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Background: 'RETREATMENT' for Tuberculosis (TB) has long been a neglected area in global TB control. While other components of the Stop TB Strategy have garnered appropriate focus and, increasingly, sufficient resources, issues related to the TB of patients previously treated for tuberculosis remain under examined and under-resourced. Methods: A longitudinal study was designed and the patients registered under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) category II from June 2010 to December 2011.Out of total 607 patients registered during this period under category II of RNTCP in Chandigarh (India), 545 consented to participate in the study. These were followed up to September 2012 till the completion of treatment. Statistical Analysis: The analysis was done by using SPPS- 18 statistical software package. Chi- square test was used for testing association of different characteristics. Results: Four Hundred Thirty (78.9%) of the patients had pulmonary TB and 115(21.1%) of the patients had extra pulmonary TB. In the study cohort of category II patients 264(48.4%) were relapse patients,167(30.6%) belonged to others category, 75(13.8%) were on treatment after default, 39(7.2%) were failure cases. The mean age of patients was 35.92 ± 15.42 (p = 0.928). Maximum patients belonged to age group of 25-34 years (25.3%). Seventy Three (13.4%) were Illiterate. In treatment after default group only 65.3% patients were cured. Maximum deaths 8% were seen in treatment after default group of patients. The overall default in the study was 5.9%. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that it is essential to monitor re-treatment patients with same vigour to reduce default and improve their treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menstruation disorders are also responsible for emotional, physical, behavioural and dietary practice changes. These changes affect their normal functioning and social life. The present study was carried out to find the prevalence of menstrual problems among unmarried girls of Chandigarh, India and to compare their knowledge and beliefs regarding menstruation in different sub-groups. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 744 unmarried females in Rural, Urban and Slum strata of UT Chandigarh, India. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire on menstruation. Chi-square value was used for testing statistical significance. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 16.84±3.05 years. Maximum respondents (40.9%) were educated up to 10th standard/ High school. 448 (60.2%) were aware of menstruation before starting of menarche. Awareness was found to be significantly associated (p=0.02) with age. Socio-economic status and prior knowledge of respondents was also found to be significantly associated (p< 0.001). 61% (454) of the respondents had a regular flow during menses. Normal flow was reported by 70.2 %( 522) of the respondents. Dysmenorrhea was found to be the most common problem suffered by 429 (57.7%) respondents. Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is an issue that needs to be addressed at all levels. A variety of factors are known to affect menstrual behaviors, the most influential ones being economic status. It is essential to design a mechanism to address and for the access of healthy menstrual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Substance use refers to the use of any psychoactive substance or drug, including licit and illicit drugs, other than when medically indicated. Psychoactive substance use poses a threat to the health, social and economic fabric of families, communities and nations. Chandigarh has more than 0.2 million students from across the country pursuing their courses in higher education institutions. There is a very little information about pattern of drug dependence among the college students of Chandigarh. Objectives: To study the prevalence and pattern of substance use among college students of Chandigarh and to study the psycho-social behaviour of youth and perceived reasons for using substances. Material and Methods: A Cross - sectional community based study. A stratified multi-stage random sample design was adopted in study. The study instrument was a questionnaire which was developed by reviewing relevant literature and previously used standardized instruments and protocols including the WHO questionnaire. On the basis of 60% prevalence anticipated on the basis of pilot study, 90% confidence coefficient and 10% permissible error - sample size came out to be 256. Results: Prevalence of substance use was seen in 52.7% students belonging to age group 19 to 21 years. More prevalence of substance use was found among law students (76.2%) followed by the students from Art stream (62.5%). Among the users alcohol was most commonly used (53.5%), followed by smokers (27.3%), tobacco chewers (8.2%), cannabis (6.8%).49% of the users were using substances on daily basis, followed by 23% who using weekly.29.3% of users had father using any substance. Relief from psychological stress (66.0%) followed by easy availability (46.9%) were the most common reasons of substance abuse. that substances use is common among college going male students irrespective of their social demographic characteristics like age [OR 0.76, 95%CI (.443-1.317)] religion [OR.859 95%CI (.461-1.598)], parental education, occupation and socio-economic status. Therefore, interventions in terms of health education/counselling for reducing substance use among them should be adopted, irrespective of their socio-demographic characteristics. Suggestions: This study suggested some life style related interventions in order to reduce the problem of substance use. There is an utmost need to educate and counsel young students regarding harmful effects of substance use. Health education may be imparted in the school curriculum. Parents should also be educated on discouragement of substance use and on taking proper care of their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]