56 research outputs found
Why Are There So Few Black-Owned Firms in Africa? Preliminary Results from Enterprise Survey Data
No full textMuch of the growth in Sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade has come from extractive industries, rather than from private, entrepreneurial activity. Furthermore, non-extractive activity in the private sector is often dominated by firms owned by ethnic minorities. This paper analyzes the characteristics of the formal private sector in five countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular emphasis on Black African-owned (indigenous) firms. We find that indigenous firms start smaller and grow more slowly; however their rate of growth is positively influenced by whether the owner-entrepreneur has a university degree. We do not find overwhelming evidence that credit is the binding constraint but we do find that indigenous firms get less access to trade credit than firms owned by minority entrepreneurs. Finally, we discuss policy solutions that might enable a larger number of indigenous entrepreneurs to enter and survive in a vibrant, multi-ethnic private sector.Sub Saharan Africa, extractive industries, formal private sector, indigenous entrepreneurs, credit
Prevalence Of Hypertension and Its Risk Factors Among Class III and Class IV Government Employees in Ahmedabad
No full textBackground: The developing country including India is experiencing epidemiological transition from communicable to Non communica- ble diseases and hypertension has emerged as a significant public health problem in both urban and rural areas. The present study was conducted to assess prevalence of Hypertension and its risk-factors in government employees of Ahmedabad city.
Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among 600 government employees of B.J. Medical College of Ahmedabad, Guja- rat. Data was collected using a pre-tested, questionnaire and Blood pressure was measured.
Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 17 % in males and 19.67% in females. Prevalence of hypertension was 53.28 % in age group of 55 years and above. 10.66 % males and 11.66 % females were found hypertensive on examination. Based on Odds Ratio, History of To- bacco consumption, family history of hypertension, low vegetables and fruits intake and higher waist circumference was associated with more risk of hypertension.
Conclusions: History of Tobacco consumption, family history of hypertension, low vegetables and fruits intake and higher waist cir- cumference increase the risk of hypertension
Socio-Demographic and Morbidity Profile of Slum Area in Ahmedabad, India
No full textBackground: In cites of India, at least one fifth people live in slums and most of the health problems as well as environmental issues are generated from these slums only. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic and environmental profiles as well as magnitude of morbidity among urban slum dwellers. Materials and Methods: The cross sectional study had been carried out between January 2000 and December 2000 on non-randomly selected 1,389 slum dwellers of Ahmedabad. Information was obtained by interviewing the head and/or other family members. General physical examinations and history of illness present in previous two weeks were recorded. Results: There were no sanitary latrines and drainage facilities at studied slum. There were 987 females per thousand males and 903 females per thousand males in under five year age group. The literacy rate was 16.8 % and 5.6% among males and females respectively. Among five years above age males, 27%, 9.7% and 7.4% had a habit of smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol intake respectively. Among five years above age females 4.36 %, 10.9% and 0.84 % had a habit of smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol intake respectively. Out of 233 eligible couples, 11.16% and 24.46% were adopted spacing and permanent methods for contraception respectively. 28 % males and 33.7% females were either suffering from or have a history of one or more illness within previous two weeks. The morbidity rate for both sexes was 30.88%. Anemia was found in 19% of females of age group of 15-44 years. Respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea were present in7.4% and 3.7% of studied population respectively. The incidence rates for respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea were found higher among 0-4 year age group children (15% and 10.6% respectively). Conclusions: Slum clinic or mobile clinic van should be arranged for treatment of common morbidities and health promotional activities
A Prevalence Study of Iodine Deficiency Disorder in Children of Primary Schools in Gandhinagar District
No full textObjective: To assess the magnitude of IDD in Gandhinagar region and also assess the salt consumption patterns in the region.
Study Design: It is a Cross-sectional study conducted in primary schools of both urban and rural areas. Clinical examination of study population for goiter, laboratory assessment of casual urine sample for urinary iodine and estimation of Iodine in salt samples were done. School children in the age group of 6-12 years were selected for study using WHO 30-cluster methodology. During the school survey, 10 salt samples were collected from the students (preferably from all age group) and tested on the spot with UNICEF kit. Iodine concentration recorded as 0, 15. Fourteen Samples of Urine were obtained from students for Iodine estimation from each school.
Results: An overall goiter prevalence of 7.75% was observed in the district. Females had a prevalence of 7.68% and males 7.82%. 78.57 percent of subjects had urinary iodine excretion >100mcg/l with 21.43% having moderate -mild iodine deficiency. In Gandhinagar region, 93.2% of households consume powdered salt with 90.5% powdered salt samples having an iodine content of greater than 15 ppm.
Conclusion: Iodine deficiency remains a public health problem in kalol and dehgam taluka and proper administrative action to enhance universal iodinization is recommended
A Study to Assess the Availability of Basic Facilities for Inmates in Geriatric Home, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
No full textBackground: Ageing is a normal physiological process for human being, but modernization and globalization have disintegrated the Indian family system and elders are focused to stay in geriatric homes. The care for the aged is slowly shifting from the family to geriatric homes.
