Body mass index [BMI] of international medical student in OJHA Campus Karachi, Pakistan

Measuring body mass index [BMI] by calculating height and weight gives significant information on the health and nutritional status of individuals. Wide range of factors including blood pressure level, heart disease, asthma, headache, backache, joint pain, anesthesia risks, menstrual abnormalities and insulin resistance is associated with increase in BMI. [1] To measure height and weight for Body Mass Index calculation. [2] To compare national data of Body Mass Index. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, Dow International Medical College [DIMC], Dow university of Health sciences OJHA campus Karachi from April 2012 to April 2013. The sample of the study was 112 medical student selected through random sampling method from DIMC. BMI trend of American student [10.90%] and Pakistani Local student is slightly different were under weight in local Pakistani student [20.65%]. While over weight were more in American student [over weight 29.64%]. Majority of local and International students are fall in Normal range [55.35%]. It was interesting that obesity in American students [3.70%] and local born students [3.44%] was almost same. The study concludes that BMI of International student who were born in Pakistani migrant family have different trend. How ever over all majority of students both local and international fall in normal BMI range

Psychological effects among internally displaced persons [IDPS] residing in two districts of Sindh

To identify the psychological effects of IDPs and to assess the psychological illnesses. Descriptive Cross Sectional study. This study was conducted at shelters surrounding the campus of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro and New Sabzi Mandi, Hyderabad after 1 month of the flood. During study 300 affected Internally Displaced Persons [IDPs] were examined for physical, social and psychological effects after one month of flood through structured interviews. We focused on the behavior and activities according to Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV [DSM-IV] to identify psychological effects. Beside that the history of diet manual in children, male and female gender was addressed. Out of 300 respondents, the mean age was 40 years. According to DSM IV, 134 [44%] participants met the criteria of depression. 30 [10%] IDPs reported aggression. 26 [9%] IDPs met the criteria of post traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], 110 [37%] IDPs reported lack of sleep. Geographically Pakistan faces frequent natural calamities. In recent past Pakistan has suffered a lot due to floods. There is need to focus on mental health of internally displaced persons which is most neglected aspect during and after flood and disasters. The government and nongovernment organizations should make implementing policy to take care of post health issues of IDPs