Farmers in the Banaskantha district. Data was collected using a Google form. Simple percentage approaches were utilised to do the analysis. According to the findings, the Banaskantha District Dairy Cooperative plays an essential role in the economic development of its member dairy producers. Member Dairy Farmers provide a considerable contribution to Gujarat’s dairy industry, and their engagement in dairy farming is seen as a crucial instrument for increasing the standard of living of the rural community in Bansakantah District."

Enormity of iron deficiency anaemia and haematological indices in Primary and secondary school going children in central rural Gujarat, India

Anemia is one of the associated and underlying health conditions observed in large number of school going children of rural India. National Family Health Survey (NHFS) data published by Government of Indiaindicates increased prevalence ofanaemia in children of rural India. In the present study, children of government school of the Waghodia tehsil, Vadodara district Gujarat were surveyed. A cross sectional study was conducted to survey 500 children of either genderaccording to WHO gradation as normal range (12.6 ± 0.54 gm/dl); mild anemia (11.01 ± 0.58gm/dl) and moderate anemia(9.11 ± 0.3gm/dl).Observations indicated that, 20.6%, 74.8% and 4.6%children were in normal or above normal range, mild anemia and moderate anemia respectively. Overall79.4% of children have anemia. It reveals the escalating magnitude of prevalence of IDA in rural Gujarat. Prevalence is more in 9-11 age group (56%). Gender wise distribution shows mild and moderate anemia in 305 (80.9%) and 14 (3.7%) respectively amongst 377 male children; whereas mild anemia and moderate anemia in 305 (80.9%) and 14 (3.7%) respectively amongst 123 female children. In nutshell, prevalence of anemia is prominent in children of age group in different rural parts of Gujarat.

Does Microfinance Empower Women from Economic, Social, and Political Perspectives ? : Empirical Evidence from Rural Gujarat

Does Microfinance Empower Women from Economic, Social, and Political Perspectives ? : Empirical Evidence from Rural Gujarat