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TitleFluorosis : health and epidemiological survey of some high fluoride villages of Dungarpur district
Publication TypeMiscellaneous
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsSharma, S, Bhatnagar, R
Pagination50 p. + annexes (34 p.) : fig., tab.
Date Published1997-10-01
Keywordsepidemiology, fluoride removal, fluorosis, health impact, india rajasthan dungarpur district, projects, rural areas, safe water supply
Abstract

Endemic fluorosis, associated with the consumption of drinking water containing fluorides in excess of 1.5 ppm, is a public health problem in India, and particularly in Rajasthan, where the disease is endemic in many districts. A pilot project was executed by two NGOs, SWACH and SARITA, to conduct a health and epidemiological survey of some high fluoride villages in Dungarpur district in south Rajasthan to study the prevalence of fluorosis, and to assess the effectiveness and operational feasibility of the two known techniques of domestic defluoridation. This document sets out the specific objectives of the project: to study the epidemiological profile of fluorosis in the project villages by conducting a baseline household survey, to assess the magnitude of the problem in terms of prevalence of both skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis, to compare the prevalence of skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis in project and control villages, and to monitor changes in the reversible symptoms of fluorosis 3 months following intervention. Detailed study results of both the pre- and post- intervention phases are accompanied by tables and graphs. The document concludes that an increased budget allocation is needed to provide intervention at the domestic level to all affected families, along with strengthening IEC activities and social mobilization. Since more than 50% of the population in the study area is illiterate, education is seen as a priority for improved health. It is felt that the involvement of NGOs in service delivery and training support to health care functionaries would go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of people caused by this debilitating disease.

Notes6 ref.
Custom 1245.4, 822

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