Urban Slum Of Mumbai Research Articles

Study of socio-demographic profile of women suffering from urinary incontinence and associated co-morbid conditions in an urban slum in Mumbai

Study of socio-demographic profile of women suffering from urinary incontinence and associated co-morbid conditions in an urban slum in Mumbai

Acceptability of Iron- and Zinc-Biofortified Pearl Millet (Dhanashakti)-Based [corrected] Complementary Foods among Children in an Urban Slum of Mumbai, India.

Biofortification, a method for increasing micronutrient content of staple crops, is a promising strategy for combating major global health problems, such as iron and zinc deficiency. We examined the acceptability of recipes prepared using iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet (FeZnPM) (~80 ppm Fe, ~34 ppm Zn, varietal ICTP-8203), compared to conventional pearl millet (CPM) (~20 ppm Fe, ~19 ppm Zn) in preparation for an efficacy trial. Our objective was to examine the acceptability of FeZnPM compared to CPM among young children and mothers living in the urban slums of Mumbai. Standardized traditional feeding program recipes (n = 18) were prepared with either FeZnPM or CPM flour. The weight (g) of each food product was measured before and after consumption by children (n = 125) and the average grams consumed over a 3-day period were recorded. Mothers (n = 60) rated recipes using a 9-point hedonic scale. Mean intakes and hedonic scores of each food product were compared using t-tests across the two types of pearl millet. There were no statistically significant differences in consumption by children (FeZnPM: 25.27 ± 13.0 g; CPM: 21.72 ± 6.90 g) across the food products (P = 0.28). Overall mean hedonic scores for all recipes were between 7 to 9 points. CPM products were rated higher overall (8.22 ± 0.28) compared to FeZnPM products (7.95 ± 0.35) (P = 0.01). FeZnPM and CPM were similarly consumed and had high hedonic scores, demonstrating high acceptability in this population. These results support using these varieties of pearl millet in a proposed trial [http://Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02233764; Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI), reference number REF/2014/10/007731, CTRI number CTRI/2015/11/006376] testing the efficacy of FeZnPM for improving iron status and growth.

Awareness of sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer among husbands in urban slums of Mumbai, India

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women, 80 percent of cervical cancer cases present with an advanced stage of the disease when cure is impossible. This may be due to lack of awareness and knowledge, lack of access to proper treatment including screening facility. Cervical cancer does not always cause symptoms during initial stage. Pap smear test helps in early diagnosis of cervical cancer and hence is successful in treatment. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in involving men into reproductive health to improve health outcomes as often husband is the leading decision maker in almost all the areas. The present paper examines the knowledge, attitude, practice and health seeking behaviour about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer among husbands in a slum community of Mumbai. Methods: Baseline data from an intervention study entitled “Enhancing knowledge and promoting health seeking behaviour of couples on sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer in urban slums of Mumbai” is used for this article. This data was collected from a random sample of 1958 husbands whose wives age was between 18-49 years, through a semi-structured interview schedule from two urban slums of Mumbai. Information was collected on socio-economic and demographic characters, awareness and symptoms of STIs and Cervical cancer, and health seeking behaviour. Results: About 76 percent husbands heard about the infections transmitted through sexual intercourse, 95.4 percent were aware of cancer whereas only 8.5 percent husbands were aware of cervical cancer and 0.3 percent were aware of Pap smear to detect the cervical cancer. About 3 percent husbands experienced at least one symptom of STIs six months prior to survey, 7.3 percent husbands reported of having sexual partner other than spouse. Most husbands were not aware of STIs symptoms specific to wives. Conclusions: There is a need for disseminating knowledge regarding STI symptoms, cervical cancer and Pap smear test for early detection of cervical cancer as well as promoting better health seeking behaviour with respect to cervical cancer and STIs. Considering sensitivity of the topic it is necessary to design separate programmes for men.

