Dr Dinesh Raja | SAVEETHA UNIVERSITY (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr Dinesh Raja

Introduction: Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when reproductive capacity ceases cessation... more Introduction: Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when reproductive capacity ceases cessation of menstrual flow for at least 12 months, with the disappearance of primary oocytes and generally occurs between 45 and 55 years of age which might disrupt the quality o association between certain chronic health problems and menopausal symptoms. chronic health problems on menopausal symptoms will help to menopausal women. Thus the study will facilitate a good quality of life for menopausal women.

Background: Migrants carry with them a burden of health risks and public health implications due ... more Background: Migrants carry with them a burden of health risks and public health implications due to their poverty, unequal access to social benefits including health care services like immunization. Aims & Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic profile and the primary immunization status of migrant children in the age group 12 to 23 months and also identify the various factors related to immunization failure if any in Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Material & Methods: A community based cross sectional descriptive study was done among 173 migrant children in the age group of 12 to 23 months from 12 construction sites in the study area between July 2016 – September 2016. The data was collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire. Results: The age group of mothers varied from 18-39yrs. About 46 (26.6%) mothers were illiterate. Majority of the children 159 (91.9%) had a birth certificate. Almost all 171 (98.8%) children were having immunizatio...

Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine

Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative... more Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative effect on cognitive functioning and learning of students in a medical school. To (a) assess the perceived stress among medical undergraduate students, (b) identify the sources of stress, and (c) find an association of perceived stress with sociodemographic characteristics and various stressors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students in a private medical college in Tamil Nadu. A total of 750 medical students from 1 year to final year were invited to participate in the study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding sociodemographic profile, perceived stress using perceived stress scale-14 and academic, psychosocial and environmental stressors. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, sources of stress and perceived stress. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess determin...

Indian Journal of Health Sciences, 2016

Background: Women who are homemakers represent a vulnerable group regarding dental health, given ... more Background: Women who are homemakers represent a vulnerable group regarding dental health, given the traditionally low importance placed on their health and preventive behavior, especially in the developing countries. Objective: To study the dental health-related behaviors among the homemakers in a region of Delhi, India, and its association with socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study done in four selected residential colonies in a region of Delhi. Seven hundred and fifty-four homemakers residing in the colonies participated in the study. Results: Of the women, only 45.5% brushed their teeth twice daily while just 5.2% flossed their teeth at least once a day as recommended. The large majority (92.2%) never visited a dentist for preventive checkup. The most common reason cited for never having visited was "will go to a dentist only if some dental problem" (87.4%). Only 1.2% women were undertaking all the three major preventive health behaviors (brushing, flossing, and dental checkup). A significant direct association was observed between SES and the adoption of positive dental behaviors. Conclusion: The current study found specific lacunae in the behaviors related to dental health among the homemakers and an association with low SES. Dentistry practitioners and primary care managers need to be cognizant of the importance of promoting positive dental health behaviors in this sizeable constituency of homemakers, especially those who are socioeconomically deprived.

International Journal of Health System and Disaster Management, 2015

Context: Women participation in disaster risk reduction has been stressed as they are the 'in... more Context: Women participation in disaster risk reduction has been stressed as they are the 'invisible force of resilience'. A sizeable number of the women in Delhi are homemakers. Objective: To study disaster preparedness amongst the women who are homemakers in a part of Delhi, India. Study Design: Cross-sectional community-based study. Setting: Four residential areas in east Delhi. Participants: Total 754 homemakers aged 18 years and above. Results: Amongst the women, 22.7% were illiterate while 19.7% had done college graduation or higher studies. The level of concern amongst them was highest for earthquake, fire and swine flu. Just 2.7% had the confidence that their household is well-prepared for a disaster situation. The top reasons for not being prepared were 'nothing can be done during a disaster', 'disasters are God's will' and 'will prepare only after seeing a disaster'. Only 15.1% had a family member trained in what to do in case of a disaster. Conclusion: The current analysis revealed several gaps in the women's preparedness. The adoption of positive behaviour by homemakers can directly impact the well-being of their family and their community.

