ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the trends of tobacco smoking among students of private university Lahore
Study design: A cross-sectional study
Place and duration of study: From April 2012 to May 2012 at Becanhouse National University, Lahore
Subjects and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from 51 students after obtaining informed consent. Data was entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 16.0
Results: Prevalence of smoking was 60.8%. There were 62.5% male smokers and 60% female smokers. 'Sheesha' smoking was most common [40.6%]. Sixty-eight per cent smokers started smoking between 15-19 years of age. Cause of smoking in 64.5% was just for fun. Forty-eight out of 51 [94.1%] knew the hazards of smoking. Health education and high tax on cigarettes were pointed out by students to control the rising trend of smoking in the country
Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of smoking among university students which is disturbing. There is also very high prevalence of smoking among female students which is worrisome. Prevention and cessation of smoking among university students is drastically needed
ABSTRACT
Background: There is high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections in Pakistan; especially Hepatitis C has adopted the shape of epidemic. Due to their mode of transmission through blood and blood products, it has made the provision of safe blood difficult and the screening of blood absolutely necessary
Objective: To find out the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C virus among the healthy blood donors at Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Lahore, Pakistan
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Blood Bank of CMH Lahore Laboratory from 1[st] January 2011 to 31[st] April 2011. All healthy blood donors [n = 2155] reporting to blood bank during the above mentioned period were screened for Hepatitis B and C. Written records of blood bank of CMH Lahore laboratory were reviewed. Study Performa was designed for collection of data. Data was entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 16.0
Results: Total number of 2155 donors was screened. Out of these, 2041[92.7%] were males and 114[5.3%] were females. The results of the study showed higher prevalence of Hepatitis C in the blood donors constituting 77 [3.6%] donors. Out of 2155 donors, 21 [1.3%] were positive for Hepatitis B. Age group of 34-41 was most affected in both Hepatitis B and C positive blood donors
Conclusions: Prevalence of Hepatitis C is clearly on the rise. To control its further spread, public awareness programs and health education programs and proper selection of healthy blood donors, proper screening and discouraging professional donors should be done. Policy message: Media should be used by National Hepatitis Control Programme of Pakistan to educate the public about hazards of unscreened blood transfusion. Blood screening for Hepatitis B and C infections should be made mandatory at all blood banks
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the frequency of various risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease [CHD] among doctors of CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Design: A cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore from 01 Jun 2011 to 31st Jul 2011
Subjects and Methods: A sample size of 104 subjects was selected by convenience sampling after taking verbal consent. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of questions about presence or absence of CHD risk factors was self-administered. Variables such as gender, age group, and CHD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history of heart disease, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, Body Mass Index [BMI] and exercise were included
Results: Among 104 subjects, 53[51%] were males, 51[49%] females and less than 40 years age group were 53 [51%] and more than 40 years were 51[49%]. Proportions of major risk factors were: hypertension 20.2%, diabetes mellitus 7.7%, smoking 13.5%, hypercholesterolemia 19.2%, overweight 33.7%, obesity 5.8%, and lack of regular exercise 40.4%. Proportions of three major risk factors [smoking, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia] occurring singly, doubly and all three together in the study population were found to be 16.3%, 9.7% and 4.8%, respectively. Data was also analyzed for risk factors by comparing those with and without family history of CHD to eliminate any bias. Results were not statistically significant except for hypertension [P = 0.002]
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CHD risk factors in doctors of CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College. Modifiable risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol need better control. Preventive screening programs and healthy lifestyles need to be emphasized