Prevalence of anaemia and its epidemiological correlates among women of reproductive age group in an urban slum of Mumbai

Background: Anaemia is a major public health problem affecting children, adolescent, women of reproductive age groups and lactating mothers worldwide. As per NFHS-IV data, prevalence of anaemia in India is 53%. This study was done to assess the prevalence of anaemia and its epidemiological correlates among women in reproductive age groups in an urban slum of Mumbai. Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban slum in Mumbai. Total 315 women in the reproductive age groups (15-49 years) were enrolled in the study. Samples were selected by stratified random sampling from various sectors. All respondents were interviewed and haemoglobin estimation was done with Sahli’s method. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and chi-square test was used to find out the association between two qualitative variables. Results: The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia was 37.1%, 9.5% and 2.9% respectively. The factors associated with anaemia were education (p value=0.0001), socio-economic status (p value=0.001), consumption of iron rich food (p value=0.0001) and interval between two successive pregnancy in years (p value=0.0001). Conclusions: The findings of the present study revealed that education, socioeconomic status, consumption of iron rich food, interval between successive pregnancies affect the overall blood haemoglobin level on a long run. Community awareness regarding education and schooling of girls will help to increase the education level of women and would indirectly help to increase the health awareness and decrease the prevalence of anaemia.

A cross sectional study to assess the diagnostic and management practices of general practitioners regarding tuberculosis in an urban slum of Mumbai, Maharashtra

Background: India has large and growing private medical sector and it is observed that Private Practitioners are generally the first point of contact for significant proportion of patients with tuberculosis. Hence the present study was carried out to assess the diagnostic and management practices for tuberculosis among the private practitioners in an urban slum area. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of Urban Health Centre attached to the teaching hospital and medical college. A total of 76 Private Practitioners practising in the field practice area were contacted, explained the purpose and benefits of the study, 67 private practitioners gave consent for involvement in the study. A semi structured and pretested questionnaire was used to interview the private practitioners. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 17.0. Results: Among 67 Private Practitioners in the area only 19 (28.4%) doctors mentioned that they diagnose TB patients in their clinic and start the diagnosed TB patients on treatment. Persistent cough (97%), fever (86.5%), weight loss (58.2%) were the most common symptoms of TB identified by these doctors. The mean duration for suspecting TB mentioned was 3.79 weeks. Chest x-ray was the most common (85.1%) investigation advised. HRZE was the drug regimen of choice whereas few doctors gave various anti-TB drugs including 2nd line drugs like kanamycin, PAS, cycloserine to their patients. Conclusions: In present study showed majority of the private practitioners are neither updated nor very particular about the diagnosis and correct regimen of anti TB therapy. A few doctors also used 2nd line anti-TB drugs drugs like kanamycin, PAS, cycloserine to their patients which shows the likely irrational use of the few available anti-tuberculosis drugs, which may favour the emergence and spread of drug resistance.

Awareness of sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer among women in urban slums of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Due to this disease 80 percent die at an advance stage. This may be due to lack of awareness and knowledge, lack of access to proper treatment including screening facility. This study is undertaken with an objective to investigate knowledge attitude, practice and health seeking behaviour about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervical cancer among eligible women in a slum community in Mumbai.Methods: Baseline data of women was drawn from an intervention study entitled “Enhancing knowledge and promoting health seeking behaviour of couples on sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer in urban slums of Mumbai” for this article. This data was collected from a random sample of 1958 women in reproductive age group through a semi-structured interview schedule from two urban slums of Mumbai. Information was collected on socio-economic and demographic characters, awareness and symptoms of STIs and cervical cancer, and health seeking behaviour.Results: The study revealed that majority of women had heard about the STIs, 37.7 percent were aware of cervical cancer whereas only 3.6 percent of women were aware of Pap smear test. About 11 percent of women experienced at least one symptom of STI, 0.3 percent of women reported of having sexual partner other than spouse. Most women were not aware of STIs symptoms specific to men.Conclusions: Study concludes that the need to disseminate knowledge regarding STI symptoms, cervical cancer and Pap smear test for early detection of cervical cancer as well as promoting better health seeking behaviour with respect to cervical cancer and STIs. Considering of sensitivity of the topic it is necessary to design separate programmes for women.

