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Background: As cities are developing in India, urban slums are also increased with people moving from rural areas to urban in search of better life with job but live over crowdedly in urban slums with poor environmental sanitation. Children in the slum suffer from malnutrition caused by lack of food and inadequate Knowledge of mothers on nutrition. Nutrition of preschool children is paramount importance; because the foundation for life time health, strength and intellectual vitality is laid during this period. Aims: To assess the "Nutritional Status of preschool children (3-5 Years) attending anganwadi in selected urban slum areas of Karad, and to find the association between nutritional status and demographic variables of preschool children. Materials and Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 Anganwadis at urban slum areas of Karad. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for selecting 137 preschool children. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometry. Undernutrition was classified using Indian Academy Pediatrics (IAP). The data collected, tabulated and analyzed as per the objectives of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Assessment of Nutritional Status shows that 60.58% of children were normal, 31.39% of children were suffering from Grade I malnutrition and 8.03% of children were suffering from Grade II malnutrition and none of them were suffering from Grade III and IV malnutrition. Conclusion: Respite of many programmes providing nutritional supplements through ICDS programme still prevalence of undernutrition in preschool children is high so there is need for improvement in nutritional status through nutrition education of mothers and empowerment of mothers through education and economically through providing employment and improving living conditions and environmental sanitation in the urban slum areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 children aged 1–5 years residing in an urban slum to study the extent of malnutrition and its association with common childhood illness(es). The participants were selected using convenient sampling (nonprobability), and the appropriate respondents were interviewed using a structured, semi-open-ended, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of undernutrition (weight for age), stunting (height for age), and wasting (weight for height) were calculated at the cutof level of ≤2 standard deviation (Z-score <-2) of the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference median values. Data were analyzed using appropriate tests of significance. The mean age of participants was 33.9 ± 13.9 months. The proportion of undernutrition, stunting, and wasting among was found to be 29.2%, 66.8%, and 12.9%, respectively. Respiratory illness (56.9%) was reportedly the most common morbidity among participants. A higher proportion of children who reportedly suffered from viral fever in past 3 months were wasted, and this association was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.003). The alarming rate of malnutrition reiterates the synergistic relationship between common infections and malnutrition. It is, therefore, imperative to emphasize and strengthen the role of nutritional interventions as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Integrated Management of Childhood Illness as part of case management for infectious diseases among children aged <5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many developing countries including Malawi, health indicators are on average better in urban than in rural areas. This phenomenon has largely prompted Governments to prioritize rural areas in programs to improve access to health services. However, considerable evidence has emerged that some population groups in urban areas may be facing worse health than rural areas and that the urban advantage may be waning in some contexts. We used a descriptive study undertaking a comparative analysis of 13 child health indicators between urban and rural areas using seven data points provided by nationally representative population based surveys—the Malawi Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Rate differences between urban and rural values for selected child health indicators were calculated to denote whether urban-rural differentials showed a trend of declining urban advantage in Malawi. The results show that all forms of child mortality have significantly declined between 1992 and 2015/2016 reflecting successes in child health interventions. Rural-urban comparisons, using rate differences, largely indicate a picture of the narrowing gap between urban and rural areas albeit the extent and pattern vary among child health indicators. Of the 13 child health indicators, eight (neonatal mortality, infant mortality, under-five mortality rates, stunting rate, proportion of children treated for diarrhea and