Information regarding breast feeding practices of 600 children below 3 years of age attending hospital OPDs and private clinics during 1984-85 were collected. 51.3% received breast milk within 24 hrs. of birth, mean duration of breast feeding being 6 months. 68% of Infants had been given prelacteal feeds. 34% children were exclusively breast fed till 1 month. Insufficient milk was an important reason for discontinuation before 6 months.

Point prevalence of 'High Risk' factors was assessed in 450 mothers of reproductive age group residing in two urban slum communities. Major risk factors prevalent were non-pregnant weight less than 43.5 kg (24%), elderly grand multipara (17%), and history of previous still births and/or intrauterine death (3%).

A vaccination coverage assessment survey regarding the U.I.P. vaccines, among 210 children aged 12-23 months and 210 mothers of infants was undertaken in Mangalore (urban) in February--March 1991, with the specific objectives of assessing the extent of achievement here of the U.I.P. objectives for the vaccine coverages, and identifying the reasons for immunization failures as well the sources of immunization. The sample population was selected by the standard WHO. 30 cluster sampling technique. A door-to-door survey was undertaken in the study population and the data was elicited by interview of mothers (and confirmed from vaccination cards or registers if available). The investigator inquired about DPT 3, OPV 3, one dose each of BCG and Measles vaccine and TT2/B for mothers. The coverages for the individual vaccines were observed as follows (and indicated in parentheses) DPT 3 (91.9%) OPV 3 (92.3%), BCG (91%), Measles vaccine (69.5%) and TT2/B for mothers (94.7%). The drop-out rates from first to third dose of both DPT and OPV were observed to be 2.5%. The major reasons for immunization failures were reported to be unawareness of need, illness of child, and fear of side reaction. Hospitals were availed of more than private sources for immunization services. The universal immunization coverage in Mangalore (urban) was found to be highly satisfactory.

A survey of 690 randomly selected person from a urban slum at Pune was conducted to screen hearing loss clinically. Otitis media was found to be the commonest cause for loss of hearing. Control measures were recommended.

The study was conducted to identify some of the managerial gaps that affect utilization of Antenatal services. Fifty two women aged 15-39 yrs., drawn from 22 households were studied in depth. This article identifies some of the demographic and socio-cultural factors affecting utilization pattern. The degree of utilization was significantly related to education of the woman and her husband's occupation, caste, parity and cultural factors. All women lived within 1 Km from the Health Centre, did not use the services at all, thereby indicating the presence of other factors influencing their attitude towards use of services.