An epidemiological cross-sectional study to assess the level of stress and its association with hypertension in young adult population of age group 20 to 40 years in an urban slum of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background: Hypertension is a growing health concern in Asia and some tend to associate their hypertension to psychosocial stress. However, data on assessment of stress and its relationship with hypertension are rare. The objectives were to assess the level of stress and its relation with hypertension amongst the young population of 20 to 40 years of an urban slum of Mumbai.Methods:A cross sectional community based study of 450 participants in the age group of 20 to 40 years using systematic sampling technique with a random start. Data was collected using a questionnaire-cum-examination form that was devised relevant to the study. Blood pressure was assessed using shypnomanometer and stress was assessed using stress questionnaire score. Blood pressure <139/89 mm Hg (normal) & >140/90 mm of Hg (hypertension).Results: Amongst 450 participants, 41 (9.1%) participants had minimal stress, 164 (36.4%) had mild stress, 142 (31.6%) had moderate stress and 103 (22.9%) had severe stress. Out of 450 participants 73 (16.2%) had blood pressure >140/90 mm of Hg. Association between severe stress and hypertension was found to be statistical significant.Conclusions:Severe stress is associated with development of hypertension. Special attention should be given to increase the awareness about stress, its related complications and prevention and control measures.

An epidemiological study of acute malnutrition in children of age 6 months to 5 years in an Urban Slum of Mumbai, Maharashtra

Introduction: Malnutrition continues to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in developing countries. There are numerous factors that directly or indirectly affect the nutritional status of the children. Aim: This study aims to study the prevalence and associated risk factors of acute malnutrition in children 6 months to 5 years of age in an urban slum. Subjects and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban slum in Mumbai. A total of 270 children of age 6 months to 5 years were enrolled in the study. Samples were selected by simple random sampling from various sectors. All mothers/informant were interviewed, and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and Chi-square test was used to find out the association between two qualitative variables. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting were 52.2%, 42.2%, and 50.4%, respectively. The factors associated with acute malnutrition were age of the child, mother's educational status, occupation of mother, type of family, socioeconomic status, age at marriage below 18 years, children who were given prelacteal feeds, were not exclusively breastfed and were partially immunized. Conclusions: The findings of the present study revealed that higher prevalence of acute malnutrition was found in the children of urban slum in Mumbai. Socioeconomic development along with counseling on breast-feeding practices and nutrition education among the urban slum masses needs to be ensured which is an important factor to combat malnutrition.

Study of Knowledge about Hypertension in Young Adult Population of Age Group 20 to 40 Years in an Urban Slum of Mumbai

Context: Hypertension is a growing health problem throughout the World. There is paucity of data on awareness about hypertension, its causes and related complications in general population. Awareness about hypertension in younger population can prevent its development in later age. Thus to prevent & control the problem of hypertension there is a need for increasing knowledge and awareness about hypertension in younger population. Aim of this study is to assess knowledge about hypertension in younger population using a knowledge questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional community based study amongst 450 participants in the age group of 20 to 40 years using systematic sampling technique with a random start. Data was collected using a questionnaire form that was devised relevant to the study. Conclusion: Among 450 participants, 264 i.e. 58.7% participants had poor knowledge about hypertension (score 7).

Effect of Maternal Diet Diversity and Physical Activity on Neonatal Birth Weight: A Study from Urban Slums of Mumbai

Effect of Maternal Diet Diversity and Physical Activity on Neonatal Birth Weight: A Study from Urban Slums of Mumbai

Treatment seeking behavior for sexually transmitted infections/reproductive tract infections among married women in urban slums of Mumbai, India

Sexually Transmitted Infections/Reproductive Tract Infections (STIs/RTIs) are a major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity among men and women in developing countries. The aim of the study is to explore treatment seeking behavior among the married women of reproductive age presented with symptoms of STI/RTI. A hospital-based observational study was carried out at the STI/RTI Clinic of Urban Health Centre, Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, Mumbai, India. The study involved a total of 273 married females who attended clinic for their symptoms during January to March 2012. Patients were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire to explore the detail of the treatment seeking behavior regarding STIs/RTIs. Out of total women who participated in the study, only 47.6% of the women with STIs/RTIs symptoms sought health care. Among those who did not seek treatment, 58.65 % females were belonging to 21-25 years of age group. Maximum 65.6% females who were illiterate had not sought any treatment for symptoms of these diseases as compared to 65% who had taken treatment for the presented symptoms who were educated up to higher secondary and above level. 62.5% females belonging to class V had never sought treatment as compared to 100% women who were classified to class I. The poor health seeking behavior was associated with literacy and socioeconomic class of the participants. Private sector was the most favored place for taking treatment by them. Commonest reason for not seeking treatment was no female doctor at clinic. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) sessions, about STI symptoms and the benefits of treat-ment, especially targeted at women and low socioeconomic groups might be an immediately feasible measure that will help to reduce the burden of the disease.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(2) 2015: 65-70

