Search

Background: India is the largest contributor of undernourished people in the world with around 14.37% of its population not receiving enough nutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition was 46.8%. Nutritional deficiencies in India contributed to about 0.5% of all deaths. This study, helps us to determine the prevalence and risk factors of protein energy undernutrition and specific micronutrient deficiency among school going children in a selected school of Puducherry. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in school going children studying 5th to 10th standard in government and private high school in Puducherry. After getting consent from the parents, in-person interview was conducted, anthropometric measurement and head-to-toe examinations were done. Results: Among 428 participants, 28.7%, 15.2%, 11.4%, 0.7%, 13.1%,1.9%0.7%1.4%, 9.6%,9.6% 53% has Anemia, Riboflavin deficiency, vitamin C, Iodine, Fluoride excess, Fluoride deficiency, Zinc, Calcium and Essential fatty acids respectively. Among 428 participants, 56.1%, 8.4% were moderately stunted and severe stunted respectively. It was noted that height for age was statistically significant with Sex and age (p value < 0.05). Conclusions: Early detection of protein energy deficiency and nutritional deficiencies will aid in the development of our country in many ways since youngsters are the future foundations of our society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The waste produced in the course of healthcare activities carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. Inadequate and in appropriate knowledge of handling of healthcare waste may have serious health consequences and a significant impact on the environment as well. Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Bio medical waste management among nurses and laboratory technicians. 2. To assess the effectiveness of Educational intervention on Bio medical waste management among them. Materials and Method: The study was conducted among 80 staff members during May-Sept 2014 in Sri Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital & Research Centre. A training programme on Bio medical waste management was conducted for the study participants and their performance was assessed before and after the training session. Analysis of data was done by applying Wilcoxson signed rank test and Mann Whitney U test to note the statistical significance. Results: Of total 80 study participants 75% (60) were nurses while 25% (20) were lab technicians. Significant statistical difference (pretraining and post training) was found among these staff members who have received training in biomedical waste management which is evident from the improved level of knowledge and attitude and practice about Biomedical waste management. Conclusion: The importance of training regarding biomedical waste management needs emphasis. Lack of proper and complete knowledge about biomedical waste management impacts practices of appropriate waste disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]