European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Introduction: Magnitude of malnutrition problem among children under 5 years is high throughout India. Inadequate feeding practices, in combination with other factors such as infection, may account for 1/3 of all malnutrition cases. On other hand, low MUAC (<11.5cm) is not only suggestive of severe wasting or severe acute malnutrition but also indicative of morbidity and risk of mortality. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among 24 to 60 months aged children in urban field practice area of a medical college in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Methods: This community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 282 children aged 24 to 60 months in UHTC area of a medical college in Tirupati city. Nutritional status was determined using MUAC. Water, sanitation and hygiene practices; child feeding practices and other associated factors were noted in the questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS 26 version. Results: The total prevalence of malnutrition was 13.1%, of which mild to moderate malnutrition and severe malnutrition were 11.7% and 1.4% respectively. About 19% of the children were malnourished who were not utilizing anganwadi services and there was a significant association found between utilization of anganwadi services and malnutrition (p=0.05).Conclusion: Although prevalence of malnutrition was low compared to other studies, this should be addressed through appropriate community based strategies for halting long term sequel of malnutrition among pre-school children

: Introduction: The practice of breast feeding in India is influenced by various social, cultural, economic factors and religious beliefs but maternal infant feeding attitude has been shown to be a stronger independent predictor of breast feeding initiation and associated with continuing to be breast feeding longer and have a greater chance of success. The present study was carried out to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of breast feeding among post natal mothers in rural area and to assess the factors affecting breast feeding practices. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done among 100 postnatal women of rural field practice area (RHTC) of a medical college, Tirupati, to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast feeding and the factors influencing breast feeding practices. Mothers were interviewed using pretested questionnaire at their residence regarding socio demographic data, variables related to medical care during pregnancy, delivery and post natal period, Knowledge on breast feeding, Attitude by IIFA Scale and data related to Practice of breast feeding were collected. Data entered in MS Excel and analysed by using IBM SPSS Version 26. Results: Majority (99%) of women had knowledge that Colostrum maintain immunity, 97% had knowledge that Breast feed can be given up-to 2 years, 94% had knowledge that Wash breast with warm water before feeding. Majority of women had positive attitude towards breast feeding (Mean attitude score was 60.34 (1.98). Majority of women initiate breast feeding after one hour (65%), Only 2% were discarded colostrum, 80% of them were exclusively breastfeed for 6 months or more. Majority of daily wage labourers (33.3%) and Muslim mothers (66.7%) were given pre-lacteal feed compared to other groups. This was statistically significant. Conclusion: The participants have good knowledge and attitudes toward feeding, but their breast feeding practises do not correspond to their knowledge levels, which indicates a need for improvement in the breast feeding instruction and counselling of women

Background: COVID 19 positive pregnantwomen form a very vulnerable group.  It adversely affects their physical and psychological health. These women are likely to develop new health problems or aggravation of existing problems during pregnancy and in the post-partum period. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study of 100 consecutive Covid positive pregnant women who were admitted in the isolation wards of Government Medical College, Thrissur and delivered during the study period from 1st may 2021. These women were followed up till 6 months postpartum. Data was collected from recordsand bypersonal interview or telephonic call using astructuredquestionnaire. Demographic profile, Covid symptoms and their severity, obstetric details, breast feeding practices, neonatal outcomes and post Covid symptoms were studied. The association between breastfeeding, hygiene practices and neonatal positivity was also looked into/. Results: 51% of Covid positive pregnant women were asymptomatic. Nine women had severe Covid pneumonia with 2 of them requiring ventilatory support. There were no cases of vertical transmission or transmission through breastfeeding among the newborns studied. There was a strong association between strict adherence to hygienic practices and neonatal positivity. 24% of women had persistent symptoms at 6 months postpartum. Post exertion malaise was most commonly observed. Conclusion: Women with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may continue to have health problems and hence need a close follow up