ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Vitamin D is steroid hormone essential for maintaining many important functions in the body. Hypovitaminosis D has become worldwide problem affecting all age groups and both genders, but its prevalence is very high in South Asia. Therefore this study was aimed to determine frequency of hypovitaminosis D in adult patients of RMI Medical Out Patients Department [OPD] and find association of clinical disease with biochemical levels
Methods: It was a cross sectional study carried out on all patients visiting RMI Medical OPD from 1[st] Jan, 2015 to 30[th] April, 2015 with clinical indications using universal sampling technique involving 400 subjects. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16
Results: Out of 400 subjects 85[21.3%] were males, 315[78.8%] were females, biochemical hydroxyvitamin-D3 deficiency was present in 320 [80%] subjects with 86[21.5%] having severe deficiency, 176[44%] having moderate deficiency and 58[14.5%] having mild deficiency. There was statistically significant association between biochemical deficiency and severity of clinical disease manifestation, calculated using chi square test. [p < 0.001]
Conclusion: Most of the patient with musculoskeletal symptoms had vitamin D deficiency affecting all age groups and mostly female gender. There is a statistically significant association between low biochemical hydroxyvitamin-D3 levels and severity of clinical signs and symptoms which can provide evidence for replacement therapies in rural and far flung areas where biochemical assays are not available. Early recognition and replacement can prevent the massive complications, which deficiency of vitamin D makes us prone to develop
ABSTRACT
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.