SPSS21was used for statistical analysis.



SPSS21
Prevalence of myths concerning growth and health of children among females of local population of Pakistan.OBJECTIVE
 To analyse the prevalence of myths among women regarding growth and health-related issues of children, and to study the impact of basic demographic factors in this regard.


 The educational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out at the Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from January 2016 to January 2017.  It comprised women reporting to paediatric outpatient clinics, and the subjects were selected using convenience sampling.  A self-designed questionnaire was used which contained demographic details and 15 closed-ended questions encompassing common myths concerning child health-related issues.  Total answers given by a client as YES (beliefs in myths) were grouped as >50% YES or <50% YES; and was cross-tabulated with independent variables.  SPSS21was used for statistical analysis.


 Of the 422 subjects, 301(71.3%) believed in the existence of 'Garam' foods.  Overall, 278(65.9%) subjects had <50% YES, and 144(34.1%) had >50% YES answers.  Three most commonly believed myths were: a neonate must be tied for better growth 281(66.6%), 'Garam' food should not be given to children in summers 225(53.3%), and diseases like 'Kala Yarqaan' are transmitted through lactation 223(52.8%).  There was a significant impact of education (p<0.001) and regional background (p=0.006) on predilection for harbouring myths.  There was no significant impact of age (p=0.415), marital status (p=0.790) or socio-economic class (p=0.196) on the matter.


 CONCLUSIONS
 Significant prevalence of myths pertinent to children's health-related issues among ladies was observed.  The lacunae identified must be aptly addressed at clinical level as well as via lectures and seminars.
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