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2016

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for elimination by the year 2020. The Global Programme for ... more Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for elimination by the year 2020. The Global Programme for Elimination of LF (GPELF) aims to achieve elimination by interrupting transmission through annual mass drug administration (MDA) of albendazole with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine. The program has successfully eliminated the disease in 11 of the 72 endemic countries, putting in enormous efforts on systematic planning and implementation of the strategy. Mapping areas endemic for LF is a prerequisite for implementing MDA, monitoring and evaluation are the components of programme implementation. This review was undertaken to assess how the mapping and impact monitoring activities have evolved to become more robust over the years and steered the LF elimination programme towards its goal. The findings showed that the WHO recommended mapping strategy aided 17 countries to delimit, plan and implement MDA in only those areas endemic for LF thereby saving resources. Availability of serological tools for detecting infection in humans (antigen/antibody assays) and molecular xenomonitoring (MX) in vectors greatly facilitated programme monitoring and evaluation in endemic countries. Results of this review are discussed on how these existing mapping and monitoring procedures can be used for re-mapping of unsurveyed and uncertain areas to ensure there is no resurgence during post-MDA surveillance. Further the appropriateness of the tests (Microfilaria (Mf)/ antigenemia (Ag)/antibody(Ab) surveys in humans or MX of vectors for infection) used currently for post-MDA surveillance and their role in the development of a monitoring and evaluation strategy for the recently WHO recommended triple drug regimen in MDA for accelerated LF elimination are discussed.

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health

Background: Diabetes, which was known to be an epidemic in the urban areas, has been found to be ... more Background: Diabetes, which was known to be an epidemic in the urban areas, has been found to be increasing rapidly in the rural areas too as a result of the socioeconomic transitions. Diabetes is no longer only a disease of the elderly but is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality affecting youth and middle aged people.Methods: Screening camp for diabetes was conducted by the Department of Community Medicine in three different areas in the field practice area of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital viz. Thirumazhisai, Kuthambakkam and Velavedu in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu on 7th April 2016 as a part of World Health Day 2016 celebration. Data was collected using a predesigned interview schedule. Descriptive statistics was calculated using rates, ratios & proportions. Univariate analysis was done using Chi square test to find the association between various factors and diabetes status. A parsimonious regression model was developed to find the predictor variables...

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 2017

Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 2017

In most developing countries, open defecation is the 'way of life&#39... more In most developing countries, open defecation is the 'way of life'. This practice is considered as the most serious health and environmental hazard. Prime Minister of India launched the "Swachh Bharat Mission" to accelerate the efforts for achieving universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. To find the knowledge, attitude and practices of sanitary latrines usage in rural area, Tamil Nadu. This was a cross sectional study conducted among rural population in Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu. There were a total of 1175 households in Kuthambakkam village. These households were serially numbered and of these a sample of 275 households were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique by lottery method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sanitary latrines usage. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables, the prevalence of sanitary latrines usage and open air defecation. Association between factors responsible for open air defecation was found by using chi square test. The prevalence of usage of household sanitary latrine and community latrines was 62.5% and 4.3% respectively. The prevalence of open air defecation among the study participants was 33.1%.Significant association was found between low standard of living and open air defecation practice. To solve the problem of underutilization of sanitary latrines, planning and conducting Information Education Communication activities is very essential. Effective political and administrative support is needed to scale up the sanitation program.

Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 2014

Call center sector in India is a relatively new industry and one of the fastest growing sectors d... more Call center sector in India is a relatively new industry and one of the fastest growing sectors driving employment and growth in modern India today. While employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has meant that young adults are reaching their career milestones and financial goals much earlier than before, surveys and anecdotal evidence show that workers in the BPO sector experience high levels of stress and its related disorders, primarily due to its contemporary work settings. Safeguarding the health of youngsters employed in this new, growing economy becomes an occupational health challenge to public health specialists.

International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health

Background: Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a c... more Background: Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. Self-medication involves the use of medicinal products by the individuals to treat self-recognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continuous use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of self-medication practices in the community; to describe the common conditions where self-medication is practiced.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a rural population at Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu from February 2015 to July 2015. This village falls under the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and hospital, Thandalam. There were 1175 households in this village of which 165 households were identified for the study purpose using simple random sampling technique. Statistical analy...

Background: Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may hav... more Background: Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative effect on cognitive
functioning and learning of students in a medical school. Objectives: To (a) assess the perceived stress among medical undergraduate
students,(b) identify the sources of stress, and (c) find an association of perceived stress with sociodemographic characteristics and various stressors.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students in a private medical college in Tamil Nadu.
A total of 750 medical students from 1st year to final year were invited to participate in the study. Self‑administered questionnaire was used to
collect data regarding sociodemographic profile, perceived stress using perceived stress scale‑14 and academic, psychosocial and environmental
stressors. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, sources of stress and perceived stress. Logistic regression
analyses were carried out to assess determinants of stress. Results: The overall response rate was 93.33% (700 out of 750 students). The mean
perceived stress score was 25.64 ± 5.44. Higher age-group, year of studying bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, vastness of academic
curriculum, fear of poor performance in examination, lack of recreation, loneliness, family problem, and accommodation away from home were
important determinants of perceived stress. Conclusions: The perceived stress was higher among higher age group and final year medical students.
Academic, psychosocial, and environmental stressors are associated with perceived stress. Reframing the academic curriculum and examination
patterns, incorporating recreational and sports activities, and establishment of counseling cells in the institution is needed.

