IODINE STATUS OF PREGNANT WOMEN RESIDING IN URBAN SLUMS IN DELHI

Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the iodine nutrition status among pregnant women in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among the third-trimester pregnant women residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Urinary iodine concentration was estimated using ammonium persulfate method, and salt iodine was estimated using iodometric titration.Results: Of the total 180 pregnant women, 70.6% were consuming adequately iodized salt (iodine levels ≥15 ppm). Median urinary iodine level for the pregnant women was 147.5 μg/L indicating iodine deficiency among this group. A total of 51.1% of women had urinary iodine levels <150 μg/L.Conclusion: Pregnant women belonging to slum community from Delhi have a suboptimal iodine status. Further, the proportion of women consuming iodized salt is less than the national average indicating the need to educate these women about the importance of iodine during pregnancy

PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN SLUMS OF WEST DELHI

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of hypertension in adult population residing in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult population of 18-59 years residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Blood pressure was measured using digital machine (OMRON). The data obtained were analyzed for percent prevalence, mean, standard deviation, and median. Joint National Committee (JNC)on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC)VI and JNC VII criteria were used to classify hypertension.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 25.3%. The prevalence was higher (27.9%)in males than females (22.8%)and also in the age group 46-59 years (43.0%)as compared to 18-45 years (19.8%). The overall prevalence of prehypertension, Stage I and Stage II hypertension, respectively, was 35.2%, 16.1% and 9.2%.Conclusion: A one-fourth of the adult population is hypertensive. Early diagnosis and treatment are advisable, besides awareness about dietary and lifestyle modification