fever, proportion of children sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, and children fully immunized at 12 months) show clear patterns of a declining urban advantage particularly up to 2014. However, U-5MR shows reversal to a significant urban advantage in 2015/2016, and slight increases in urban advantage are noted for infant mortality rate, underweight, full childhood immunization, and stunting rate in 2015/2016. Our findings suggest the need to rethink the policy viewpoint of a disadvantaged rural and much better-off urban in child health programming. Efforts should be dedicated towards addressing determinants of child health in both urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is increasing its share of burden to the health-related problems in developing countries such as India. Urban slum residents constitute the "vulnerable population" who lack the basic health amenities. Lack of effective screening for primary prevention has been one of the reasons for the rising burden. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults aged between 30 and 60 years residing in a settled slum of Rukmini Nagar area of Belagavi city, Karnataka. Data were collected after taking written informed consent from each participant using a pretested questionnaire that included demographic information and details of the risk factors. Risk of developing diabetes was assessed by using Indian Diabetes Risk Score. Results are expressed as proportions, and analysis was done using Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.3 ± 8.7 years. The proportion of low, moderate, and high risk of developing diabetes mellitus was 7%, 63%, and 30%, respectively. The prevalence of newly diagnosed cases was 10.25%. Moreover, 57.1% of them with positive family history were in the high risk category; 76.9% of the sedentary workers were at higher risk; overweight and obese individuals had higher proportion of the high and moderate risk (P < 0.0001). Correlation coefficient (R) was 0.782, and coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.61. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that advancing age, low physical activity, family history, overweight, and obesity were the prominent factors that predicted the risk of diabetes in the near future. Hence, focused interventions for urban slum dwellers are imperative and draw special attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: despite availability of an effective vaccine, the measles epidemic continue to occur in Nigeria. In February 2015, we investigated a suspected measles outbreak in an urban slum in Rigasa, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was to confirm the outbreak, determine the risk factors and implement appropriate control measures. Methods: we identified cases through active search and health record review. We conducted an unmatched case-control (1:1) study involving 75 under-5 cases who were randomly sampled, and 75 neighborhood controls. We interviewed caregivers of these children using structured questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics and vaccination status of children. We collected 15 blood samples for measles IgM using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed using Epi-info software. Confidence interval was set at 95%. Results: we recorded 159 cases with two deaths {case fatality rate = 1.3%}. 50.3% (80) of the cases were male. Of the 15 serum samples, 11(73.3%) were confirmed IgM positive for measles. Compared to the controls, the cases were more likely to have had no or incomplete routine immunization (RI) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)]: 28.3 (2.1, 392.0), contact with measles cases [AOR (95% CI)]: 7.5 (2.9, 19.7), and having a caregiver younger than 20 years [AOR (95% CI)]: 5.2 (1.2, 22.5). Measles serum IgM was positive in 11 samples. Conclusion: we identified low RI uptake and contact with measles cases as predictors of measles outbreak in Rigasa, Kaduna State. We recommended strengthening of RI and education of care-givers' on completing RI schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is known to have differential impacts in the Global South, with gender and poverty being determining factors. In Ghana, both these factors come into play as women living in slums bear the brunt of the impacts. In spite of this, the majority of research in gender and climate change adaptation has focused on rural communities to the detriment of their poor urban counterparts. Using a critical feminist intersectional approach, this study investigates how the interplay between gender, socio-economic, institutional and place-based factors shapes vulnerability to climate change in three slums in urban Accra, Ghana. The results demonstrate that while climate change poses serious environmental hazards to all residents of slums, their perceptions and knowledge regarding the causes and impacts of these hazards are differentiated by