Barriers to availing refractive error services among an urban slum population in Mumbai, India

Barriers to availing refracti ve error services among an urban slum population in Mumbai, India. Background: A refractive error project for management of refractive errors in adults was undertaken in the urban slums of Mumbai, India. The project looked at the burden of refractive errors in the predominantly lower socio economic status groups as well as what common barriers prevent access to refractive services amongst this population. This presentation highlights the barriers that were elicited for availing and accessing refractive error services among the urban slum population in Mumbai, India. AIM: The study aimed to identify the common barriers to availing & accessing refractive error services among an urban slum population in Mumbai, India. Methods : A situation analysis of the community, with respect to availability of services was done as a part of the service delivery planning. The analysis revealed that services were available but the community was not accessing the same. Based on the situation analysis report a questionnaire with all perceived barriers was developed and the same was validated. Service delivery was done by establishing vision centers within the community. Trained health workers performed a door to door vision screening, identified and referred the needy population to the vision centre. Here the questionnaire was run by trained social workers on the people visiting the centers for eye examinations, who were referred by the social workers. Results : Data analysis was carried out to know the reasons for not availing the services within the community. Of the 4070 subjects who visited the vision centre, 4039 case records were complete and analyzed. The demographic associations of the use of spectacles and reasons for not availing services were assessed with age, gender, education, socioeconomic status. On further analyses it was revealed, that, 3373 (83.5%) were aware of their poor vision, of these 2000 people did not visit an eye doctor. When the questions were analyzed as economic reasons and lack of awareness, lack of awareness superseded economic reasons, as lack of awareness was 54.5% Vs economic was 53.70%. Conclusion: When refractive error service delivery was planned for this population, besides providing free spectacles, emphasis on generating awareness for need for refractive errors was also considered.

Acceptability of Iron‐Biofortified Pearl Millet Among Young Children in Urban Slums of Mumbai, India

ObjectiveTo examine the acceptability of iron‐biofortified (82 ppm Fe) pearl millet (FePM; ICTP 8203) compared to commercially available (28 ppm Fe) pearl millet (CPM) among young children living in urban slums of Mumbai, India, in preparation for an efficacy trial of the biofortified crop.MethodsEighteen standardized traditional feeding program recipes were prepared with either FePM or CPM staple cereal flour. Children (n=59; 6–24 months) were recruited from an urban slum in Mumbai to participate in the acceptability study over a one to three day period. The weight (g) of each food product was recorded before and after consumption. T‐tests were used to compare mean intakes of each food product developed for both types of pearl millet.ResultsThe consumption and acceptability of food products made with FePM and CPM flour were high in this population. There were no significant differences in consumption of foods developed from ICTP 8203‐Fe PM (mean ± SD = 22.6 ± 9.7 g), compared to the commercially available pearl millet (mean ± SD = 21.9 ± 6.4 g) across all 18 different recipes.ConclusionsConsidering the high acceptability and consumption of food products containing pearl millet and the similarity in the acceptance of recipes with either variety of pearl millet, we conclude that these varieties of pearl millet can be used in a proposed randomized, controlled feeding trial to test the efficacy of FePM for improving iron status, immune function, cognition, and growth in this population.Support or Funding InformationHarvest Plus

Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status in Infants From the Urban Slums of Mumbai, India

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess dietary intake and nutritional status of infants living in the urban slums of Mumbai, India, in preparation for a randomized efficacy feeding trial of iron‐biofortified pearl millet.MethodsStudy participants (n=37) were infants aged six to 12 months from the slums of Mumbai. Infant dietary intake was assessed by 24‐hour dietary recall, administered to mothers; nutrient intake was calculated using CS dietary software. Anthropometric measurements of infant length and weight were recorded. World Health Organization (WHO) z‐scores for weight‐for‐age (WAZ), length‐for‐age (LAZ), and weight‐for‐length (WLZ) were calculated, and used to define underweight (WAZ<−2), stunting (HAZ<−2), and wasting (WLZ<−2).ResultsIn this study, infants did not meet the Indian recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for energy (78%), fat (86%), and calcium (67%). Dietary intake of iron was 35% of the Indian RDA. The protein intake was above the Indian RDA (>100%). Mean WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ scores were −1.3 (SD: 0.8), −1.8 (SD: 1.0), and −0.5 (SD: 0.8) respectively, and 37% of infants were stunted.ConclusionsDietary intake of iron, calcium, fat, and total energy were low in this population, and more than one–third of infants were stunted. Effective and sustainable nutritional interventions are urgently needed to improve the dietary and nutritional status of infants living in this setting.Support or Funding InformationSupported by HarvestPlus/IFPRI

