Incidence of malaria in the population of Korangi creek area, Karachi, Pakistan

Parasites lives on host organism with some or complete metabolic dependence on it, while the haemoparasites inhabit and nourished from blood cells of the host. The current investigation evaluated to raise awareness of blood parasite [Plasmodium spp.] infection in Korangi creek, Karachi, population and to know as to which Plasmodium species was most prevalent. One year data was collected from different hospitals and laboratories of the Korangi creek area, blood slides were prepared under the microscope. Four hundred and eighty one infected slides with Plasmodium were observed amongst them 396 [82.32 percent] had P. vivax and 85 [17.67 percent] had P. falciparum infection. The rate of infection did not vary with gender but had a signification association with age. Highest incidence was recorded in age group 16-40 years for both P. vivax and P. falciparum followed by age group 1-15 years in P. vivax and age group 41-60 years for P. falciparum. It was suggested that protective measures are required to overcome disease that include covering arms and legs, using repellents mosquito nets along with proper dispensing and appropriate treatment

Assessment of utilization of antenatal services and its determinants in rural areas of district Hafizabad: a community survey

To assess the utilization of antenatal services and to establish an association between the utilization of these services and its determinants in rural areas. A cross sectional descriptive study. The study was carried out in the areas within Union Council, Thatta Khairu Mumtal, Tehsil Pindi Bhattian District Hafizabad from 1[st] July to 31[st] July 2005. The study area was essentially a rural entity. A study sample of 190 antenatal cases [pregnant women] was selected by Simple Random Sampling: 40 met exclusion criteria, 05 skipped the interview, thus a total of 145 cases were studied. A semi structured non-clinical interview was conducted at the homes of respondents, which included demographic information, behavioral aspects and other variables. Data was cleaned and entered on epi-info-6 for analysis. Over one month study period, out of 145 antenatal cases, 75 [52%] were found having visited health facilities for antenatal services: 141 [97%] had received tetanus toxoid vaccination: 101[70%] were using iron supplementation: 32[22%] had delivered at health facilities while 113[78%] at home for their past pregnancy/ies: in 113[78%] deliveries were attended at home by Dais/TBAs, while in 27[19%]by LHVs and in 05[03%] by Lady Doctors at health facilities. An inverse association was found between the parity [reproductive status] of clients and number antenatal visits undertaken by them. A direct association established between the utilization of antenatal services and education level of clients and their spouses. No association between the family's monthly income of clients and utilization of these services could be ascertained. There is appreciable awareness among the rural pregnant women regarding the utilization of antenatal services and a positive of determinants like education on the utilization of these services

Assessment of socio demographic risk factors involved in coronary artery disease seen in patients presenting in coronary outdoor

The aim of the study is to assess the sociodemographic risk factor involved in Coronary Artery Disease seen in patients presenting in Coronary outdoor. A Case-Control study. The study was conducted between July 1[st] to July 28, 2004 in Lahore. It was a community based survey conducted on coronary outdoor departments in Lahore. Multistage followed by systematic random sampling methodology was used. 30 known patients of CHD were selected as cases along with inclusion of 30 healthy people as controls for the assessment of sociodemographic risk factors of CHD. The final result shows that there is a significant risk for persons over 50[OR:3, CI:0.93-94], male sex [OR:2.28, CI:0.71-7.3], smokers [OR:11.6 CI:2.95-49.00], sedentary life style [OR:6 CI0.82-8.89], persons having transport problems [OR:2. CI0.62-6.51], high cholesterol diet [OR:2.2 CI0.71-7.46], positive family history of CHD [OR:13.75,CI3.40-60.40] and underlying diseases like diabetes and hypertension [OR:4.75,CI0.40-16.74]. The study reveals an area that needs attention. The overall risk profile in our community showed increased risk of CHD in male sex, age over 50, high cholesterol diet, smoking. sedentary life style. positive family history of CHD and stressful conditions