Knowledge and perceptions of diabetes in urban and semi urban population of Peshawar, Pakistan

Diabetes mellitus is a major health issue in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of diabetes in a sample population of Peshawar. This crosssectional, descriptive study was carried out in seven different localities of Peshawar. A sample of 305 residents were interviewed aged from 15-60 years and above, using a questionnaire specifically designed and translated into Urdu language for convenience of selected subjects. Knowledge of diabetes was suboptimal. The mean percentages of correct responses to questions regarding three classical symptoms and given complications were 47.1% and 30.8%. Excessive sugar intake, obesity, family history, lack of physical activities and stress were acknowledged by 46.2%, 42.3%, 39.3%, 33.4%, and 31.8% of the subjects respectively. Presence of family history and level of education were recognised to be associated with more knowledge. There is lack of awareness of major risk factors and some complications of diabetes mellitus. Level of education is a significant predictor regarding knowledge of diabetes and its prevention. Prevalence of diabetes has increased in Pakistan.

Platelet count in Malaria patients

Malaria is a major health problem in the tropics with high morbidity and mortality. This study is conducted to analyse the effects of malaria on platelets. This prospective study was conducted on 200 diagnosed cases of malaria in Department of Medicine, LUMHS, Jamshoro/Hyderabad from February to December 2010. The diagnosis of malaria was carried out by thin and thick blood films. Platelet count was performed using an automated counter. Thrombocytopenia was classified as mild [50-150x10[3] cells/microl], moderate [20-50x10[3] cells/microl] and severe [<20x10[3] cell/microl]. The age of patients ranged from 16 to 80 [28 +/- 10.5] years, median age was 30 years. Among the study population, males were 124 [62%] and females were 76 [38%]. Out of them 105 [52.5%] were cases of Plasmodium falciparum, 93 [46.5%] were of P. vivax, and 2 [1%] were of P. malaria. The data showed that 171 [85.5%] patients were having low platelet count; 141 [70.5%] had mild, 21 [10.5%] moderate, and 9 [4.5%] had severe thrombocytopenia. Twenty-nine [14.5%] patients had normal platelet count. Malaria is associated with different degrees of low platelet count with rarely increased bleeding tendency