Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection in Balochistan Province of Pakistan

The objective was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and IgM antibodies to hepatitis core antigen in Balochistan Province of Pakistan. Design of the study: a cross-sectional, population-based study. Place and time of the study: The study was conducted in Balochistan from 1[st] January 2004 to 31[st] December, 2008. The screening areas included Barkhan, Eashani, Khuzdar, Kodi Zikriani, Kohlu, Rakhni and Turbat. A total of 15,260 subjects were enrolled; 11,900 [78%] agreed to undergo screening. Fresh serum samples were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen. HBsAg was detected in 1166 [9.8%] while anti-HBc IgM was found in 117 [10.0%]. HBsAg positivity was seen in 875 [12.7%] males and 291 [5.8%] females. The prevalence of hepatitis B in Balochistan varies from 3.3% in Khuzdar to 17.0% in Kodi Zikriani. It is utmost important to educate the public, to take proper measures to control the spread of infection and vaccination in order to interrupt transmission of this threatening public health problem in Balochistan province of Pakistan

Endemicity of malaria in Quetta

To determine the endemicity of malaria in Quetta and to evaluate the malarial disease index [DI]. Also, the various modes of presentation of malaria by the prevalent species were also assessed. A cross-sectional study. The study was conducted from January 1994 to December 1998, at the Department of Medicine, Sandeman Provincial Teaching Hospital, Quetta through the courtesy of Malaria Control Program Balochistan. A total of 2.63,018 subjects were included in the study of which there were 151210 [58%] males and 111808 [42%] females. The age range was 10-60 years. After detailed history and clinical examination, finger prick method was used for thick and thin peripheral blood smears for the diagnosis. Out of the total of 2.63,018 subjects who were screened, the positive smears were detected in 91679 [34.85%]. Malarial disease index [DI] was 0.35. P. falciparum was detected in 28166 [30.72%], P. vivax in 61313 [66.87%] and mixed infection in 2200 [2.39%]. Only two symptoms were significantly associated with malaria: fever was present in 62% of P. falciparum, 53% of P. vivax and 65% of mixed infection. Chills were present in 47% of P. falciparum, 41% of P. vivax and 49% of the mixed infection. Other symptoms including vomiting, headache, bodyaches and diarrhoea had a weaker association. Balochistan is a highly endemic malarious area. The high prevalence of infection associated with low prevalence of disease in Quetta shows epidemiologically stable malaria and that in this community malaria transmission is more endemic than epidemic

Knowledge attitude and practices regarding Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever among healthcare workers in Balochistan

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] among healthcare workers at a tertiary care referral hospital in Balochistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April - May 2000 among the doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians of Sandeman Provincial Teaching Hospital, Quetta, Balochistan. A questionnaire was formulated which included the demographic data of the respondents and their knowledge, attitude and practices towards CCHF. A total of 235 healthcare personnel including 150[63.8%] doctors, 50[21.2%] nurses and 35[15%] laboratory technicians were interviewed during the survey. Seventy% [164] of the subjects were males while 30% [71] were females. One fifty-five [66%] of the total respondents claimed to know what CCHF was. By designation 120 [80%] of doctors, 30 [60%] of nurses and 5 [14%] of laboratory technicians had a prior knowledge about CCHF. One twenty [80%] of the doctors knew the most common presentations of CCHF. All categories of the respondents had a poor knowledge regarding the burial procedure of dead patients. This study was an indicator of the poor level of knowledge of healthcare workers regarding the clinical presentations and the modes of spread of CCHF. It is the dire need of the time to educate the healthcare workers about the common preventive measures of this disease, which has resulted in the loss of several important lives in the past in this region

Awareness of HIV and AIDS among fishermen in coastal areas of Balochistan

The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among the fishermen community in the coastal areas of Balochistan. Design: A cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between September-October 2000 at Gidani, a coastal area of Balochistan. Patients and About 1000 fishermen were interviewed to assess the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices regarding HIV/AIDS. It was a community based survey involving the key informants' interviews and focused group discussions. There was little awareness regarding causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the community. While healthcare providers believe that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is high, the community did not consider themselves at risk. Adolescents with any sexual health problems visit hakims and quacks. The community was aware of the etiology and some of the risk factors associated with AIDS, most probably due to the recent public health campaigns against the disease. Considering the suspected high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention program be initiated in these areas. This must include educating not only the community but also the health workers. The Government's initiative to train community workers in reproductive health is a step in the right direction