Maternal periodontitis and its influence on duration of gestation and fetal birth weight

Background: There has been a lot of interest in knowing the effects of oral health on adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm births and low birth weight. Studies have yielded contradicting results and there are lot of confounding issues that blur the picture.  Aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of periodontitis is pregnant population and determine the effect of periodontitis on preterm births and low birth weight.Methods: This was a cross sectional study of singleton pregnant women attending ante-natal checkups with oral interview and clinical examination. Oral examination was done at the beginning of third trimester of pregnancy. They were followed up to delivery to note the duration of gestation, birth weight of babies.Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 22% with 90.9% having mild and 9.1% having moderate periodontitis. Maternal education (high school and above) was associated with lower prevalence of periodontitis (p=0.042). There was no difference in the birth weights between the group with and without periodontitis (2.9±0.41kgs vs 2.74±0.36kgs, p=0.11). The incidence of low birth weights was also similar (p=0.22). The average gestational age was slightly less in the group with periodontitis (38 weeks 3 days vs 37 weeks 5 days) but the rates of preterm births were similar between the two groups (p=0.61).Conclusions: Mild/moderate periodontitis does not appear to have a significant effect on pre-term births and low birth weight. Maternal education and awareness seem to mitigate development of periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes

A study on awareness and acceptance of contraceptive methods in postpartum women in a tertiary care institute

Background: Contraception is an important tool to reduce unwanted pregnancy and promote healthy living. The benefits of family planning program are recognized worldwide to improve health, social and economic status of families. The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of awareness for various contraceptive methods among postpartum women, to find the acceptance of different contraceptive methods and evaluate the factors affecting the same.Methods: The study is a cross-sectional observational study conducted among postpartum women who delivered in Narayana medical college hospital over a period of 1 year. The awareness, acceptance and reason or refusal for contraception was assessed. The data obtained was analyzed to generate graphs and tables.Results: A total of 61% women were aware of at least one method of contraception. 74% were using a contraceptive at the time of study. 39% were unaware of any contraceptive method. 49% preferred intrauterine contraceptive device. Main reason for non-acceptance of contraceptive was couple’s desire for a male child. Health professionals were the main source of imparting the knowledge of birth spacing.Conclusions: Regular antenatal counselling to all pregnant women must be done in every hospital in a village to tertiary care centres. Information should be provided about various contraceptive methods and patient should be able to choose a method of her own choice. A strong motivation is required to adopt a suitable method individualised to each woman

A two-year study on postmenopausal bleeding at a tertiary institute

Background: The life expectancy of women shows an increase as a result of which women experience a long postmenopausal phase. Postmenopausal bleeding is a worrisome symptom occurring in 10 % of the women, making them seek a gynaecology opinion at the earliest. Women in developed countries have a predilection for developing endometrial cancer whereas cancer cervix still dominates in the developing countries. This prospective study was carried out on 75 women presenting with postmenopausal bleeding to the gynaecology clinic at a tertiary hospital set up. The study aimed to find the incidence of postmenopausal bleeding, age distribution, causes and different evaluation methods to confirm the diagnosis.Methods: The present study is a prospective study conducted on 75 postmenopausal women reporting with postmenopausal bleeding at the gynaecology clinic at a tertiary care hospital.              Results: Menopause was noted above 45 years in 84% of the patients and 16% were in 40-45 years age. Postmenopausal bleeding was observed in 50-60 years in 56% of women and 30% above 60 years. The medical problems associated were hypertension (20%), diabetes (11%), obesity (22%), hypothyroidism (4%). 53 women had benign causes while 22 had malignancy.Conclusions: Benign lesions of the genital tract are common causes of postmenopausal bleeding. Carcinoma cervix and endometrium classically present with postmenopausal bleed. Strong suspicion, thorough evaluation and early diagnosis improve the quality of life and reduce the morbidity and mortality

A study evaluating knowledge of and attitude towards hepatitis B among pregnant women at a teaching hospital in Nellore, India.

Background: Hepatitis B infection is a common and preventable infection in India. Mother to child transmission is the most common method of infection in our country. Awareness regarding hepatitis B among pregnant women is important to take preventive measures like screening during pregnancy, vaccination of child. Studies evaluating knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards hepatitis B among the pregnant women in our country are sparse.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted to evaluate KAP towards hepatitis B among pregnant women was conducted after handing over an information hand-out. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire with three sections: i) Demographic data ii) Knowledge questions iii) Attitude and Practice questions.   Results: 42% of the 350 participants were aware about hepatitis B infection. The mean knowledge score was 6.33 (±2.86). Only 33.3% were aware that hepatitis B is transmitted by unprotected sex and 8.2% were knowledgeable of mother to child transmission. The mean attitude/practice score was 2.97 (±1.69). Only 30% would insist on safe equipment and blood/blood products. 84% would hesitate to have casual contact with hepatitis B infected persons. Most feared the stigma associated with hepatitis b infection than its health consequences. 70% would vaccinate their child to prevent hepatitis B infection. Women with greater knowledge about hepatitis B had better attitude/practice towards its prevention.Conclusions: Knowledge about HBV among pregnant women was poor and needs to be improved to prevent mother to child transmission. Educational programs need to be tailored for the target population for better uptake