gender, age, educational status and place-based variables, with women generally showing a lower level of awareness about climate change than their male counterparts. The results indicate further that irrespective of age, educational attainment and where people live, women were found to be overall more vulnerable, despite experiencing similar levels of exposure as the men, by virtue of their limited access to productive resources, poor conditions of housing, low participation in adaptation decision-making, as well as the heavy domestic responsibilities placed on them. We conclude that it is imperative for adaptation policy makers to formulate and implement appropriate adaptive measures in a gender-sensitive and context-specific manner to respond to the different vulnerabilities faced by different categories of social groups and communities in cities of the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRAK Peningkatan jumlah penduduk pada wilayah Kota Yogyakarta menimbulkan semakin banyak permasalahan permukiman yang ditimbulkan. Permukiman kumuh merupakan salah satu permasalahan permukiman yang ada di Kelurahan Tegalpanggung Kota Yogyakarta. Sebagai upaya untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut maka pemerintah Kota Yogyakarta menata dan meremajakan kembali prasarana lingkungan kawasan yang berada di bantaran sungai Code termasuk di permukiman kumuh Tegalpanggung yang sudah terbentuk secara organis dalam waktu yang lama. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisa kondisi lingkungan sebelum dan pasca penataan kawasan di daerah Tegalpanggung dan menganalisa keberhasilan terhadap program penataan kawasan Tegalpanggung menurut persepsi masyarakat setempat. Pengumpulan data penelitian menggunakan metode survey dengan menggunakan daftar pertanyaan (kuesioner) kepada 40 responden. Penentuan sampel digunakan metode penelitian sampling (sampling method), dengan jenis teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah pengambilan sampel secara acak (random sampling). Dalam melakukan analisis terhadap dampak relokasi digunakan metode before after comparation, untuk mengetahui perubahan yang terjadi. Hasil data selanjutnya dilakukan pengolahan secara metode analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Dengan analisis tersebut maka dapat diketahui tingkat signifikasi perubahan yang terjadi setelah program peremajaan yang dilakukan di Kelurahan Tegalpanggung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Kepuasan masyarakat terhadap pelaksanaan program Penataan dan Peremajaan Prasarana Lingkungan Permukiman Tegalpanggung adalah sebesar 56% yang berarti masyarakat menyatakan cukup puas terhadap program ini berarti menunjukkan bahwa program penataan dan peremajaan prasarana lingkungan cukup berhasil dalam memberikan nilai kepuasan terhadap masyarakat. Dari aspek sarana dan prasarana (menurut kriteria kawasan kumuh oleh Departemen PU, 2007) dapat disimpulkan sebagian besar kondisi prasarana lingkungan yang ada termasuk dalam kategori kumuh sedang. ABSTRACT Increasing the number of residents in the city of Yogyakarta, causing more and more problems posed settlements. Slum is one of the problems in existing settlements in the Village Tegalpanggung Yogyakarta. In an effort to overcome these problems, the government of Yogyakarta organize and rejuvenate the environmental infrastructure are areas along the river Code including in slums Tegalpanggung already formed organically in a long time. The aim of this study was to analyze the environmental conditions before and after the arrangement of the region in the area Tegalpanggung and analyze the success of the restructuring program Tegalpanggung region as perceived by local people. Data collection research using survey method using a questionnaire (questionnaire) to 40 respondents. The samples used research methods of sampling (sampling method), the type of sampling technique used is random sampling (random sampling). In an analysis of the impact of the relocation of the method used before after comparation, to determine the changes that occur. Results of further data processing is done by the method of qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. With this analysis it can be seen the level of significance of the changes that occur after rejuvenation program conducted in the Village Tegalpanggung. The results showed public satisfaction towards the implementation of the program Structuring and Environmental Infrastructure Upgrades Tegalpanggung Settlement is 56%, which means people stated quite satisfied with this program means indicates that the Setup program and renewal of environmental infrastructure is quite successful in delivering value to the community satisfaction. From the aspect of infrastructure (according to the criteria of slum areas by the Department of Public Works, 2007) can be summed up most of the environmental conditions existing infrastructure included in the category of medium slum.

