A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All
Parasuraman, Gomathy
- A Population Based Study on the Health Seeking Behaviour among the Fishermen Community for their Illness in Ennore Creek
Authors
1 Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Karpagam Medical College, Combaitore, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
4 CRRI, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Medicine and Healthcare, Vol 3, No 2 (2014), Pagination: 341-349Abstract
Background/Objectives: This work reports the health seeking behaviour for their recent illness among the fishermen community and the factors influencing their health seeking behaviour.
Methods and Analysis: This study was conducted among the fishing community in Ennore Creek which is located at the fringe area of North Chennai of Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu. The study population included individuals with illness who are living in the nine fishing wards of Ennore Creek for the last six months. The cluster sampling method was adopted and 30 clusters were randomly selected by the probability proportionate to size (PPS) method. The structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding background characteristics, details on illness in the last six months and details on their health seeking behaviour. Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables, types of illness and their health seeking behaviour. Association between the factors and the health seeking behaviour was analysed by test of proportions and chi -square test was used as a statistical test of significance. Findings: A total of 780 individuals were enrolled in the study. They were selected based on the history of at least one illness during the last six months. Among the subjects who had reported to have had illness in the last six months 696(89.2% with 95% CI from 87% - 91.4%) of them sought care while 84(10.8% with 95% CI from 8% - 12.4%) of the study subjects did not seek care. Age, gender, educational status, marital status, duration of illness, perceived severity of the illness, restriction in regular activity and loss of working days / wages had an influence while standard of living did not have an influence on the health seeking behaviour of the community. The reasons stated by the subjects for not seeking care for their illness were family reasons 78 (92.9%), economic reasons 75 (89.3%), cultural reasons 5 (6%) and other reasons 73 (86.9%).
Application/Improvements: The outcome of this study emphasizes the understanding of the health seeking behaviour of the fishing community which is primarily important for effective utilization of the healthcare services and ultimately to render national programs and policies successful.
Keywords
Health Seeking Behaviour, Fishermen Community, Ennore Creek.- A Study on the Morbidity Profile among the Fishermen Community in Ennore Creek
Authors
1 Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Karpagam Medical College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Medicine and Healthcare, Vol 4, No 2 (2015), Pagination:Abstract
Aim: To study the morbidity profile of the fishermen community in the last six months residing in Ennore Creek, Bay of Bengal in India.
Settings and Design: A cross sectional study done among the fishing community in Ennore Creek which is located at the fringe area of North Chennai of Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu.
Methods and Materials: This study was conducted among the fishing community in Ennore Creek which is located at the fringe area of North Chennai of Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu. The cluster sampling method was adopted and 30 clusters were randomly selected by the probability proportionate to size (PPS) method. The structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding details of the symptoms of the illness, duration of illness and observation of records regarding the illness. The study population included individuals with illness who are living in the nine fishing wards of Ennore Creek for the last six months.
Statistical analysis: Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the types of illness and their treatment seeking pattern.
Results: Among the 780 subjects who have had illness in the last six months, orthopaedic and musculoskeletal disorders were seemingly predominant in 112 (14.4%) subjects while respiratory diseases were reported by 106 (13.6%) subjects. In this study, 86 (11%) subjects suffered from systemic disorders. Gastrointestinal problems were found in 85 (10.9%) subjects while 76 (9.7%) of them were diagnosed with skin problems. ENT disorders were reported by 65 (8.3%) subjects while gynaecological problems were reported by 54 (6.9%) subjects and eye disorders were reported by 33(4.2%) subjects. Cardiovascular diseases were reported by 28 (3.6%) subjects while disorders in central nervous system were present in 27 (3.5%) subjects and genito - urinary disorders were reported by 20 (2.6%) subjects.
Conclusion: Fishing is not simply a job but it is a way of life with its own traditions and values. Globally, fishing community is one of the disadvantaged groups as it bears the denial of health care reforms in terms of receiving health care services. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding about their morbidity profile are essential to design of health care and environmental interventions according to the needs and priorities.
