Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

B. Charumathi ¹, D. Jayashri ¹, S. Manisha ¹, Aadithya ¹, C. Hemanthkumar ¹, Timsi Jain ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Thandalam, Kanchipuram, IN

Abstract

Background: Primary healthcare is a vital strategy which remains the backbone of health service delivery. As on March 31^st 2017, there were a total of 25, 650 primary health centres(PHC) functioning in the country. Though the number of PHC’s had increased, the utilization is declining over the years as people seek private health sectors due to various reasons. Objective: To assess the awareness and utilization of primary health care services provided by Thirumazhisai PHC. Methodology: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among people residing in Thirumazhisai. The Sample size of 233 was calculated. The study population was selected by simple random sampling technique. A pre-designed, pre-tested semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data entered in MS excel and analyzed using proportion. Results: Among 233 people, 183 (78.8%) people knew about PHC services. Regarding utilization of services, 165(70.8%) were availing services provided by PHC. The reasons given for non utilization of services were long waiting time (51.4%), dissatisfaction of Doctor-Patient relationship(17.7%), non-availability of essential medicines (14.7%), PHC not clean (8.8%), and PHC does not have all required services (7.4%). Conclusion: In resource-constrained developing countries like India, all efforts should be undertaken to bring about the maximum efficiency of health care delivery. Role of primary healthcare is essential in the progress towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

Keywords

Primary Health Care, Primary Health Centres, Awareness, Utilization.

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D. Jayashri ¹, B. Charumathi ¹, Timsi Jain ², Gomathy Parasuraman ³, Ruma Dutta ³

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Thandalam, Kanchipuram District, IN
2 Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Thandalam, Kanchipuram District, IN
3 Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Thandalam, Kanchipuram District, IN

Abstract

Background: Iodine Deficiency Disorders is a significant public health problem all over the world. Iodine is essential element for thyroid function, necessary for normal growth, development and functioning of brain and body. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of goiter among school children and to assess the prevalence of useof iodized salt. Material and Methods: A Cross sectional study conducted among Children between 6-12 years of ageinMappedu area.A pre-tested questionnaire, Rapid test kit to find iodine content of salt and clinical examination to assess goitre was done for the study subjects.The sample size calculated was120.Dataanalysis:Proportions and chi-square was used for analysis. Results: 65% were using iodized salt and remaining 35% were using non-iodised salt.The prevalence of goiter was found to be 17(14.2%). Conclusion: One-third of children and their family were not consuming adequately iodized salt. The consumption of iodized salt is still less in the community and Iodine Deficiency Disorders continue to be a public health problem.

Keywords

IDD, Goiter, Iodized Salt, Rapid Test Kit.

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