Objective/Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, with a disproportionate number of those affected living in slum areas. We assessed the magnitude of pulmonary cases among tuberculosis patients in an urban slum in southeast Nigeria, their demographic and clinical characteristics and any associations with treatment outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients registered under the National TB Programme (NTP) from 1 January to 31 December 2012 was carried out. Data were extracted from TB treatment cards and registers. Results: Of 647 new TB patients registered, 555 (85.8%) were pulmonary TB (PTB) with a mean age of 34.5years, and a male/female ratio of 1.3. Among these, 468 (84.3%) were smear-positive, while 87 (15.7%) were smear-negative cases. Twenty-one (3.8%) were children younger than 15years old. TB/HIV co-infection rate was 16.9%; 57.4% received antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 88.3% received cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT). Female patients were significantly younger compared to male patients (p = 0.003), had higher proportions of smear-negative TB (p = 0.001) and HIV-positive status (p ≤ 0.001). Treatment success rate was 88.5% among smear-positive patients and 79.3% among smear-negative patients. More patients with smear-negative TB were lost to follow up compared with smear-positive TB patients (p < 0.02). HIV co-infection was associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes (OR 0.2, CI 0.1–0.4, p ≤0.001). Among them, those who received ART had better outcomes. Conclusions: The study revealed high proportion of PTB, mostly smear-positive TB with HIV-associated outcomes and underlines the need to ensure early TB diagnosis and improved access to HIV care for HIV co-infected patients in this setting.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate direct medical/nonmedical and indirect costs incurred by patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) residing in an urban slum of Mumbai. Subjects and Methods: A longitudinal study of 16 months duration (June 2013-September 2014) was undertaken in a directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) center of an urban slum area. The method of sampling was universal sampling and thus all the patients who were registered in the period June 2013 to December 2013 were enrolled as study participants. These subjects were then followed for their completion of treatment. All the subjects were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire to obtain the desired information. Permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 19. Results: Of the 232 patients enrolled in the study, 176 (75.9%) completed the entire course of treatment. The median direct, indirect, and total costs for 176 patients were: pretreatment direct medical cost, direct nonmedical cost, and pretreatment indirect cost was Rs. 1200 ($20), Rs. 800 ($13.3), and Rs. 1250 ($20.8), respectively. However, during the course of treatment direct medical cost, direct nonmedical cost, and indirect cost were nil, Rs. 360 ($6) and Rs. 400 ($6.6), respectively. Conclusion: Despite the free availability of diagnostic and treatment component of TB in India, the majority of the tuberculosis patients still have to spend a significant amount of money.

Background: Despite their public health benefit, vaccination pro- grams face obstacles. The objectives of the study were to determine the vaccination coverage among the children in urban slums in Bangalore and to determine the factors associated with partial immunization. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out among 210 children aged between 12-23 months in urban slums of Banga- lore from June 2015 to May 2016 using 30-cluster survey method. Information regarding immunization status, socio demographic and personal details was collected using pretested semi structured questionnaire after obtaining the consent. Data was entered in MS EXCEL and was analyzed, using percentages and chi square test. Results: Among 210 children, Male children constituted 53.8%. Full immunization coverage was 83.3% and Partial immunization coverage was 16.7%. The relation between socio demographic var- iables like religion, type of family, total number of children in fam- ily, birth order, place of delivery, father's and mother's educational status, socioeconomic status and immunization status was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Illiterate father, illiterate mother, low socio economic status, no exclusive breast feeding and non availability of immun- ization card were determinants of partial immunization.

Background: In developing countries like India now non commu- nicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging as significant cause of mor- bidity & mortality. NCDs are caused, to a large extent, by four be- havioural risk factors that are pervasive aspect of economic evolu- tion, rapid urbanization and 21st century lifestyles. Individual’s knowledge and awareness about NCDs & their risk factors is an important part of population based preventive strategy. Objectives: The study conducted to determine the knowledge about modifiable risk factors for NCDs Material & method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of urban health training centre of the department of community medicine of PCMS & RC, Bhopal using s questionnaire. Result: Most of the respondents (62%) were having average knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors for NCDs & only 8.1% respondents were having good knowledge for same. About 30.3% males and 29.9% females had good knowledge about modi- fiable risk factors although the gender difference was not statically significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded from our study that knowledge regarding risk factors of non-communicable diseases was not sat- isfactory. The results highlighted the need and scope for health education and interventions to improve the awareness about NCDs and their risk factors.

Context: Tobacco consumption among females is on rise and is increasing at an alarming rate. This epidemic among the females is emerging as an important public health problem especially in slums. Aim: Study was conducted to find out association between sociodemographic factors and tobacco consumption. Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among females (15-49 years) in an urban slum of Pune during February 12 to April 13. Materials and Methods: Sampling frame was prepared from records of urban health center. Required sample size was selected by simple random method. Data collected using pretested validated structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20, and Chi-square test was used for determining association. Results: Of 305 females studied, 31.5% of them were currently consuming tobacco. Most common form of tobacco consumption was smokeless that is, Mishri application 55.2%. About 64% females started using tobacco before 20 years of age. Most of them (32%) consuming tobacco for increasing concentration at work. Tobacco consumption was found to be significantly more common among ever-married and Muslim females. Lack of will power and ignorance about the harmful effects of tobacco were major hindrances (51%) for quitting tobacco Conclusion: Tobacco consumption was found to be prevalent in almost one third of females (15-49 years) residing in an urban slum of Pune. Most of them used smokeless tobacco, mainly Mishri. Tobacco consumption was directly associated with age, marital status and religion.

