Views and practices of dermatologists regarding preventable skin diseases

To find out views and practice of dermatologists regarding prevention of preventable skin diseases. Cross-sectional study. The study was set up in Apr-May 2010 at PAF Hospital Faisal, Karachi, Pakistan. A close-ended questionnaire was sent to 100 dermatologists through resource persons at different places throughout the country. It included basic information about them, their views and practice regarding prevention of these diseases. Data was managed and analyzed using SPSS-17. Fifty dermatologists thought that frequency of preventable skin diseases in their clinical practice is 26-50%. Fifty-six observed educated community as the most important link for prevention, 46 held governments responsible and 42 consider busy schedule as barrier to educate community. Thirty dermatologists delivered talk to general public, 11 at schools, colleges and factories, 07 appeared on mass media and 08 prepared leaflets, pamphlets and brochures regarding preventive aspects of skin diseases at least once during last one year. Dermatologists in Pakistan are aware of magnitude of the problem and understand importance of public education; however only a few dermatologists have endeavored to take up this task

Adherence of chronic dermatology patients to prescriptions and non-medicinal instructions

To determine frequency of adherence of dermatology patients having chronic diseases to prescriptions and non-medicinal instructions. The study was conducted at dermatology out-patient department of PAF Hospital Faisal, Karachi from July 2009 to September 2009. Patients included those having skin disease of over 6 months duration and visiting hospital repeatedly. A specially designed pro forma was filled for each patient. It included demographic profile and questions regarding written prescription, non-medicinal instructions and follow up dates by the dermatologist and whether patients understood and followed the prescription and non-medicinal instructions and having regular follow ups. Computer program SPSS-15 was used to manage and analyze the data. Of 160 patients, 91 [56.9%] were males and 69 [43.1%] females. Patients' age was 1-90 years [mean 33.08+18.72 years]. Prescription was clearly written for 94 [58.8%] and 84 [52.5%] understood the prescription. Ninety five [59.4%] patients took medicines regularly and in correct dosages and 43 [26.9%] observed non-medicinal instructions. Forty [25.0%] patients were given follow up date in writing and 71 [44.37%] were re-visiting clinic regularly. A considerable number of patients having chronic dermatological diseases are not adhering to the prescriptions and non-medicinal instructions

Family planning project through NGO, public sector intervention

The overall vision of population control policy is to achieve stabilization by 2020 through expeditious completion of the demographic transition that entails decline both in fertility and mortality. At national level highest priority is attached to lower population growth rate from its current level 2.1 percent to 1.9 percent per annum by 2004. Through a strategic programme Pakistan Army has joined Family Planning Association of Pakistan [FPAP] a NGO for reproductive health and family planning. This collaboration is an excellent example of a Non Government Organization [NGO], Public Sector intervention, which started in 2000 for three years. The outcome has remained successful; the project will be extended for another five years with extended dimensions

Snake bite cases in CMH Bahawalpur

A retrospective study of medical record of snake bite cases admitted during two years from July 1994 to June 1996 in Combined Military Hospital Bahawatpur was carried out. As the terrain is heavily infested with snakes, large number of cases of snake bites occur in civilian population. The record of 22 cases admitted to CMH Bahawalpur was scrutinized for establishing the pattern of snake bite cases. Nineteen [86.36%] patients were referred from Advanced Dressing Station or Regimental Medical Officers to the hospital, the rest reported directly. Initial information about the nature of snake and snake bite, in most of the cases was insufficient. All cases except 1 [4.54%] occurred in summer months, during night. Majority of the patients were from Artillery and Armour Corps. The victims reached hospital between 15 minutes to 4% hours. The hospital stay was 3-23 days, 3 [13.63%] patients developed neurotoxic manifestations. Only 1 [4.54%] patient received polyvalent antisnake venom in the field. Provision of polyvalent antisnake venom and awareness among soldiers about snake bite need further consideration. Administration of care and specific treatment in time can prevent death due to poisonous snake bite

Use of traditional medicine in military environment

A survey study was carried out at Bahawalpur to assess the popularity of traditional medicine in military environment. 3000 serving soldiers of all ranks were asked simple questions through a questionnaire in urdu regarding their preference for a particular type of therapy, the ailments/problems for which it was used and the reasons as to why they preferred traditional medicines, besides Allopathy. It was found that traditional modes of therapy are significantly popular among our soldiers. It is, perhaps, the need due to a number of traditional medicine and to evolve a policy for our health providers to acknowlege the existence of traditional medicine and to evolve a policy for the judicial use of these therapies in our society on scientific basis