Study of perception and help seeking behaviour among parents for their children with psychiatric disorder: a community based cross-sectional study

Background: Child mental health problems present a health challenge for all societies, which are aggravated by lack of knowledge in parents regarding them as well as suboptimal response to them with reference to the help seeking behaviour by parents of these cases. We tried to find out perception of child mental health problems in parents and also the help seeking behaviour of parents residing in an urban slum of Mumbai because understanding impediments to perceiving these disorders and thereby having optimal health seeking behaviour could greatly contribute to reducing the impact of these problems on children's growth and development overall. Study design & setting: A cross‑sectional study was conducted in urban slum of Mumbai. Materials & Methods: Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 257 respondents which were interviewed for presence of mental health disorder using semi-structured questionnaire. Parents of 38 children who were diagnosed for mental health disorder were interviewed with the help of pre-tested questionnaire for perception and help seeking behaviour for psychiatric disorder in their children. Interviews were conducted after getting informed consent. Two focus group discussions with the parents of the cases about their child’s mental health were also conducted. Results: 47.4% parents perceived the problems in behaviour of their child and of these, only 10.5% parents sought treatment voluntarily before the interview. Major reasons given for not taking treatment were unawareness, no felt need, stigma attached to mental health. Parents’ perception and help seeking behaviour were better for male gender, higher education of parents, employed parents, having 5-10 members’ family and stress-free family. Conclusion: Present study outlined the need of awareness in parents regarding child mental health problems. Parents also need to be addressed in intervention and education programs related to child mental health.

Physical activity levels during work, leisure time and transport and its association with obesity in urban slum of Mumbai, India

Background: Rapid changes in urbanization and associated mechanization and sedentary jobs increase the level of physical inactivity in the population. Physical inactivity is directly reflected in the growing burden of obesity in the Indian population predominantly in the urban areas. WHO developed STEP wise approach for surveillance of risk factors for non-communicable diseases. This study aimed at assessing prevalence of overweight, generalized obesity, abdominal obesity and physical activity status and find out association between them among urban slum population of Mumbai. Methods: Community based, cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in urban slum of Mumbai, India during the period of March 2013 to January 2014 by using WHO STEP wise approach. Total number of 600 participants of age group 25-64 years were interviewed and examined for information regarding physical activity and obesity. Results: About 60% of study participants were physical inactivity during work, leisure time and transport. Physical inactivity increased with increased age and female sex. Prevalence of overweight or obesity (generalized obesity) 41.8% was more than that of abdominal obesity 37.7%. Physical inactivity during work, leisure time and transport was significantly associated with obesity and high waist circumference. Conclusions: Physical inactivity was more so with increasing obesity, women and increasing age. To tackle the epidemic of obesity habitual moderate physical activity is the key. It is necessity of time to create environment for adoption of healthy lifestyle through properly channelled health education and advocacy.

Assessment of prevalence of protein energy malnutrition in under 5 year children in an urban slum of Mumbai, India and to study associated factors

Background: In urban slums, several socio-demographic factors contribute for the occurrence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in under-five year children, this study aims at Assessment of prevalence of protein energy malnutrition in under-5 year children in an urban slum of Mumbai and to study associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Urban Slum which is a field practice area of institition.Under-5 children were included in the study and information was gathered by interviewing mother/guardian and recording anthropometric measurement of the child. Data was analysed with SPSS v.16 with suitable tests. Result: Prevalence of PEM was found 56%, more per cent of PEM was found in 13-24 month age 64 (66.7%), 120 (54.1%) boys, 122 (55%) non-nuclear family dwellers, in 126 (56.8%) children whose mothers got married 2, 198(89.2%) children who were not given colostrum and 168 (75.7%) who were not given exclusive breast feeding, in 152(68.5%) children with incomplete immunisation, 122 (55%) children with more than 3 episodes of ARI, 142(64%) with >3 episodes of Diarrhoea. 86 (82.7%) children with PEM belonged to Class V, (B.G Prasad classification), statistically significant association of PEM was found with the factors age of child, mother’s education, birth order, immunisation status, mother’s age at marriage, exclusive breast feeding, history of acute respiratory infection (ARI) and diarrhoea, and socio-economic status. Conclusion: Study has found certain socio-demographic factors like age, gender and birth order of child, type of family, age of mother during marriage and her literacy level, giving colostrum, exclusive breast feeding, immunisation and frequency of ARI and diarrhoea associated with PEM.

