An analysis of 3105 medico legal cases at tertiary care hospital, rawalpindi

Background and Objectives: Medico legal cases are essential component of medical practice and comprise most important constituent of emergencies. The reporting of such cases is imperative to recognize their socioeconomic burden on any country. The present study was conducted to scrutinize different categories of medico legal cases and characteristics of the victims at casualty department of tertiary care hospital Rawalpindi. The objective of the study was to find out the frequency of various categories of medico legal cases and major characteristics of victims at tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 3105 registered cases in medico legal record of the casualty department of Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2015 to December 2015. The hospital is located on the main road in densely populated central area of the city. The data was collected on age, sex, month-wise distribution of various medico legal cases, weapon inflicting the injury, blunt trauma or physical assault, firearm injuries and road traffic accidents. The data thus obtained was analyzed using SPSS; observations were presented in tables and graphs

Results: Out of all 3105 registered medico legal cases, reported cases caused by Road Traffic Accident 1230 [40%] followed by blunt injury or physical assault 966 [32%] cases, 19% by sharp weapons, 5% by poisoning, and 4% by firearm injuries. In our study out of 3105 cases, almost three quarter of victims [73%] were below 30 years of age, with a decreasing frequency beyond this age, males were predominantly inflicted 2516 [81%] as compared to females 589 [19%]. The reported road traffic accidents cases from urban areas were high [74%] as compared to those from rural locality [37%]. In cases of blunt trauma, sharp weapon injuries and firearm injuries, there was a huge preponderance of victims from rural areas [65%], [62%] and 61% respectively, with urban cases constituting less

Conclusion: Road traffic injuries are one of the foremost causes of medico legal cases followed by blunt trauma and sharp weapon injuries. The emerging medico legal cases are neglected epidemic in most of the developing countries comprising a considerable public health problem

Knowledge, awareness and practices of harmful effects of anabolic steroids among body builders in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

To determine the knowledge, awareness and practices of anabolic steroids amongst body builders of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Cross sectional study. The study was conducted in various gyms and fitness centers in Rawalpindi and Islamabad from November 2013 to May 2014. A structured close ended questionnaire was filled from the body builders in various Gyms/fitness centers after taking informed consent. A total of 310 male body builders between age group of 15-35 years were interviewed by non-probability convenience sampling technique. Standard descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. Data analysis was done including variables like age, education, legality, motivation, workout, side effects and withdrawal symptoms of steroids. Chi-square test was used to ascertain the association between categorical variables, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] and p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. A total of 310 male adolescents were surveyed, 64% reported past or present use of anabolic steroids. Mean [SD] age of the body builders was 24.7 [+ 3] years and most [84%] of them were educated. More than 72% of all the body builders had the knowledge that the steroids are harmful for their health. About the side effects of steroid use, 37% knew about ham loss, acne 21%, aggression/hypertension 14%, and sterility/infertility 15%. Bodybuilders who were aware that steroid use is illegal was 62% but still they were using them [p<0.001] The withdrawal symptoms of steroids were not known to 64% bodybuilders [p<0.001]. Trainers and friends seemed to be the main motivationa2 forces [p<0.008] .Bodybuilders taking steroids were satisfied using them [p<0.000]. It was interesting to note that the bodybuilders who were themselves hooked onto steroids were not willing to recommend others to use them [p<0.001]. Mood swings were seen majority [61%] of bodybuilders. about 17% of the non-users of steroids were planning to start it in future. Steroids in the injectable from were used by 83% of the bodybuilders. Use of steroids in bodybuilders is rising and a large number of body builders are using anabolic steroids without proper knowledge of the adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms of steroids. People being aware that steroids are illegal, continue using them Trainers, peer pressure are main motivators for steroid use. Most of the body builders who are taking steroids seem pleased with its effect on the body. In addition, our study showed that there were unregulated sources of steroids in Rawalpindi and Islamabad from where the majority of the participants can have easy access, Media and health care professionals can play a vital role in the dissemination of knowledge

Future of physical therapy in Pakistan - satisfaction amongst Pakistani physical therapists about their profession

Objectives: To determine the level of satisfaction in Pakistani physical therapists about their profession as well as future prospects in the field

Study design: A cross sectional Survey

Place and duration: A structured Questionnaire was introduced to one hundred Physiotherapists selected through purposive sampling technique for the study in Rawalpindi from different Physiotherapy institutions of Pakistan from June 2010 to August 2010. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 17