There is need to specifically target and improve the occupational lifestyle of fishermen. Various interventions like health promotion activities, education on environmental sanitation, measures for adoption of healthy lifestyle, initiatives to deal with the challenge due to environmental degradation, legislative measures to curb the release of pollutants of the industries are some of the legitimate issues to be addressed.
Keywords
Morbidity Profile, Fishermen Community, Ennore Creek.References
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- A Population Based Study on the Health Seeking Behaviour among the Fishermen Community for their Illness in Ennore Creek
Authors
1 Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Karpagam Medical College, Combaitore, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
4 CRRI, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Medicine and Healthcare, Vol 4, No 1 (2015), Pagination: 341-349Abstract
Background/Objectives: This work reports the health seeking behaviour for their recent illness among the fishermen community and the factors influencing their health seeking behaviour.
Methods and Analysis: This study was conducted among the fishing community in Ennore Creek which is located at the fringe area of North Chennai of Thiruvallur District, Tamilnadu. The study population included individuals with illness who are living in the nine fishing wards of Ennore Creek for the last six months. The cluster sampling method was adopted and 30 clusters were randomly selected by the probability proportionate to size (PPS) method. The structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding background characteristics, details on illness in the last six months and details on their health seeking behaviour. Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables, types of illness and their health seeking behaviour. Association between the factors and the health seeking behaviour was analysed by test of proportions and chi-square test was used as a statistical test of significance.
Findings: A total of 780 individuals were enrolled in the study. They were selected based on the history of at least one illness during the last six months. Among the subjects who had reported to have had illness in the last six months 696(89.2% with 95% CI from 87%-91.4%) of them sought care while 84(10.8% with 95% CI from 8%-12.4%) of the study subjects did not seek care. Age, gender, educational status, marital status, duration of illness, perceived severity of the illness, restriction in regular activity and loss of working days/wages had an influence while standard of living did not have an influence on the health seeking behaviour of the community. The reasons stated by the subjects for not seeking care for their illness were family reasons 78 (92.9%), economic reasons 75 (89.3%), cultural reasons 5 (6%) and other reasons 73 (86.9%).
Application/Improvements: The outcome of this study emphasizes the understanding of the health seeking behaviour of the fishing community which is primarily important for effective utilization of the healthcare services and ultimately to render national programs and policies successful.
Keywords
Health Seeking Behaviour, Fishermen Community, Ennore Creek.References
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- V. Shanthi , N. Gajendran. The impact of water pollution on the Socio-economic status of the stakeholders of Ennore creek, Bay of Bengal (India): Part I. Indian Journal of Science and Technology. 2009; 2(3), 66-79.
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- Treatment seeking Preferences for their Illness among the Fishermen Community in Ennore Creek
Authors
1 Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam - 602105, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Karpagam Medical College, Coimbatore - 641032, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 ESI Medical College, Chennai – 600078, Tamil Nadu, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Science and Technology, Vol 9, No 14 (2016), Pagination:Abstract
Background/Objectives: Treatment seeking behaviour is of prime importance and plays a pivotal role in the well being of the individual as well as the community. Few studies have addressed the morbidity pattern, treatment seeking preferences of specific diseases but yet there is a dearth of literature in general and more so for fishermen community.The aim of this study is to determine the treatment seeking preferences for their illness among the fishermen residing in Ennore Creek situated on the East coast of India. Methods/Analysis: A cross sectional study was done among the fishing community in Ennore Creek which is located at the fringe area of North Chennai of Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India. The cluster sampling method was adopted and 30 clusters were randomly selected by the probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) method. The structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding details of the illness, details regarding the treatment and about their treatment seeking preferences. The study population included individuals with illness who are living in the nine fishing wards of Ennore Creek for the last six months. Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the treatment seeking preferences for their illness. Findings: Among the 780 study participants who have had illness in the last six months, the proportion of subjects who sought care for their illness was found to be 89.2% among the fishing community from all age groups. In this study among the subjects who sought care from a health care provider, 52% subjects sought care from qualified professionals who practiced modern medical care (allopathic system of medicine) or indigenous system of medicine while 43.2% received care from unqualified practitioner or from unqualified drug store salesman and 4.8% subjects received native treatment from unqualified personnel. Improvements: The healthcare system in fishing community encompasses care providers ranging from traditional/folk medicine to modern medical care by qualified professionals and by unqualified personnel from both private and public sectors. The picture of healthcare delivery in this fishermen community is alarming as there seems to be large sector of the population receiving treatment of unqualified personnel who lack formal medical training.Keywords
