Informatics Publishing Limited

M. Chandrakala ¹

Affiliations
1 Kamineni College of Nursing, L. B. Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh – 500068, IN

Abstract

Two thirds of India's population is comprised of mothers and children. Mothers and children constitute a priority group as they are the major consumers of health services. Maternal and child health (MCH) services form one of the important components of Public health services provided through primary health centers. They play an important role in the prevention of maternal and infant mortality rates. However, MCH services are underutilized due to ignorance and unawareness among the primary group.

Objectives

* To assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers regarding MCH services provided at PHCs.

* To associate the knowledge and attitude of mothers on MCH services with that of their demographic variables.

Methods

Descriptive research design was used for the study. 30 mothers between 18-45 years were selected conveniently from urban slums of Hyderabad. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Major findings of the study

* Results revealed that 57% of the mothers had average knowledge and only 20% had adequate Knowledge on MCH services.

* Only 3% of the mothers had positive attitude on MCH services, 13% had negative attitude and 53% had neutral attitude on MCH services.

* It was found that there was a significant association between level of knowledge and education of mothers. The study also revealed that age, education and economic status of the mother influenced their attitude on MCH services.

Conclusion

Mothers are not having adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards MCH services. It is very important to educate the public about MCH services in order to promote the utilization these of services.

Keywords

MCH Services, Primary Health Center, Knowledge, Attitude, Mothers.

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M. Chandrakala ¹

Affiliations
1 Kamineni College of Nursing, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad - 500068, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Abstract

Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. 65% of the world's population lives in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight. Adolescent obesity is an issue of high importance as it tends to persist in to adulthood. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A crude population measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI). Unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity is key risk factors for obesity. Overweight and obesity, as well as their related non communicable diseases, are largely preventable. Lifestyle modification plays an important role in the prevention of obesity and maintenance of healthy life, which include making the healthier choice of foods, regular physical activity and behaviour modification to sustain change in lifestyle. Health education on lifestyle modification is essential to prevent obesity and ill effects in later life of adolescents.

Keywords

Adolescent Obesity, BMI, Lifestyle Modification.

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