Use of insecticide treated bednets in prevention of malaria is a widely propagated global strategy, however, its use has been reported to be influenced and limited by many variables especially gender bias. A cross sectional field epidemiological study was conducted in a rural setting with two outcome variables, 'Bednet use'(primary outcome variable) and 'Women's Decision Making Power' which were studied in reference to various predictor variables. Analysis reveals a significant effect on the primary outcome variable 'Bednet use' of the predictor variables- age, occupation, bednet purchase decision, women's decision making power, husband's education and knowledge about malaria and its prevention. The study recommends IEC on treated bednets to be disseminated through TV targeting the elderly women who have better decision making power and mobilizing younger women who were found to prefer bednets for prevention of mosquito bites for optimizing the use of treated bednets in similar settings.

Background: The study was undertaken to estimate the effectiveness of BCG vaccination in relation to scar size in the prevention of tuberculosis and leprosy. Methods: The present study was designed as hospital-based pair-matched case-control study and was carried out at Government Medical College Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. It included 877 cases of tuberculosis and 292 cases of leprosy (diagnosed by WHO criteria), born onwards 1962. Each case was pair-matched with one control for age, sex and socio-economic status. BCG vaccination status was assessed by examination for the presence of BCG scar, immunisation records if available and information from subjects/parents of children. Subjects uncertain about BCG vaccination were not included. The diameter of the BCG scar was measured both across and along the arm in millimeters using a plastic ruler. The average was then calculated. Results: A significant protective association between BCG vaccination and tuberculosis (OR=0.38, 95% Cl 0.31-0.47) and leprosy (OR = 0.38, 95% Cl 0.26-0.55) was observed. The overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 62% (95% Cl 53-69) against tuberculosis and 62% (95% Cl 45- against leprosy. Vaccine effectiveness against tuberculosis and leprosy was non-significantly greater in the group who had BCG scar size < 5 mm as compared to subjects who had BCG scar size > 5 mm. Thus there was no clear association between BCG scar size and its effectiveness. Conclusion: The current study did not identify any significant association between BCG scar size and its effectiveness against tuberculosis or leprosy.

A community based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 1081 adolescents to assess the relationship of adolescent blood pressure with weight, height and BMI in Chetla, Kolkata; data collection was done with a predesigned schedule along with recording of anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. Mean, correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure of both sexes increased with increase in weight, height and BMI with a significant positive linear correlation. Life style modification should be stressed upon from childhood.

A hospital based cross sectional study for one year done among 57 diagnosed and admitted septic abortion cases, revealed that 71.9% septic abortions were performed by untrained persons, 63.2% mothers were illiterate, 22.8% mothers were in adolescent age group. Exploratory Laparotomy was needed in 46.3% cases and important complications for referring were severe anaernia and septic shock.

The present study was conducted to assess the acceptability and usefulness of Direct Recording Scale (DRS) as a tool for growth monitoring of under five children in a rural community area of Karnataka among 46 mothers. A total of 40 children were followed up for one year, 50% mothers preferred having DRS at home, 87.5% mothers said DRS, helps in detecting undernutrition, 48% mothers needed no help in using DRS, 50% mothers were regular in weight recording, 87.5% mothers wanted the weight recording done once in three months. All families had accepted DRS as a tool for growth monitoring.

The present study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) in patients attending medical clinics or admitted in ICU with febrile signs and symptoms of heamorrhages. 168 (39.4%) out of 426 samples were tested positive for IgM antibodies. Of the 168 positive cases 159 were detected during the months of October and November 2005. Early detection of DHF/DSS can go a long way in managing these patients and to reduce morbidity and mortality specially in DHF and DSS cases.