Ennore Creek, Fishermen Community, Treatment Seeking Preferences- What Ails the Fishermen Community in Ennore Creek: A Socio - Demographic Analysis
Authors
1 Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, Kanchipuram District - 600077, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Community Medicine, Karpagam Medical College, Combaitore - 641021, Tamil Nadu, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Science and Technology, Vol 9, No 25 (2016), Pagination:Abstract
Background/Objectives: Fishing communities are socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged. Their settlements are characterized by overcrowding with extremely poor sanitation. Information about the socio – demographic profile of these communities is essential to address the felt needs of this community. The aim of this study is to explore the socio – demographic profile of the fishermen community residing at Ennore Creek in East Coast of India. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: A cross sectional study was done among the fishing community in Ennore Creek of North Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The cluster sampling method was adopted and 30 clusters were randomly selected by the probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) method. The structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the socio – demographic details about the selected study participants and other family members. The study population included individuals who are living in the nine fishing wards of Ennore Creek for the minimum of six months period. Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the variables. Findings: In the 780 families with 3542 individuals it was found that about 60.6% lived in semi pucca houses, 100% of the households had electricity, 88.3% of the households had improved drinking water supply, 64.4% of the households had improved sanitation facility, 35.6% of the households practiced open air defeaction, 64.2% of the households had clean fuel for cooking and 12.2% of the households had health insurance. Population below the age of 15 years was 1110 (31.3%), adult population (15–49 years) was 1919 (54.2%) and 254 (7.2%) were above 60 years of age. Number of males to females was 1815 (51.2%): 1727 (48.8%) were females Male literacy was found to be 52.1% while the female literacy was found to be 47.9%. With regard to occupation, 30.5% were fishermen, 27.9% were fish vendors and 22% were involved in non fishing jobs. A sizeable segment (80.1%) of the adults aged between 15–49 years was married. Men (15–49 years) who got married before the age of 21 years were 27.8% and women (15–49 years) who got married before the age of 18 years were 36.4%. It was found that 54.1% of the participants hailed from nuclear families, 60.1% of them had the family size more than four and 65.1% of them belonged to the category of low standard of living. In this community it was found that the current users of any form of tobacco (smoked/chewed/snuffed) were 58.5% while the current consumers of alcohol consumption were found to be 65%. Application/Improvements: The settlements and environment of fishermen community is bereft of basic infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, public services and access to healthcare. Low literacy rates, practice of early marriages, declining income from fishing activity and hence inclination to seek non-fishing jobs, prevailing lower socio – economic status, rampant and indiscriminate use of tobacco and alcohol are the salient features that prevail among the fishermen community of Ennore Creek. Health education and health promotional activities to increase the awareness on the hazards of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, importance of environmental hygiene, hazards of open air defecation, importance and benefits of education especially female literacy should be provided to bring about a change in this community.Keywords
Environmental Hygiene, Ennore Creek, Fishermen Community, Socio Demographic Profile.- Investigation of a Food Poisoning Outbreak in a Private Hostel in Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu
Authors
1 Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, IN
Source
Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, Vol 11, No 1 (2020), Pagination: 75-79Abstract
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.- Revalence of Goiter and its Association with Consumption of Iodized Salt among School Children, in a Rural Area, Tamilnadu
Authors
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
Source
Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, Vol 11, No 1 (2020), Pagination: 394-399Abstract
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.- Prevalence of Goiter and its Association with Consumption of Iodized Salt among School Children, in a Rural Area, Tamilnadu
Authors
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
Source
Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, Vol 11, No 1 (2020), Pagination: 812-816Abstract
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.