Background: In most developing countries, open defecation is the ‘way of life’. This practice is ... more Background: In most developing countries, open defecation is the ‘way of life’. This practice is considered as the most serious
health and environmental hazard. Prime Minister of India launched the “Swachh Bharat Mission” to accelerate the efforts for
achieving universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. Objective: To find the knowledge, attitude and practices
of sanitary latrines usage in rural area, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among
rural population in Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu. There were a total of 1175 households in Kuthambakkam village. These
households were serially numbered and of these a sample of 275 households were selected for the study using simple random
sampling technique by lottery method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background
characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sanitary latrines usage. Descriptive statistics were calculated for
background variables, the prevalence of sanitary latrines usage and open air defecation. Association between factors responsible
for open air defecation was found by using chi square test. Results: The prevalence of usage of household sanitary latrine and
community latrines was 62.5% and 4.3% respectively. The prevalence of open air defecation among the study participants was
33.1%.Significant association was found between low standard of living and open air defecation practice. Conclusions: To solve
the problem of underutilization of sanitary latrines, planning and conducting Information Education Communication activities is
very essential. Effective political and administrative support is needed to scale up the sanitation program.

A survey was carried out in four government schools (three higher secondary and one high school) ... more A survey was carried out in four government schools
(three higher secondary and one high school) in
Sriperumbudur block, Kanchipuram district, Tamil
Nadu for active detection of new cases of leprosy among
schoolchildren, in the 3rd week of September, 2015. All
the schoolchildren present on the day of the survey were
examined for hypopigmented, hypoesthetic patches,
anywhere on the body.

Introduction: Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when reproductive capacity ceases cessation... more Introduction: Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when reproductive capacity ceases cessation of menstrual flow for at least 12 months, with the disappearance of primary oocytes and generally occurs between 45 and 55 years of age which might disrupt the quality o association between certain chronic health problems and menopausal symptoms. chronic health problems on menopausal symptoms will help to menopausal women. Thus the study will facilitate a good quality of life for menopausal women.

Background: Migrants carry with them a burden of health risks and public health implications due ... more Background: Migrants carry with them a burden of health risks and public health implications due to their poverty, unequal access to social benefits including health care services like immunization. Aims & Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic profile and the primary immunization status of migrant children in the age group 12 to 23 months and also identify the various factors related to immunization failure if any in Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Material & Methods: A community based cross sectional descriptive study was done among 173 migrant children in the age group of 12 to 23 months from 12 construction sites in the study area between July 2016 – September 2016. The data was collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire. Results: The age group of mothers varied from 18-39yrs. About 46 (26.6%) mothers were illiterate. Majority of the children 159 (91.9%) had a birth certificate. Almost all 171 (98.8%) children were having immunizatio...

Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine

Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative... more Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative effect on cognitive functioning and learning of students in a medical school. To (a) assess the perceived stress among medical undergraduate students, (b) identify the sources of stress, and (c) find an association of perceived stress with sociodemographic characteristics and various stressors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students in a private medical college in Tamil Nadu. A total of 750 medical students from 1 year to final year were invited to participate in the study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding sociodemographic profile, perceived stress using perceived stress scale-14 and academic, psychosocial and environmental stressors. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, sources of stress and perceived stress. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess determin...

Indian Journal of Health Sciences, 2016

Background: Women who are homemakers represent a vulnerable group regarding dental health, given ... more Background: Women who are homemakers represent a vulnerable group regarding dental health, given the traditionally low importance placed on their health and preventive behavior, especially in the developing countries. Objective: To study the dental health-related behaviors among the homemakers in a region of Delhi, India, and its association with socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study done in four selected residential colonies in a region of Delhi. Seven hundred and fifty-four homemakers residing in the colonies participated in the study. Results: Of the women, only 45.5% brushed their teeth twice daily while just 5.2% flossed their teeth at least once a day as recommended. The large majority (92.2%) never visited a dentist for preventive checkup. The most common reason cited for never having visited was "will go to a dentist only if some dental problem" (87.4%). Only 1.2% women were undertaking all the three major preventive health behaviors (brushing, flossing, and dental checkup). A significant direct association was observed between SES and the adoption of positive dental behaviors. Conclusion: The current study found specific lacunae in the behaviors related to dental health among the homemakers and an association with low SES. Dentistry practitioners and primary care managers need to be cognizant of the importance of promoting positive dental health behaviors in this sizeable constituency of homemakers, especially those who are socioeconomically deprived.

