Epidemiology of acute poisoning in children due to household substances. Mortality and morbidity in Hazara division

Acute Poisoning in children due to house hold substances is a global problem, however mortality and morbidity is nowadays very less in developed countries due to precautionary measures and better treatment facilities while situation in developing countries like Pakistan is alarming one. The present study was conducted to know about the death and injuries due to household poisoning in children in Hazara Division. The purpose of study was also too seek measures to reduce the risk factor. This prospective study was carried out in the Paedriatic unit of Ayub Hospital Complex and Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from July to 2008 to September 2009. A total number of 6 leases of acute poisoning of children were brought to emergency department of Ayub Hospital Complex. 45 cases were admitted in Paedriatic unit while 16 were treated in emergency department were sent back to home. There were 37 male children [60.65%] and 24 [39.34%] female. The maximum number of cases were between age group 1-5 years 43 [70.49%]. 99% percent cases in our this study were of accidental nature only one case was homicidal nature while suicidal was none. Insecticide / rodenticide were the commonist agent ingested, followed by pharmacutical products. Kerosene oil was the third commonist agent ingested in our studies. Mortality rate was 3.27%. Organo-phosphorus compound [insecticide], rodentcide and kerosene oil [petroleum products] and pharmaceutical products are common source of household accidental poison globally. In developed countries there frequencies is decreasing rapidly due to health education and precautionary measures adopted mandatorily by manufacturers but in developing countries like Pakistan the situation is same as 50 years back. The risk factor can be reduced by adopting preventive measures at national level through health education of masses and parents and making products safety measures mandatory for manufacturers, moreover parents must be educated about the harms of some Herbal agents containing Opiates and on safe storage of medicines and house hold poisonous agents

Road traffic accidents fatality and disability in D.I. Khan N.W.F.P

Road traffic accidents are important cause of death and disability in the world. More than 3000 people die on road everyday and 10 million are disabled or injured every year. The present study is an attempt to visualize the menace in D.I. Khan. The study is based upon the data of autopsies and medico legal cases examined at DHQ Hospital, D.I. Khan and Forensic Medicine Department of Gomal Medical College, D.I. Khan during year 2007 and 2008. The data was analysed for assessment of traffic accident victims. During period of study 341 cases of unnatural deaths were subjected to autopsy examination. Out of these 59 cases [22.7%] were of accidental deaths and all were male. A total of 225 injuries were recorded. The head and face sustained the highest number of injuries [42.6%] followed by the lower extremities [21.8%]. The total no. of Medico legal cases was 2153 and out of which 495 [23%] were injured due to accidents. Majority were males [99.4]. A total of 1208 injuries were found in various body areas. The maximum number of injuries [39.4%] was on head and face and next were lower extremities sustaining 28.4% injuries. The situation is alarming one and it requires immediate measures to be taken for ensuring safe traveling. Accidental death and disability can be minimized by improving roads condition, making separate pathways for cyclists and motor cyclists and adopting precautionary measures during driving

Pattern of homicidal deaths in Faisalabad

Homicide is a reflection of extreme aggression. Many factors influence such a behavior. Family environment, urbanization and the presence of weapons. We conducted this study on autopsies conducted at the department of forensic medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad to know the dimensions of homicide in terms of age, sex, weapons involved and seasonal variation if any. The study encompasses all 188 cases of homicide reporting for autopsy at the department of forensic medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad from July 2001 to June 2002. The cases were categorized on the basis of police inquest and autopsy findings. The homicide rate in Faisalabad was 8.3/100,000 population/year. The age of predilection was the third decade of life and males outnumbered females by a ratio of 3.47:1. A firearm was used in almost 50% of the cases. A surge in the summer months was noticed. Homicide rate is high in Faisalabad. Firearms are the major weapon used for committing homicide

Doctors perception about staying in or leaving rural health facilities in district Abbottabad

An imbalance exists between offered medical services and needed health care for the people in rural areas of Pakistan. Many studies have found non-availability, of health care providers as major contributors to the poor health indicators of the rural areas. Methods and An endeavor to attend the issue has been made through a cross-sectional survey of the Medical Officers working in the different health facilities of District Abbottabad. The study found that the doctors are neither trained to work in rural setups nor they are given proper facilities and service structure to work there. They perceive to face disadvantages affecting their social, professional and family life, if they join in rural areas. Recommendations: This study recommends strengthening of Community Oriented Medical Education for motivating doctors towards participation in rural health services. Doctors working in rural health facilities might be given financial and professional incentives and a conducive environment to retain them