Lots quality coverage survey technique for assessment of immunization performance and quality in an urban slum of Mumbai

Background: The purpose of utilization of lot quality technique is to identify quickly & scientifically the areas with poor performance and provide information for developing strategies to improve service quality. Evaluation of immunization coverage provides evidence whether substantial progress towards achieving immunization targets is being made. This study was conducted to assess immunization coverage and quality of immunization services as per mentioned in WHO’s Lots Quality Survey Technique guide received by the child in view of appropriate age and interval in urban slum of Mumbai . Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiological study was carried out in the field practice area of urban health centre of institute during the period of January 2013 to December 2013. Total number of 336 children between age of 12-23 months were selected from 21 Lots by using standard lots quality survey technique. Data was analysed using SPSSv.16 with suitable statistical tests. Results: The overall coverage of immunization in the urban slum area was 75.0% (fully immunized), 22.3% (partially immunized) and 2.7% (unimmunized). The immunization was received in 92.8% of children at inappropriate interval. Out of 21 lots 19 were unprotected. Conclusions: Though the overall coverage of immunization was good in urban slum but still it has pockets of partial or non-immunization. In areas with high immunization coverage Lots Quality technique should be used to detect of poor coverage and quality and to take appropriate action.

Study of the prevailing morbidities in geriatric women living in an urban slum in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background: Longevity has increased worldwide. This can be attributed to improved food and nutrition developments in health, and better sanitation. Old age brings in its wake, a lot of chronic ailments. Women, particularly in India, and are hard hit, due to gender marginalization. The objectives of the study were, the present study was undertaken in an urban slum in Mumbai to determine prevalence of health morbidities in geriatric women . Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period of Aug. 2008 to Nov. 2009 in the urban field practice area of Medical College in Mumbai. A total of 336 elderly consenting women above 60 years of age, were enrolled in the study. Pre-designed and pre-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed by using the SPSS software version-16. Results: Depression (50.8%) followed by hypertension (38.4%) was seen to be the commonest prevalent morbidities next commonest being 24 (17.39%) cataract, while 15(10.86%) had joint pain; 10 (7.24%) had diabetes, 7 (5.07%) had suffered from stroke, 06 (4.34%) had bronchial asthma, 05(3.62%) had ischemic heart disease, 04 (2.89%) had fracture, 04 (2.89%) suffered from deafness and (0.72%) had been diagnosed as diabetes . Conclusions: Community based screening programmes and subsequent interventions are urgently recommended to meet the need of this vulnerable age group.

Immunization coverage and its associated factors among children residing in project affected population's resettlement colonies in urban slum of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Background: With the rapid urbanization and numerous infrastructure projects going on in cities, large number populations are affected by these development projects. Such Projects Affected People (PAP) is resettled in colonies where critical health services are often lacking. Immunization is one such preventive and promotive health services, which is often cited as one of the greatest public health achievement of 20 th century and has resulted in dramatic decrease in morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases. However, effective protection against these vaccine preventable diseases requires 90-95% immunization coverage. This study was conducted to assess the immunization coverage in PAP resettlement area of urban slum in Mumbai and associated responsible factors. Methods: Immunization coverage was assessed with the help of the WHO’s 30cluster sampling method with a sample size of 210 children in the 12-23 months age group. Results: 90% children were completely immunized. The immunization coverage was highest for BCG (98.1%) and least for measles (90%). The most common reason for noncompliance was child’s illness at the time of scheduled vaccine dose. Conclusions: The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) goal of 85% immunization coverage can be achieved by community based awareness activities, supplemented by patient friendly immunization services at the health centre.