Community Health Assessment Through The Family Adoption Program: A Cross-Sectional Study From A Government Medical College In Dhule, Maharashtra
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.4s.1013-1023Keywords:
India, Maharashtra, waist-hip ratio, BMI, blood pressure, medical education, malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, community health assessment, Family Adoption ProgramAbstract
Background: The Family Adoption Program (FAP) is a vital community-based educational initiative aimed at sensitizing undergraduate medical students to primary healthcare delivery while simultaneously assessing the health status of adopted families. In India, where dual burdens of communicable and non-communicable diseases persist, periodic community health profiling is crucial for timely interventions.
Objectives: To assess the socio-demographic profile, health-seeking behavior, nutrition, morbidity patterns, and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in a semi-urban population under the Family Adoption Program at Shri Bhausaheb Hire Government Medical College, Dhule, Maharashtra.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 540 individuals from households adopted under the FAP initiative. Data were collected using pre-tested structured proformas covering demographics, addiction, personal history, immunization, contraception, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin, and urine testing. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures and chi-square tests for associations.
Results: The majority belonged to the 31–40-year age group (19.81%), with a nearly equal gender distribution. Nuclear families constituted 57.6% of the sample. Undernutrition in children under 5 years was prevalent, with 25.8% stunting and 35.5% underweight. Among adults, 8.7% were underweight and 27.96% were overweight or obese. High-risk waist-hip ratio was more common in women (27.72%) than men (16.12%). Anemia prevalence was highest in non-pregnant women (34.7%) and children (23.3%). Raised blood pressure and abnormal blood sugar were found in 21.5% and 23.9% of participants, respectively. Significant gender differences were noted in central obesity and anemia (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study highlights the coexistence of undernutrition and rising NCD risk factors in semi-urban India. The Family Adoption Program is an effective model for early detection of public health issues and integrating community exposure in medical training. Strengthening such initiatives through continuity, counseling, and follow-up can significantly contribute to local health system strengthening..
