Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

A. Santham Lilly Pet ¹, Timsi Jain ², Bobby Joseph ³, Pethuru Devadason ⁴, M. Gayathri ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of community Health Nursing, Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Education and Research, Bangalore, IN
2 Community Medicine, Saveetha University, Chennai, IN
3 Community Health, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, IN
4 Department of General Practice, Al Nahil International Clinic, KW

Abstract

Garmenting is one of the many labour intensive sector that provides gateway for developing countries in entering into the global market. Southern production centres employ more than 80% women as part of their workforce. Working for a long period of time without rest, absence of personal protective equipment and inadequate provision of ergonomic facilities at workplace leads to discomfort and fatigue.

Method and Method: 150 female workers with common musculoskeletal problems and working at the selected garment manufacturing factories and fulfilling the selection criteria will be randomly assigned to experimental and control group. The work site health intervention will be provided to experimental group, which involves 3 sessions for a week namely orientation to body mechanics, demonstration on neck and lower back exercise and nutritional education. After the demonstration, the female worker will be instructed to perform the exercise, 5 times in a week for 2 week in the workplace and thereafter for at least 3 times in a week for a month in the home. The outcome will be assessed at end of the 2^nd week and 5^th week. The control group who will not receive any intervention. The data will be analysed by frequency, percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation. Chi-square test and independent t-test will be used to assess the difference in various parameters.

Discussion: The result of the study may help to guide the garment workers to initiate the simple intervention in the worksite and would also reduce the occurrence of the common musculoskeletal problems.

Keywords

Worksite Health Intervention, Musculoskeletal Problem, Work-Related Quality of Life, Female Workers, Garment Manufacturing Sectors.

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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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Jayashri Damodharan ¹, Prashanth Rajendiran ¹, Charumathi Boominathan ¹, Muthulakshmi Muthiah ¹, Gomathy Parasuraman ¹, Ruma Dutta ¹, Timsi Jain ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Food borne disease can be defined as any disease of an infectious or toxic nature caused by the consumption of food or water(1). The investigation was carried out after receiving information on food poisoning cases from the RMO of SMCH among the inmates of a private women’s hostel.

Methodology: Epidemiological case sheet was prepared and details from the affected individuals were obtained. On the same day, the kitchen and the mess were inspected and food handlers were examined.

Findings of the Outbreak: During the investigation, it was found that among the 120 inmates who consumed the dinner, 79(65.8%) inmates developed symptoms of food poisoning and 41(34.2%) inmates did not develop any symptoms. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting were the symptoms and the incubation period ranged between 3–38 hours.

Among those who developed symptoms, 30(37.9%) inmates were hospitalised for conservative management while 49(62.1%) inmates rested in the hostel, resorted to self medications. All of them completely recovered within 3 days.

Conclusion: Curd rice is the food item suspected to be contaminated and probable source for food poisoning outbreak. Based on the signs and symptoms of the inmates, incubation period ranging between 3–38 hours, enquiry findings and clinical examination of the employees presumably the suspected causative agent of the outbreak could be due to Salmonella.

Keywords

Food Poisoning, Outbreak Investigation, Attack Rate, Attributable Risk.

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Nishitha K. ¹, Alice Matilda Mendez ², Nisha B. ², Timsi Jain ³

Affiliations
1 3rd Year MBBS, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Biomedical waste is “Any waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or during research” in a hospital. Improper disposal of hospital waste poses a major threat to the environment. Lack of proper management, awareness, insufficient resources and poor control of disposal of waste are the most pressing problems faced.

Objective: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital waste management in nursing staffs and nursing assistants of a private and government tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional study done in a private and a government tertiary care teaching institute on 300 nursing staff (150 from each) using an orally administered structured questionnaire. The data were entered into excel and analysis was done.

Result: Of the 150 participants from government hospital 71% had training in BMW management, 82% knew where to report in case of a needle stick injury, 61% perceived that they have adequate knowledge regarding BMW management, 98% were willing to attend programmes regarding BMW. 73% had good knowledge regarding BMW management. 90% practice good management of BMW. Of the 150 participants from private hospital 81%had training in BMW management, 79% knew where to report in case of needle stick injury, 67% perceived that they have adequate knowledge regarding BMW management, 95% were willing to attend programs regarding BMW management. 74% had good knowledge. 85% practice good management of BMW.

Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude and practice of BMW management among nurses and nursing assistants of the private and the government hospital are found to be satisfactory. There is no significant difference (at p<0.05) in the knowledge, attitude and practice of BMW management among the nurses and nursing assistants of both the hospitals.

Keywords

Biomedical Waste Management, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Nursing Staff.