International Journal of Health System and Disaster Management, 2015

Context: Women participation in disaster risk reduction has been stressed as they are the 'in... more Context: Women participation in disaster risk reduction has been stressed as they are the 'invisible force of resilience'. A sizeable number of the women in Delhi are homemakers. Objective: To study disaster preparedness amongst the women who are homemakers in a part of Delhi, India. Study Design: Cross-sectional community-based study. Setting: Four residential areas in east Delhi. Participants: Total 754 homemakers aged 18 years and above. Results: Amongst the women, 22.7% were illiterate while 19.7% had done college graduation or higher studies. The level of concern amongst them was highest for earthquake, fire and swine flu. Just 2.7% had the confidence that their household is well-prepared for a disaster situation. The top reasons for not being prepared were 'nothing can be done during a disaster', 'disasters are God's will' and 'will prepare only after seeing a disaster'. Only 15.1% had a family member trained in what to do in case of a disaster. Conclusion: The current analysis revealed several gaps in the women's preparedness. The adoption of positive behaviour by homemakers can directly impact the well-being of their family and their community.

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2016

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for elimination by the year 2020. The Global Programme for ... more Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for elimination by the year 2020. The Global Programme for Elimination of LF (GPELF) aims to achieve elimination by interrupting transmission through annual mass drug administration (MDA) of albendazole with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine. The program has successfully eliminated the disease in 11 of the 72 endemic countries, putting in enormous efforts on systematic planning and implementation of the strategy. Mapping areas endemic for LF is a prerequisite for implementing MDA, monitoring and evaluation are the components of programme implementation. This review was undertaken to assess how the mapping and impact monitoring activities have evolved to become more robust over the years and steered the LF elimination programme towards its goal. The findings showed that the WHO recommended mapping strategy aided 17 countries to delimit, plan and implement MDA in only those areas endemic for LF thereby saving resources. Availability of serological tools for detecting infection in humans (antigen/antibody assays) and molecular xenomonitoring (MX) in vectors greatly facilitated programme monitoring and evaluation in endemic countries. Results of this review are discussed on how these existing mapping and monitoring procedures can be used for re-mapping of unsurveyed and uncertain areas to ensure there is no resurgence during post-MDA surveillance. Further the appropriateness of the tests (Microfilaria (Mf)/ antigenemia (Ag)/antibody(Ab) surveys in humans or MX of vectors for infection) used currently for post-MDA surveillance and their role in the development of a monitoring and evaluation strategy for the recently WHO recommended triple drug regimen in MDA for accelerated LF elimination are discussed.

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health

Background: Diabetes, which was known to be an epidemic in the urban areas, has been found to be ... more Background: Diabetes, which was known to be an epidemic in the urban areas, has been found to be increasing rapidly in the rural areas too as a result of the socioeconomic transitions. Diabetes is no longer only a disease of the elderly but is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality affecting youth and middle aged people.Methods: Screening camp for diabetes was conducted by the Department of Community Medicine in three different areas in the field practice area of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital viz. Thirumazhisai, Kuthambakkam and Velavedu in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu on 7th April 2016 as a part of World Health Day 2016 celebration. Data was collected using a predesigned interview schedule. Descriptive statistics was calculated using rates, ratios & proportions. Univariate analysis was done using Chi square test to find the association between various factors and diabetes status. A parsimonious regression model was developed to find the predictor variables...

The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 2017

Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 2017

In most developing countries, open defecation is the 'way of life&#39... more In most developing countries, open defecation is the 'way of life'. This practice is considered as the most serious health and environmental hazard. Prime Minister of India launched the "Swachh Bharat Mission" to accelerate the efforts for achieving universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. To find the knowledge, attitude and practices of sanitary latrines usage in rural area, Tamil Nadu. This was a cross sectional study conducted among rural population in Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu. There were a total of 1175 households in Kuthambakkam village. These households were serially numbered and of these a sample of 275 households were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique by lottery method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sanitary latrines usage. Descriptive statistics were calculated for background variables, the prevalence of sanitary latrines usage and open air defecation. Association between factors responsible for open air defecation was found by using chi square test. The prevalence of usage of household sanitary latrine and community latrines was 62.5% and 4.3% respectively. The prevalence of open air defecation among the study participants was 33.1%.Significant association was found between low standard of living and open air defecation practice. To solve the problem of underutilization of sanitary latrines, planning and conducting Information Education Communication activities is very essential. Effective political and administrative support is needed to scale up the sanitation program.

Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 2014

Call center sector in India is a relatively new industry and one of the fastest growing sectors d... more Call center sector in India is a relatively new industry and one of the fastest growing sectors driving employment and growth in modern India today. While employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has meant that young adults are reaching their career milestones and financial goals much earlier than before, surveys and anecdotal evidence show that workers in the BPO sector experience high levels of stress and its related disorders, primarily due to its contemporary work settings. Safeguarding the health of youngsters employed in this new, growing economy becomes an occupational health challenge to public health specialists.

International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health

Background: Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a c... more Background: Self-medication is a common practice worldwide and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. Self-medication involves the use of medicinal products by the individuals to treat self-recognized disorders or symptoms, or the intermittent or continuous use of a medication prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring diseases or symptoms. The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of self-medication practices in the community; to describe the common conditions where self-medication is practiced.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a rural population at Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu from February 2015 to July 2015. This village falls under the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and hospital, Thandalam. There were 1175 households in this village of which 165 households were identified for the study purpose using simple random sampling technique. Statistical analy...

Background: Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may hav... more Background: Medical education is perceived as being stressful, and a high level of stress may have a negative effect on cognitive
functioning and learning of students in a medical school. Objectives: To (a) assess the perceived stress among medical undergraduate
students,(b) identify the sources of stress, and (c) find an association of perceived stress with sociodemographic characteristics and various stressors.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students in a private medical college in Tamil Nadu.
A total of 750 medical students from 1st year to final year were invited to participate in the study. Self‑administered questionnaire was used to
collect data regarding sociodemographic profile, perceived stress using perceived stress scale‑14 and academic, psychosocial and environmental
stressors. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, sources of stress and perceived stress. Logistic regression
analyses were carried out to assess determinants of stress. Results: The overall response rate was 93.33% (700 out of 750 students). The mean
perceived stress score was 25.64 ± 5.44. Higher age-group, year of studying bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, vastness of academic
curriculum, fear of poor performance in examination, lack of recreation, loneliness, family problem, and accommodation away from home were
important determinants of perceived stress. Conclusions: The perceived stress was higher among higher age group and final year medical students.
Academic, psychosocial, and environmental stressors are associated with perceived stress. Reframing the academic curriculum and examination
patterns, incorporating recreational and sports activities, and establishment of counseling cells in the institution is needed.

Background: In most developing countries, open defecation is the ‘way of life’. This practice is ... more Background: In most developing countries, open defecation is the ‘way of life’. This practice is considered as the most serious
health and environmental hazard. Prime Minister of India launched the “Swachh Bharat Mission” to accelerate the efforts for
achieving universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. Objective: To find the knowledge, attitude and practices
of sanitary latrines usage in rural area, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among
rural population in Kuthambakkam village, Tamil Nadu. There were a total of 1175 households in Kuthambakkam village. These
households were serially numbered and of these a sample of 275 households were selected for the study using simple random
sampling technique by lottery method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the background
characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices towards sanitary latrines usage. Descriptive statistics were calculated for
background variables, the prevalence of sanitary latrines usage and open air defecation. Association between factors responsible
for open air defecation was found by using chi square test. Results: The prevalence of usage of household sanitary latrine and
community latrines was 62.5% and 4.3% respectively. The prevalence of open air defecation among the study participants was
33.1%.Significant association was found between low standard of living and open air defecation practice. Conclusions: To solve
the problem of underutilization of sanitary latrines, planning and conducting Information Education Communication activities is
very essential. Effective political and administrative support is needed to scale up the sanitation program.

A survey was carried out in four government schools (three higher secondary and one high school) ... more A survey was carried out in four government schools
(three higher secondary and one high school) in
Sriperumbudur block, Kanchipuram district, Tamil
Nadu for active detection of new cases of leprosy among
schoolchildren, in the 3rd week of September, 2015. All
the schoolchildren present on the day of the survey were
examined for hypopigmented, hypoesthetic patches,
anywhere on the body.