Background: India records 5 lakh child‑deaths annually due to vaccine preventable diseases. As a strategic endeavor, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, launched Mission Indradhanush in December 2014 to achieve more than 90% full immunization coverage by the year 2020. Objectives: To assess the awareness of the respondents about Mission Indradhanush, to assess their attitude and practices regarding childhood immunization, and to determine the association between knowledge and practice with selected variables. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was undertaken from June to September 2017 among mothers with children aged 12–23 months in urban slums under field practice area of Community Medicine Department, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar. Results: Mean age of the children was 17.23 ± 3.43 months; 65% were males and 35% females. Mean age of the respondents was 24.48 ± 3.97 years; 68% were literate and 94% were Hindus. Majority (76%) belonged to upper‑lower Kuppuswamy socio‑economic status scale. Only 10% had heard about Mission Indradhanush; health worker (90%) being the most common source of information. A total of 91% believed that vaccination prevented disease. A total of 96% believed that immunization was important for their children. A total of 73% had the maternal and child protection card with them. A total of 72% of children were fully immunized. Of the 28% partially vaccinated children, only 12.5% had heard about Mission Indradhanush. Reasons stated for partial immunization were mother too busy, child illness, and lack of information. Conclusion: Very few participants had heard about Mission Indradhanush in this study although most of them were aware of immunization services. Strengthening of Information, Education, Communication (IEC) activities regarding the program—Mission Indradhanush—needs attention. The immunization coverage was satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the occurrence of Escherichia coli pathotypes in sanitary wastewater and drinking water in a Bangladeshi urban slum and the potential associations between these sources. We examined 621 E. coli isolates from sanitary wastewater and stored drinking water by multiplex PCR and dual‐index sequencing, classifying them into eight pathotypes based on 14 virulence genes and additionally evaluating the possession of the human‐specific E. coli genetic biomarker H8. The proportions of pathogenic E. coli were significantly different (P < 0·001) between wastewater (18·6%) and drinking water (1·7%). StIb‐positive enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) were predominant in wastewater, indicating that people in the site carried ETEC. In contrast, no ETEC was present in drinking water and the proportion of H8‐positive isolates was significantly smaller (7·8%) than that in wastewater (16·3%) (P = 0·001). Our findings indicate that sanitary wastewater from the slum was heavily contaminated with pathogenic E. coli, posing a great health risk. Furthermore, E. coli contamination of drinking water could be derived from not only human but also other sources. Significance and Impact of the Study: Sanitary wastewater from an urban slum was heavily contaminated with pathogenic Escherichia coli. It is worth noting a great health risk of accidental exposure to pathogenically contaminated wastewater improperly discharged in and around urban slums. The distinct difference in pathotypes between wastewater and drinking water and the significantly smaller positive proportion of the human‐specific E. coli genetic biomarker (H8) in drinking water indicate that drinking water contamination could be derived from not only human but also other sources. This highlights that pathotyping in association with the H8 marker provides an indication of pathogen contamination sources of environmental transmission media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One point that Marx barely touched, but which has been of great importance in recent attempts to develop political economy perspective, is the role of the state in capitalist society. In Nigeria, a dependent capitalist economy, the distribution of housing resources and units by urban managers has failed to produce and deliver housing in sufficient quantities at costs affordable to lowincome segment of the population. This paper examined the ways and means through which urban managers influence housing poverty and slum development in Nigeria using metropolitan Lagos as a case study. Rapid urbanization and the inability of the state to provide affordable formal housing resources and units for the low-income groups are the major reasons why the urban poor have resorted to the building of poor quality houses in slums. Many of the houses in slums had sprung up as planning contravention; only 30 per cent of houses in Lagos had approved building plans, 73% of residents occupy between 1-2 rooms; occupancy rate in some cases was up to eight persons per room and most rooms were not more than 9.3m2. The challenges for urban planning in addressing inequality are particularly difficult, as urban planning alone cannot counter market forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis has emerged as an important urban health problem as slum