Perceptions of students of the learning environment studying an integrated medical curriculum

To assess the learning environment perceived by medical students of a college employing modular, organ-based integrated curriculum. A cross-sectional descriptive study. The study was conducted in July 2012 among students of first year M.B.,B.S of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Lyari, Karachi. Among students of first year M.B., B.S. the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure [DREEM] Questionnaire, which has worldwide face validity, was used to assess the learning environment as perceived by students. The English version of the DREEM inventory was administered to all the students. The participation was voluntary and the questionnaire was anonymous. The return of the completed questionnaire was taken as their implied consent. The overall DREEM score was 121.07 [out of 200]. The students' perception of educational environment was found to be more positive. They also considered the overall atmosphere of college comfortable and reported better-than-average social lives. Nevertheless, the study also revealed that there was a lot of room for improvement in a newly established medical college. The study showed that the students perceived a positive learning environment at the college. Although the students were experiencing a considerable amount of stress, their social life on the campus was quite satisfactory

Bowel injuries secondary to induced abortion: a dilemma

To study the pattern of bowel injuries incurred by induced abortion, and the morbidity and mortality associated with them. Prospective descriptive study from December 2002 to December 2005. Surgical Unit three Gynaecology and Obstertrics Unit two, Civil Hospital, Karachi. All patients with bowel injuries due to induced abortion. Detailed data of all the patients was collected and analyzed. A total of 22 patients, mostly young with an average age of 26.86 years, presented with bowel injuries following induced abortion. Severe hemorrhage occurred in 8[36.4%] patients while 11[50%] had ileal perforation; 9[40.9%] underwent primary repair and 2[9.1%] ileostomy formation. Two [9.1%] patients with jejunal perforation had primary repair, whereas two with both jejuna and ileal perforations underwent resections with anastomosis in one and ileostomy in another. Seven [31.8%] with large gut involvement had colostomy formation. Septicemia and wound infection occurred in 7[31.8%] patients each, faecal fistula and abdominal wound dehiscence in 3[13.6%], and pelvic abscess in 1[4.6%] patients. The total mortality in this series was 6[27.3%] patients. Iatrogenic injuries during induced abortion, most commonly caused by quacks, can be minimized substantially if the procedure is performed by qualified medical personnel in proper health care facilities. There is a need for radical overhauling of the mind set in our society together with legislation

Frequency of congenital anomalies and associated maternal risk factors in the lower socio-economic group

To determine the frequency of congenital abnormalities in the lower socio-economic group and to identify associated maternal risk factors. Prospective descriptive study from January 2002 to December 2004. Out-Patient Department [OPD] of Gynae. and Obstetrics [Unit II] and Labour Room, Civil Hospital, Karachi. All patients in the lower socio-economic group who were detected to have or delivered abnormal babies. Women with an abnormal baby in-utero were identified from the Antenatal Clinic of the Gynae. And Obstetrics [Unit II] OPD or were inducted into the study after the delivery of an abnormal baby. These patients were further evaluated by taking a detailed history of the risk factors for congential abnormality. General physical examination of the mother was carried out, with detailed physical examination of the baby born with congenital abnormality. Investigations of the mother carried out included Blood Group, Blood CP and Random Blood Sugar. During the study period 246 patients delivered babies with congential malformation, making a frequency of 28/1000 deliveries. Neural Tube Defects, mainly Hydrocephalus, was the commonest congenital abnormality seen in 54.6% cases. Consanguineous marriage was found in 63.3% of cases, constituting as the leading risk factor for congential abnormalities. The incidence of congential abnormalities is high due to increased number of consanguineous marriages and non-availability of early prenatal diagnostic facilities. There is a need to improve public awareness regarding problems related to maternal age and consanguineous marriages