Methodology: A total of 100, [male 69 and 31 females] professional Physiotherapists were interviewed about their opinion regarding their future and satisfaction in the physiotherapy profession. There were only 32% [n=32] PTs who were satisfied with their professional growth and 68% [n=68] who were not satisfied with the professional growth in Pakistan

Results: A total of 100, [male 69 and 31 females] professional Physiotherapists were interviewed about their opinion regarding their future and satisfaction in the physiotherapy profession. There were only 32% [n=32] PTs who were satisfied with their professional growth and 68% [n=68] who were not satisfied with the professional growth in Pakistan

Conclusion: Considerably low level of satisfaction was found amongst the participants regarding their earnings and quality of education. Mostly the participants were hopeful in future to see their profession developed with the help of regulatory body and empirical commitments from the government

Are We Aware of Dengue Fever? A Community Based KAP Survey on Dengue Fever in Rawalpindi

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever and its prevention in Rawalpindi. A Cross Sectional Survey. Community of Rawalpindi, from July to Sept. 2012. A total of 215 participants were selected through consecutive sampling echnique. A structured questionnaire was self administered after informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Knowledge of dengue was measured by asking questions related to disease symptoms and preventive measures. Association between knowledge and awareness at p<0.05 was accepted as significant. It was found that the knowledge of the community regarding Dengue fever was adequate [91%]. The respondents' awareness about preventive measures for dengue was also satisfactory [88%]. A significant association found between knowledge and awareness of dengue fever and preventive measures [P= 0.01]. Mass media was identified as an effective tool in raising awareness. However; adequate knowledge about prevention did not reflect in community practices [P=0.031]; factors identified responsible for it, were like water storage for domestic use due to water shortage and excessive load shedding. Local community is well aware about dengue fever and its prevention; however it was found that good knowledge doesn't necessarily lead to good practice. Health educational campaigns should be designed to improve behavior and practices of prevention and control measures against dengue fever

Frequency of Low Birth Weight in newborns of different socio-economic groups in Rawalpindi

To determine the frequency of Low Birth Weight amongst neonates born in different socio-economic groups. It was a cross-sectional study conducted in different public and private sector hospitals of Rawalpindi during 2008. A total of 288 neonates were included in the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to interview the 288 mothers selected through stratified sampling technique. Demographic characteristic, socio-economic status and different risk factors for low birth weight were explored. Overall frequency of low birth weight was 19%, which was highest amongst the low socio-economic group. In low social class, the low birth weight was 10% [r -0.65, P=0.001]; in middle social class, it was 6% [r -0.57, P=0.01] and in uppersocial class, it was 3% [r-0.48, P=0.03]. The findings of our study strengthens the evidence provided by other studies that the low birth weight is effected by the social class and highest among the low socio-economic group

Women beliefs and practices regarding food during pregnancy- a hospital based study

The aim of the study was to assess the existing beliefs and practices regarding food during pregnancy. Cross-sectional study. The present study was conducted in Antenatal Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. This study was conducted in four months time from September 1[st] to December 31[st], 2008. Sample size was 189 pregnant females who were attending the Antenatal Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. This was calculated by computer software called Raosoft- a sample size calculator by keeping confidence level 95%, margin of error 5%, and response rate 86%. Simple Convenience Sampling technique was used. 89% believed that there is an effect of food on pregnancy and 11% did not. Despite of high literacy rate [93%] there are certain strong food beliefs regarding pregnancy which have been practiced by pregnant ladies, which were effecting their food intake like hot, cold, badi and having difficult labour. All available resources for creating awareness among the masses regarding the importance of diet during pregnancy should be used properly by using all means of communication [especially mass media]

Psychological morbidity amongst infertile couples

To assess psychological morbidity amongst infertile couples. Cross-Sectional study. This study was carried out at MAS Infertility Clinic, Rawalpindi from August 2010 to January 2011. A total of 30 subjects [15 couples] were included in the study. After taking an informed consent, they were asked to complete a questionnaire. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale [DASS] questionnaire was used for this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version-14 and t-test was applied to see the significance in differences. Majority of couples were over 30 years of age and were married for more than 5 years. Vast majority [73.3%] were living in joint family system. Psychological morbidity, particularly anxiety and depression affected significantly [p=0.05] female partner. However no significant relationship was observed between the cause of infertility or duration of infertility and psychological manifestations. This study presents pragmatic evidence regarding the psychological health of infertile couples in our society. Findings suggest that high levels of stress and depression exist in these couples, which not only affects their physical health, but also their psychological well being. It highlights the importance of providing psychotherapeutic help along with treatment for the cause of infertility