settlements have expanded worldwide. Yet the dynamics of the environmentally transmitted Leptospira pathogen has not been well characterized in these settings. We used a stratified dense sampling scheme to study the dynamics of Leptospira abundance in surface waters from a Brazilian urban slum community. We collected surface water samples during the dry, intermediate and rainy seasons within a seven-month period and quantified pathogenic Leptospira by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We used logistic and linear mixed models to identify factors that explained variation for the presence and concentration of Leptospira DNA. Among 335 sewage and 250 standing water samples, Leptospira DNA were detected in 36% and 34%, respectively. Among the 236 samples with positive results geometric mean Leptospira concentrations were 152 GEq/mL. The probability of finding Leptospira DNA was higher in sewage samples collected during the rainy season when increased leptospirosis incidence occurred, than during the dry season (47.2% vs 12.5%, respectively, p = 0.0002). There was a marked spatial and temporal heterogeneity in Leptospira DNA distribution, for which type of water, elevation, and time of day that samples were collected, in addition to season, were significant predictors. Together, these findings indicate that Leptospira are ubiquitous in the slum environment and that the water-related risk to which inhabitants are exposed is low. Seasonal increases in Leptospira presence may explain the timing of leptospirosis outbreaks. Effective prevention will need to consider the spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogenic Leptospira in surface waters to reduce the burden of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bangladesh is one of the 20 countries with highest burden of stunting globally. A large portion (around 2.2 million) of the population dwells in the slum areas under severe vulnerable conditions. Children residing in the slums are disproportionately affected with higher burden of undernutrition particularly stunting. In this paper, findings of a prospective cohort study which is part of a larger multi-country study are presented.Methods: Two hundred and sixty five children were enrolled and followed since their birth till 24 months of age. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and morbidity information were collected monthly. Data from 9 to 12, 15-18 and 21-24 months were collated to analyze and report findings for 12, 18 and 24 months of age. Generalized estimating equation models were constructed to determine risk factors of stunting between 12 and 24 months of age.Result: Approximately, 18% of children were already stunted (LAZ < -2SD) at birth and the proportion increased to 48% at 24 months of age. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was only 9.4% following the WHO definition at 6 months. Dietary energy intake as well as intakes of carbohydrate, fat and protein were suboptimal for majority of the children. However, in regression analysis, LAZ at birth (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.61), household with poor asset index (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.43, 5.52; ref.: average asset index), being male children (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.95; ref.: female) and age (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.56, 3.52 at 24 months, AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.55, 2.92 at 18 months; ref.: 12 months of age) were the significant predictors of stunting among this population.Conclusion: As the mechanism of stunting begins even before a child is born, strategies must be focused on life course approach and preventive measurement should be initiated during pregnancy. Alongside, government and policymakers have to develop sustainable strategies to improve various social and environmental factors those are closely interrelated with chronic undernutrition particularly concentrating on urban slum areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mapping of resources helps us in identifying those resources which can be used more pragmatically, for interventions and programs related to human health especially during emergency conditions. Resource mapping identifies the resources that can realistically be used for health related interventions, programs and during an emergency. Aim and Objectives: The primary objective was to locate the basic healthcare related resources available in that area. Secondary objectives were to Understand and compare these resources along certain important dimensions using qualitative research methods and to identify possible existing gaps, share the results with the local stakeholders and suggest effective interventions. Material & Methods: Manual mapping method was used to locate the available healthcare related services in urban slum area. FGDs were held to compare utilization of resources along eight dimensions. In depth interviews were held with existing healthcare service providers, stakeholders and local residents to assess their utilization and needs. Results Existing health services used by community were local herbal clinic, district hospital, Anganwadi Centre, mobile clinic, wellness clinic