Empty stomach together with menstrual bleeding as predictors of committed suicides among women of reproductive age: What a primary physician must know

Background

Women of reproductive age group (WoRAG) are among the most vulnerable groups to suicide in India. The present study intended to develop a mathematical model to differentiate suicides from homicides among WoRAG.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study based on a record review of autopsy at Patna, India, from 2016 to 2021. The cause of deaths was ascertained by autopsies and other records independently by two investigators to reduce the interobserver bias. Independent variables were tested with confirmed suicides to calculate statistically significant association. These variables were further used for developing prediction models for the suicides by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Out of total of 520 autopsies of WoRAG performed by investigators, the cause of death has been confirmed for 62. Of them, 30 were confirmed as suicides. In univariate analysis, suicides were associated with the menstrual bleed (OR 35 CI 6.9,179), gastric emptying (OR 3.9 CI 1.2,12.8), hanging, poisoning, and drowning as mode of death (OR 435 CI 37.4,5061.9). By logistic regression, three prediction models were built to predict suicide; Model I: gastric emptying, Model II: menstrual bleed, and Model III: including both. The area under the curve (AUC) for Models I, II, and III was 0.67 (95%CI 0.34,0.99), 0.92 (95%CI 0.75,1.00), and 0.94 (95%CI 0.82,1.00), respectively. The AUC of Model III differs significantly from that of Model I (P value 0.03) but not with Model II (P value 0.11).

Conclusion

Menstrual bleed, gastric emptying, and mode of death may be used as a supplement tool in ascertaining the cause of death among WoRAG in medical and legal proceedings.

Magnitude and determinants of "Social Capital" among women in reproductive age group - A cross-sectional study from rural Wardha, Central India

Context

Social capital reflects the trust, norms, values and social processes that governs interaction among people.

Aim

This study was conducted to estimate the magnitude and determinants of social capital among women of reproductive age group in selected village of rural Wardha, Central India.

Materials and Methods

It was a community based cross-sectional study where two stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 300 participants from 22 villages. Data were collected using a pre-designed interviewer administered questionnaire by house-to-house survey. Social capital was measured using the core set of Integrated Questionnaire for the Measurement of Social Capital developed by World Bank.

Statistical Analysis

Multivariate linear regression was applied to find out determinants of social capital.

Results

Most of the participants had poor social capital score (women having lowest and middle tertile scores were 36.0% and 45%, respectively). social capital poorer in younger women, women with lower educational qualification, not involved in gainful occupation, belonging to below poverty line and unmarried compared to their counterparts. Having at least one son was positively associated with higher social capital. In adjusted analysis, age, education, occupation, marital status, and whether the woman has son were revealed as significant determinants of social capital.

Conclusion

The study findings reflect the need of improving education and job opportunity among rural women to improve their social capital. Increase of social capital among women having male child reflects the need to percolate the message of gender equity and gender sensitive education.

Prevalence of symptoms suggestive of reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted infections in women in an urban area of Ludhiana

BACKGROUND

RTIs/STIs present a huge burden of disease, adversely impact reproductive health, and cause suffering for both men and women with consequences more devastating and widespread among women. These infections often go undiagnosed and untreated.

OBJECTIVES

1) To identify the most common reported symptoms of RTI/STI among married women aged 15-44 years in an urban population of Ludhiana. 2) To identify important risk factors associated with symptoms of RTI/STI in the study population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among married women aged 15-44 years in an urban area in Ludhiana, using the WHO-Syndromic Approach for diagnosis and management of RTIs/STIs. The sample consisted of 260 eligible women obtained by systematic random sampling, from amongst those residing in the population served by one MPHW (F).

RESULTS

The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of RTIs/STIs in the study population was found to be 17.3%. The most common symptoms reported by the women sufferers were urinary (dysuria 57.8%, frequent urination 53.3%), followed by dyspareunia (26.7%), unusual vaginal discharge (24.4%) and vaginal itching (22.2%). Age 35-44 years, gravidity >4, education high school/above, joint families, history of abortion, and using ordinary cloth during menstruation were found to be significant risk factors. 64.4% of those with symptoms were untreated, 68.7% of those treated reported partial relief, most of those treated preferred private doctors, and the partners were not treated.

Prevalence of symptoms suggestive of reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted infections in women in an urban area of Ludhiana

Background:

RTIs/STIs present a huge burden of disease, adversely impact reproductive health, and cause suffering for both men and women with consequences more devastating and widespread among women. These infections often go undiagnosed and untreated.

Objectives:

1) To identify the most common reported symptoms of RTI/STI among married women aged 15-44 years in an urban population of Ludhiana. 2) To identify important risk factors associated with symptoms of RTI/STI in the study population.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among married women aged 15-44 years in an urban area in Ludhiana, using the WHO-Syndromic Approach for diagnosis and management of RTIs/STIs. The sample consisted of 260 eligible women obtained by systematic random sampling, from amongst those residing in the population served by one MPHW (F).

Results:

The prevalence of symptoms suggestive of RTIs/STIs in the study population was found to be 17.3%. The most common symptoms reported by the women sufferers were urinary (dysuria 57.8%, frequent urination 53.3%), followed by dyspareunia (26.7%), unusual vaginal discharge (24.4%) and vaginal itching (22.2%). Age 35-44 years, gravidity >4, education high school/above, joint families, history of abortion, and using ordinary cloth during menstruation were found to be significant risk factors. 64.4% of those with symptoms were untreated, 68.7% of those treated reported partial relief, most of those treated preferred private doctors, and the partners were not treated.