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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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A. S. Taseen Sida ¹, Alice Matilda Mendez ², B. Nisha ², Timsi Jain ³

Affiliations
1 3^rd year MBBS, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, IN
3 Professor and Head , Department of Community Medicine , Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: The fundamental basis in health care system and relationship is Trust. Trust is a set of expectations that the health care provider will do the best for the patient.The word “Trust” has been in a state of crisis over the last decade in India particularly in medical profession. Unlimited and implicit access to health care system and medical information from a varied range of source helps patients in one way and in contrary to that it may also misinform and adversely affect “Trust” in medical profession.

Objectives:

• To assess trust in medical profession among people (>18 years) residing in a semi urban area of Tamil Nadu.

• To assess the factors affecting Trust in medical profession.

Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted during February 2019 in Thirumazhisai , a semi-urban township in Chennai. 150 Men and Women above 18 years were included in the study. Data Collection was done using semi structured questionnaire. TMP (Trust in Medical Profession) scale was used to measure trust in medical profession.

Result: 56.4% have good trust on Doctors and 44.33% have trust lower than the expected score based on TMP scale. Trust was higher among unemployed, women, people below poverty line, those not suffering from chronic illness though statistical association could be established only with socio economic status(p 0.04) and system of medicine followed (p 0.01).

Conclusion: The trust in doctors have largely been reduced and hence understanding this would lead to better ways of responding to patients requests that preserve or enhance patients trust, leading to better outcomes.

Keywords

Trust in Medical Profession, TMP Scale, Semi Urban Area.

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Jayashri D. ¹, Charumathi B. 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 agein Mappedu 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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A. S. Taseen Sida ¹, Alice Matilda Mendez ², Nisha B. ³, Timsi Jain ⁴

Affiliations
1 3rd year MBBS, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
4 Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: The fundamental basis in health care system and relationship is Trust. Trust is a set of expectations that the health care provider will do the best for the patient. The word “Trust” has been in a state of crisis over the last decade in India particularly in medical profession. Unlimited and implicit access to health care system and medical information from a varied range of source helps patients in one way and in contrary to that it may also misinform and adversely affect “Trust” in medical profession.

Objectives:

• To assess trust in medical profession among people (>18 years) residing in a semi urban area of Tamil Nadu.

• To assess the factors affecting Trust in medical profession.

Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted during February 2019 in Thirumazhisai, a semi-urban township in Chennai. 150 Men and Women above 18 years were included in the study. Data Collection was done using semi structured questionnaire. TMP (Trust in Medical Profession) scale was used to measure trust in medical profession.

Result: 56.4% have good trust on Doctors and 44.33% have trust lower than the expected score based on TMP scale. Trust was higher among unemployed, women, people below poverty line, those not suffering from chronic illness though statistical association could be established only with socio economic status(p 0.04) and system of medicine followed (p 0.01).

Conclusion: The trust in doctors have largely been reduced and hence understanding this would lead to better ways of responding to patients requests that preserve or enhance patients trust, leading to better outcomes.

Keywords

Trust in Medical Profession, TMP Scale, Semi Urban Area.

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Nishitha K. ¹, Alice Matilda Mendez ², Nisha B. ², Timsi Jain ³

Affiliations
1 13rd Year MBBS, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Reader, Department of Community Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Introduction: Biomedical waste is “Any waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or during research” in a hospital. Improper disposal of hospital waste poses a major threat to the environment. Lack of proper management, awareness, insufficient resources and poor control of disposal of waste are the most pressing problems faced. Objective: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital waste management in nursing staffs and nursing assistants of a private and government tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study done in a private and a government tertiary care teaching institute on 300 nursing staff (150 from each) using an orally administered structured questionnaire. The data were entered into excel and analysis was done. Result: Of the 150 participants from government hospital 71% had training in BMW management,82% knew where to report in case of a needle stick injury,61% perceived that they have adequate knowledge regarding BMW management,98% were willing to attend programmes regarding BMW. 73% had good knowledge regarding BMW management. 90% practice good management of BMW. Of the 150 participants from private hospital 81%had training in BMW management, 79%knew where to report in case of needle stick injury, 67% perceived that they have adequate knowledge regarding BMW management, 95% were willing to attend programs regarding BMW management. 74% had good knowledge. 85% practice good management of BMW. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude and practice of BMW management among nurses and nursing assistants of the private and the government hospital are found to be satisfactory. There is no significant difference (at p<0.05) in the knowledge, attitude and practice of BMW management among the nurses and nursing assistants of both the hospitals.

Keywords

Biomedical waste management, knowledge, attitude, practice, nursing staff.

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