ABSTRACT
Background: India was the first country to have launched a National Program for Family Planning in 1952, but still there is no control on population growth. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraceptives among married women in semi urban area of Tamil Nadu.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in a semi urban area of Tamil Nadu. Married women of reproductive age (15-49) were included. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the subjects and self-administered questionnaire was used as study tool.Results: In this study about 91.80% were aware of at least one of the contraceptive methods but only 64.75% women used. The most common reason for using contraception was small family norms (75.89%) and for not using contraception was worried about side effects. The method commonly preferred was sterilisation (63.93%). The process of decision making was done mutually by both husband and wife (76.79%). There is an association existing between the education and awareness.Conclusions: On overall analysis it was found that only 49% are aware of contraception. Thus by proper motivation, counselling and improving facilities at both government and private sector, the unmet needs of contraception can be a
ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the incidence of liver damage based on grading of necro-inflammatory and fibrotic changes on hepatic cytology in patients suffering chronically with hepatitis C, presenting with alanine transaminase levels in normal ranges
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was accomplished at department of medicine, PAF Hospital Mushaf, Sargodha for six months of duration from April 2012 to October 2012. 100 cases were evaluated. Liver biopsy was done using large bore sure cut biopsy needle under all aseptic measures after ultrasound marking and sent in 10% formalin for histological studies of inflammation and necrosis. Liver damage was declared for patients having grade 1 or more activity on METAVIR scoring system
Results: Majority of the patients were between 31-40 years of age and lowest age was 20 years. Average age of the patients was 33.2+/-7.4 years. Out of 100 patients, 47 patients [47.0%] were male while remaining 53 patients [53.0%] were females Liver damage was found in 41.0% patients
Conclusion: Liver biopsy should be performed for a clear diagnosis in patients suffering from HCV with alanine transaminase level within the normal ranges. Patients may suffer advanced hepatic disease despite normal levels of hepatic enzymes
ABSTRACT
It was a descriptive study done in the department of Pediatrics, Jinnah Medical College hospital Karachi from October 2005 to September 2006. All children between 1 to12 years, diagnosed as asthma [on clinical grounds] were enrolled. Information regarding asthma severity and use of regular drugs in past 6 months was recorded in a pre-de-signed Proforma. Disease severity was classified according to GINA guidelines as intermittent and persistent. Persistent group was further subdivided into mild, moderate and severe categories. Treatment in accordance to GINA guidelines was considered as a standard therapy. A total of 150 patients were enrolled, out of which only 4.7% were of intermittent category while 95.3% were of persistent type [39.3% mild persistent, 44% moderate persistent and 12% severe persistent]. Patient in intermittent group were not on any regular long term medication. Seventy six percent of the patients with persistent asthma were on quick relief drugs, while controller drugs were being used in19.3% cases only. Limited use of inhalers with or with out spacer device and nebulizers was observed [14% cases]. Inappropriate drugs according to GINA guidelines, e.g.: antihistamines, cough and cold preparations, mast cell stabilizers and drugs from hakims and homeopaths, were not included in the study results. Majority of the patients was not found to be treated according to GINA guidelines. Controller medications were being under prescribed while in its place reliever medication was being inappropriately advised on regular basis