and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur. Conclusions The manual mapping and qualitative techniques used showed that existing resources lacked in (a) providing in situ primary care (b) clinical services by a female gynecologist (c) health education services to address existing drug addiction and substance abuse. This exercise helped in rapid need assessment and prioritizing of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support and health are two important factors help the overall wellbeing of the individual and society. The capacity of individuals to cope with transitional situation is facilitated by the presence of social support. The study explores the extent of social support during illness of children among tribal migrant families living in an Indian city, with a focus on gender bias. This study is based on data collected through interviewing 175 mothers of children aged 14 years and below. A community level support system to support the sick through panchayat existed in this community. However, very small proportion of households received monitory and other support from relatives and other community members. Relatively more families of male children received support than those of female children revealing overt gender discrimination. It is the resultant of poverty and acculturation of this tribal community. As migrants' health is a priority, it is emphasised the need to consider the social circumstances of the tribal migrant people along with their cultural beliefs and practices while planning health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reproductive health is an important aspect of adolescent health. Girls suffer from various reproductive health problems related to menstruation and reproductive tract infections, the extent of which is still underestimated. Objectives: This study was conducted with the objectives to assess reproductive health problems among adolescent girls living in slums and to assess menstrual hygiene practice among them. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls living in slums of Guwahati city. Multistage sampling technique was used for selecting the slums and after house to house visits adolescent girls aged 10-19 were included in the study. Results: Out of 119 adolescent girls 57.1% and 42.9% belong to 10-14 years and 15-19 years respectively. Overall 67.2% girls attained menarche. Majority 52.5% used sanitary pads during menstruation. Of the 119 girls, 20.2%, 24.4% and 9.2% presented with symptoms for RTI, UTI and for both RTI and UTI combined. Girls reported problems like dysmenorrhoea, UTI symptoms, and excessive vaginal discharge. Conclusion: Reproductive health problems are still common among adolescent girls and need urgent actions.

Background: Immunization is a proven tool for controlling and even eradicating disease. The vaccination coverage at present with EPI vaccines is far from complete despite the long-standing commitment to universal coverage. Aim and objectives: To assess immunization status and to study factors associated with it among 12-23 months children. Material and methods: It was community based descriptive cross sectional study conducted during January 2010 to December 2011 at Urban Health Centre of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine. All 280 children of 12-23 months residing in slums of urban field practice area were included. Data was analyzed using SPSS software 16 version and openEpi Software Version 2.3. Results: 81.4% study subjects were fully immunized and 18.6% were partially immunized. Proportion of study subjects fully immunized differs significantly from those partially immunized with respect to religion and socioeconomic status. No significant association was observed between gender, type of family, mother’s education and birth order of child with immunization status. Conclusion: Majority of children were fully immunized indication good immunization coverage. There is need to evaluate different aspects of religion and socioeconomic status which are responsible for significant difference in immunization coverage.

Background: More than half a million women each year die of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Utilization of postnatal care service in India is low due to various factors. Current study is an attempt to find morbidity in post natal period, utilisation of post natal care services and factors affecting same. Material and Method: a community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out from Jan 2012 to Dec 2012 among 15–49 years mothers who gave birth during study period. Systematic random sampling and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Results: maximum Subjects were in age group of 26-30years. 32(16%) received one, 12 (6%) two, and 10(5%) three postnatal check-up. 103(51.5%) had problem in post natal period during first 6weeks after delivery. Only 42(21%) subjects visited doctor for their problem in post natal period. Analysis of reason for not having post natal visits were didn’t feel need to go for Post Natal Health check up in 132(66%), lack of time in 28(14%) and unaware about Post Natal health services in 40(20%) subjects. Conclusion: Post natal care is poor, steps to be taken to educate the mothers regarding the dangers in neglecting the post natal care.