Stress; a cross sectional study at islamic international medical college [IIMC], Rawalpin

To assess different level of stress and reaction to those stressors among undergraduate medical students and also observe an association between different academic years, if any exists. Cross-sectional study. Islamic International medical college- a private medical college in Rawalpindi. Period: From 2006 to 2007. Questionnaire used was a stress inventory called students life stress inventory. It was distributed to all registered MBBS students at IIMC in years 1- 5 who voluntarily participated. 403 out of 500 students completed the questionnaire with response rate 81.6%. Data was analyzed through SPSS by applying different statistical tests, which were ANOVA, and t test. Results reveal that 21.53% students were mildly stressed, 39.12% students were moderately stressed and 12.64% students were severely stressed. Significant gender differences were found on almost all the sub-scales. The findings reveal that females face more stressors especially conflicts, emotional and behavioral [p < .01], stress was more significant between boarders as compare to non-boarders. One Way Analyses of variance [ANOVA] was computed to check the significance of differences on mean scores. An analysis of variance on Student Life Stress Inventory is significant, F = [3.774], p <.01. Mean difference indicates that prevalence of stress is higher in first year and final year MBBS students. This study presents pragmatic evidence regarding the psychological health of students in our college. These findings suggest that high levels of stress exist in our students especially significant during first and final years of their course. It is important for us to know the prevalence and causes of student stress, which not only affects their health, but also their academic achievement. Information from this study can be used to develop appropriate intervention programs for medical students, in order to decrease their stress levels

Knowledge, attitudes and practices to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] and diabetes amongst South Asians in North Kirklees, England - a focus group study

The aim of the study was to identify and explore main issues relating to knowledge, attitudes and practices to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] and Diabetes amongst South Asians in North Kirklees, UK. A comparative study. The study was conducted in North Kirklees, UK from April 2001 to March 2002. A focus group approach from qualitative research methodology was used. South Asians already attending community centers for different activities were selected randomly. Group discussions were taped and translated. Main issues were identified by analyzing these transcripts using qualitative methodology. A variety of attitudes and different levels of knowledge and practices to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] and Diabetes have been observed. The main issues identified were language barrier, lack of individually tailored information, cultural and religious barriers such as lack of women-only facilities. Other barriers which have been highlighted by the study were diet, lack of physical activity and stress. Stress has also been identified as an important cause of CHD leading to Diabetes especially in South Asians [SA]. The health care professionals need to be aware of knowledge, attitudes and culturally sensitive issues of South Asians to potential diseases in order to undertake effective preventive measures by avoiding being prejudice. Inspite of provision of communication assistants South Asians still face problems accessing health and leisure services due to language barriers. The issue of stress amongst South Asians needs to be recognized as an important issue. Hence it is important to assess the health and social needs of SA independently in order to deliver high quality and effective health care

Hospitals; caring and curing palaces, or threats of infections for the community from infectious waste

To know the amount of total waste generated in the hospital daily, to know the types of waste and the amount of infectious waste generated daily, and to know about knowledge and attitude of the health care workers, doctors nurses and sanitary staff about hospital waste. The study area is the Pakistan Railway Hospital a tertiary level care Hospital consisting of 380 beds and all the essential Departments. the study was conducted from June 2006 to September 2006. This was a cross sectional study Single tertiary level care hospital was studied due to limitation of time and resources. Data was collected by using structured questionnaire and weighing of one day [24 hours] waste from all the units. Other relevant data was collected by structured interviews, meetings, discussions. waste generated in twenty four hours is 229.75 Kg. The average waste generated per patient per day is 1.05 Kg, the quantity of infectious waste generated is 104.8 Kg i.e. 0.478 Kg per patient per day. Quantity of waste generated in order of maximum to minimum waste was Gynae/Obs 1.29Kg, Paediatrics 1.15Kg, Surgery 1.13 followed by Orthopaedics 0.80Kg, ENT 0.71 Medicine 0.48 and ophthalmology 0.4Kg all per bed per day. The responses show that all the categories of hospital workers are nearly not having the proper knowledge about the hazards and therefore unable to give suggestion or solution of the problem. Health care waste management in Railway Hospital is in bad shape. The general awareness on the subject is very much lacking both by the producers as well as handlers of waste. There is acute need for training and sensitization of managers, staff and sanitary staff for safe disposal of waste