awareness and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in medical community of Bahawalpur

We investigated the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome and evaluated the level of awareness about this condition in medical community [healthcare workers] of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. It was a cross-sectional study. It was carried out over a period of one year [June 2008 to May 2009]. The following institutions took part in the study: Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Quaid-eAzam Medical College, Paramedical and Nursing Schools and Female Jubilee Hospital, A total of one hundred and ninety four [194] Doctors and Paramedics [Nurses and Dispensers] working in the institutions included in study were selected by simple random sampling technique. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were recorded, lifestyle features were inquired about, and the level of awareness regarding MetS was surveyed. The criteria recommended by the Adult Treatment Panel [ATP] III were used for the diagnosis of MetS. The presence of MetS was evaluated in all [194] subjects. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 29 participants [14.95%], and there was no statistically significant difference between men and women in this respect. At least three criteria of MetS were correctly listed by 36 participants [18.56%], with physicians showing significantly higher awareness levels [p<0.001]. The frequency of abdominal obesity was 22.68% and it was significantly higher in males than in females [29.29% vs 14.74%; p<0.001]. Current study shows that only a minority of medical community are aware of MetS as a clinical entity. Nurses and other paramedics are unaware of the problem

Frequency of retinopathy in adult diabetics in Bahawalpur city

To determine the frequency of diabetic retinopathy in adult diabetic population of Bahawalpur city. A cross-sectional population based study was carried out to determine the frequency of diabetic retinopathy among adult diabetics of Bahawalpur City from January 2009 - June 2010 at Ophthalmology Department Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur and Department of Pathology, Quaid-i-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Two thousand sixty diabetics [males=1090, females = 970] aged 18 - 55 years [mean age = 38 years] were included in the study who were residing in Bahawalpur for last 3 years. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height and waist measurement were obtained using standardized techniques. Blood pressure was recorded in the sitting position in the right arm to the nearest 2 mm Hg with a mercury sphygmomanometer. A fasting blood sample was taken after ensuring 8 hours of overnight fasting for estimation of plasma glucose. According to ADA criteria, patients having fasting plasma glucose > 99 mg/dl were considered to have impaired glucose level and OGTT was performed. Those having fasting plasma glucose level >/= 125 mg/dl were considered diabetic. For retinal studies, pupils were dilated in both eyes. The four fields taken were stereoscopic picture of the macula, disc and superior temporal and inferior temporal quadrants. Color photography [35 mm] was used because of better clarity and the stereo effect. The frequency of diabetic retinopathy in study subjects was found to be 34.5%. Occurrence of diabetic retinopathy shows a positive correlation with duration of diabetes. Frequency of diabetic retinopathy in Bahawalpur City is 34.5% and hyperglycemia, BMI, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia are direct association with diabetic retinopathy

Frequency of HCV seropositivity and its association to risk factors among healthy blood donors reporting to blood bank at Bahawal Victoria hospital-Bahawalpur

The study was carried out to assess the frequency of HCV sero-positivity and to see the risk factors associated with it. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at Blood Bank in Bahawal Victoria Hospital. Bahawalpur. The study was done from July to December 2008. One hundred [100] healthy blood donors of either sex, age between 18 and 50 years, who reported for blood donation were enrolled for this study through convenience sampling method [non-probable technique]. Persons with high blood pressure and H/O previous major surgeries were excluded. The anti-H.C.V. one step Hepatitis "C" Antigen Test Device, a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Hepatitis "C" Antigen in serum or plasma-was used. Data were recorded in the structured Performa for further processing of data. Results were compiled by using SPSS [version 12.0] and Microsoft office to process the data. Most [94%] of the healthy, volunteer blood donors were male. Out of 100 subjects, eight [8%] were found to be HCV sero-positive. The independent risk factors associated with HCV sero-positive cases were post-transfusion history of jaundice, history of surgery, dental procedures, needle prick accidents, sexual promiscuity, tattooing, intravenous drug use and razor and scissors sharing. The frequency of HCV sero-positivity among the healthy blood donors is 8% which is quite high and alarming. Most of the risk factors associated with it involve parenteral route of viral transmission

Prevalence of hepatitis "B" and "C" among the barber community of Bahawalpur city

This study was done to estimate prevalence rate and risk factors for HBV and HCV in Barbers and Beauticians of Bahawalpur City. 100 healthy Barbers and Beauticians were registered for this study. Screening test was applied for HBsAg and Anti-HCV. Blood was drawn with disposable syringe aseptically and serum obtained for HBsAg and Anti-HCV testing. Data was shifted to the master data sheet and analyzed by different tabulation. Data presentation was done by bar and pie diagrams. This Study was carried out from June 2006 to December 2006 at Bahawalpur City. Out of 100 healthy barbers, 6, were found seropositive for Anti-H.C.V antibodies with a prevalence rate of 6%, and 2 persona [2%] wre HBsAg positive. Amongst the seropositive Barbers and Beauticians the risk factors were cuts and pricks during work, major surgery with blood transfusion, IV injections and dental extraction. Only 18% Barbers and Beauticians were having full vaccination done against HBV. The prevalence rate of 2% for Hepatitis B compared to Hepatitis C's seroprevalence at 6% shows the declining attitude of HBV in the community and the retrospective effect of vaccination done against HBV [18%]. The study data further concludes the risk factors this community of Barbers and Beauticians, is facing and with further education, awareness and vaccination hopefully major decline in the HBsAg and Anti-HCV seropositivities will be appreciated