Depression, anxiety and their associated factors among medical students

To determine the frequency of anxiety and depression among medical students of Wah Medical College and their associations with sociodemographic and educational characteristics if any. Cross-sectional survey. Wah Medical College, from September 2007 to March 2008. A sample of 279 students was included in the study after excluding first year medical students because they were admitted for less than 6 months. A self administered Encounter Form was administered. Sociodemographic and educational characteristics included age, gender, birth order, number of siblings, monthly income, monthly expenditure on education, academic performance in professional examination, past medical and past psychiatric history, substance abuse and family history of psychiatric illness. Beck depression inventory and beck anxiety inventory were used to assess the level of depression and anxiety. The chi-square test was applied at 5% level of significance to determine associated factors for anxiety and depression respectively. The mean age of students was 21.4 +/- 1.41 years with female preponderance i.e. 202 [72.4%]. Anxiety was present in 133 [47.7%] students and depression in 98 [35.1%] students. Both were found concomitantly in 68 [24.37%] students. Age [p=0.013], gender [p=0.016], examination criteria dissatisfaction [p=0.002] and overburden with test schedule [p=0.002] were significantly associated with depression. Anxiety was significantly associated with gender [p=0.007], birth order [p=0.049], year of study [p=0.001], examination criteria dissatisfaction [p=0.010] and overburden with test schedule [p=0.006]. One third of students were found to have anxiety and depression which was associated with the sociodemographic and educational factors as stated above

Breast feeding patterns in some lactating mothers of Rawalpindi

The purpose of the study was to assess present patterns of breast feeding [BF] to identify such determinants that can be positively modified in the present socioeconomic scene of the nation. It was a descriptive cross sectional study. This study was done in Rawalpindi city from March 2004 to December 2004. Mother's perceptions [n=501] for breast feeding [BF] were examined through a descriptive cross-sectional study using convenient sampling technique m urban area of Rawalpindi city National [BF] policy guidelines were used as a basis of assessment. Lactational practices were not optimum in majority [87.42%] and in all socioeconomic strata In general no significant association was found between Literacy and economic strata and the pattern of [BF] of the study population [P> 0.1 and > 0.05 respectively] However, practice of additional food intake during Lactational period was significantly associated with right breast feeding practices in the population studied [P < 0.05 and odd's ratio 72] In 29.2% cases qualified health care providers including specialist in obstetrical care promoted formula milk feeding Insufficient information, Ineffective motivation about BF of masses and inappropriate healthcare practices, were major factors responsible for inadequate [BF] practices in the community studied. The issue can be addressed by enhancing health education to potential mothers, sensitizing males and effective monitoring of health care practices