Introduction: Childhood wasting although well studied elsewhere, it has not been well understood about in slum area of Nepal. This study aimed to assess effect of socio-demographic factors and child feeding practice in the determination of wasting among the children under five years of age in slum area of Nepal. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was performed among 150 children under five years of age from the slum area of Nepal between 1st January and 28th February 2013 using simple random sampling techniques. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with wasting controlling the potential confounders. Results: In a total of 150 under five years children, the prevalence of wasting was 56 (37.33%). The current study demonstrated that children of mothers from dalit (Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 11.5; 95% CI: 03.1 – 41.3), aadibasi/janajati (AOR 4.6; 95% CI: 1.2 – 17.0), illiterate mothers (AOR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.1 – 13.6), laborer mothers (AOR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-9.4), child age group 25-36 months (AOR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5-5.3), multiple child birth order (AOR 10.0; 95% CI: 2.5-25.0), children who were not fed colostrums (AOR 15.0; 95% CI: 1.25-10.0)) were more likely to develop wasting compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: As incremental childhood wasting is associated with maternal socio-demographic factors and child feeding practice, health promotion strategies should focus maternal socio-demographic factors, age of children and early initiation of breast feeding for the improved child nutrition in slum area of Nepal. Keywords: socio-demographic factors; urban slum; under five children; wasting. [PubMed]

Introduction Use of tobacco has become one of the major causes of premature deaths in most developing countries, including Bangladesh. The poorest and most disadvantaged populations, such as those living in slums, are considered to be extremely vulnerable to non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, especially tobacco use. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of tobacco consumption among slum dwellers and its association with socio-demographic factors. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three slums of Dhaka city. Information about tobacco use as well as socio-demographic characteristics was collected from adult slum dwellers via face to face interviews using WHO STEPS questionnaire. Results Overall proportion of smoking, smokeless tobacco consumption and dual use of tobacco was 35% [95% CI: 31.6-39.8], 40.6% [95% CI: 36.5–45.2] and 12% [95% CI: 9.3–15.0] respectively. Elderly people (55–64 years) were more likely to smoke (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21–4.49) than younger people (aged 25–34 years). On the other hand, those who had no schooling history (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.66–5.25) were more likely to consume smokeless tobacco than those who had higher education (secondary or above). At the same time, manual workers were more likely to indulge in dual use of tobacco (OR: 5.17, 95% CI: 2.82–9.48) as compared to non-manual workers. Conclusions The urban slum population of Dhaka city has a high prevalence of tobacco use, which increases their likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases. Proper attention needs to be directed towards addressing the risk factors related to non-communicable diseases within this vulnerable population.

Aim and Objectives : This study was carried out to assess the blood donation practices and willingness to donate among residents of an urban slum. Material and Methods : Cross sectional descriptive study design with a qualitative and quantitative component. Multistage sampling was used to select 400 respondents for the questionnaire interview while three FGD sessions were conducted guide among three groups of participants namely youths, men and women. The information collected was analyzed manually (FGD) and with Epi info version 3.5.3 Results : Majority of the questionnaire respondents were female, married, traders, had at least secondary school education, with mean age of 37.6years. Only 12.0% had donated in the past, the main reason given by non donors was that they had never been asked to donate; this was also a key finding in the FGD. Willingness to donate was positively associated with being a male, single and Christian, age was a significant predictor of previous donation while more of the previous donors were still willing to donate, more for family/friends (p=0.036) than voluntarily (p=0.001) this view was supported by the participants at the FGD. Conclusion : Members of this urban slum had poor practice of blood donation,had positive attitude and were willing to donate, there is need to mobilise and organise outreach blood donation programs to convert attitude into actual practice.

Globally, 1 billion people live in slums. There are few reports of high prevalence of noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors among the urban poor. The prevalence of NCD risk factors in the slums in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India was estimated. Cross-sectional survey in 24 slums selected using cluster sampling method was conducted. Questionnaire for behavioral risk factors was used and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were done. The study population included 1052 participants aged 25-64 years, 528 (50%) were males. Among males, 206 (39%) were current smokers and 154 (29%) were current alcohol users. Central obesity was prevalent among 32.8% males and 56.1% females and 115 (10.9%) had body mass index ≥27.5 kg/m 2 . Hypertension was prevalent among 35% males and 33% females. We observed high prevalence of NCD risk factors among urban slum dwellers that need to be addressed with health promotion programs and strengthening of primary health care system.