Objective: To study the function of geriatric homes, background information and reasons for shifting to geriatric home.
Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in geriatric homes of urban and periurban areas of Ahmedabad during January 2008 to January 2009.
Result: All the geriatric homes were nongovernment organization. Out of total (13) geriatric homes, majority (76.9%) of them have the criteria for enrolment was the cut off age as 60 years or above. Out of total 530 inmates, 380(71.7%) inmates having children, out of them, maximum number of inmates had either two (28.9%) or three (23.9 %) children. According to education of inmates 29.6%were secondary and 25.5% were primary education. Among marital status of inmates, 78.8% were widow/widower. Familial conflict (53.6%) was major reason for shifting at geriatric home. Overcrowding was present in 38.5 % geriatric homes according to person per floor area. Majority of geriatric homes were having TV, library, garden, kitchen, availability of newspaper and adequate lighting, ventilation, water supply. Only 7.7% of geriatric homes had full time doctor while 61.5% had part time doctor. 84.6% of old age homes had paid staff of institute for sweeping and mopping and for cleaning utensils
A Study of Socio-Demographic Profile of Substance Abusers Attending a De-Addiction Centre in Ahmedabad City
No full textA comparative study to analyze the cost of curative care at primary health center in Ahmedabad
No full textObjectives: To determine the unit cost of curative care provided at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and to examine the variation in unit cost in different PHCs. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in three PHCs of Ahmedabad district namely Sanathal, Nandej, and Uperdal, between 1 April, 2006 and 31 March, 2007. For estimating the cost of a health program, information on all the physical and human resources that were basic inputs to the PHC services were collected and grouped into two categories, non-recurrent (capital resources vehicles, buildings, etc.) and recurrent resources (salaries, drugs, vaccines, contraceptives, maintenance, etc.). To generate the required data, two types of schedules were developed, daily time schedule and PHC/SC (Subcenter) information schedule. Results: The unit cost of curative care was lowest (Rs. 29.43) for the Sanathal PHC and highest (Rs. 88.26) for the Uperdal PHC, followed by the Nandej PHC with Rs. 40.88, implying severe underutilization of curative care at the Uperdal PHC. Conclusions: Location of health facilities is a problem at many places. As relocation is not possible or even feasible, strengthening of infrastructure and facilities at these centers can be taken up immediately
Health profile of bank employees of Ahmedabad city
No full textBackground: Banking services has become one of the highly competitive sectors in India. Many studies have found that sedentary lifestyle and mental stress have adverse health outcomes. The job of bank employees is both sedentary in nature and accompanies high levels of mental stress. With this background, the present study was conducted among bank employees in Ahmedabad city.Objectives: (1) To study the socio-demographic profile & health profile of bank employees in Ahmedabad city (2) To know the job related stress & to find out various risk factors in bank employees.Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 360 government & 240 private bank employees of Ahmedabad city. Information was collected using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Clinical examination (including anthropometric measurements & blood pressure measurements) was carried out of all employees. Statistical analysis was done using MS Excel V. 2010 and Epi info software 7.0. The chi- square test was applied as non-parametric test of statistical significance.Results:Prevalence of musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal problems were found slightly higher in private bank employees (55.42% & 32.88% respectively) than government bank employees (50.28%& 30.28% respectively), while ocular problems were found higher in government bank employees.Overall prevalence of hypertension &diabetes was found 25.67% &13.17% respectively.29.17% employees were partially satisfied with their job while 63.67% employees were fully satisfied, but still more than half (51.17%) employees were experiencing job stress.Conclusion: Prevalence of various health problems was found high among bank employees. There is need for strengthening adoption of certain interventional measures among this vulnerable group
Study Of Health Profile of Residents of Geriatric Home in Ahmedabad District
No full textBackground: Aging is a normal process. The modernization plays a vital role in aging process of an individual. The aged feel a sense of social isolation because of disjunction from various bonds viz work relationships, and diminish of relatives and friends, mobility of children to far off places for jobs. The situation of the elderly still worsens when there is presence of chronic diseases, physical incapacity and financial stringency.
Objective: To know the health profile and health related problems of the old age inmates residing at geriatric homes.
Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in geriatric homes of urban and peri urban areas of Ahmedabad during January 2008 to January 2009.
Result: Out of total 530 inmates, 45.85% were males and 54.15% were females. 93.77% reported one or more health related complaints. 37.4% were obese and 11.9% were underweight. Most common presenting symptoms were: loss of teeth (70%), joint pain (60.2%), impaired vision (44.2%), weakness (34.9%), and insomnia (34%). 82.3% were using spectacles followed by walking sticks (21.7%) and denture (12.8%). The main health related problems were osteoarthritis (54.9%), hypertension (54.2%), cataract (16%) and diabetes mellitus (14.9%).
Conclusion: The study highlighted a high prevalence of morbidity and health related problems in old age groups. We need to strengthen geriatric health care services, social support by people, proper implementation of geriatric related legislation by government and further research like qualitative research to explore the problems of the elderly
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