Impact of working status on their lives: a survey of working women at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

To study the impact of working status on the lives of working women. A questionnaire based cross sectional survey was conducted at the Family Practice Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from July to December 2006. The Questionnaire included data on the demographic profile of the patient and questions in line with study objectives. Ethical requirement including the administration of written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software was used for data analysis. Two hundred working women were interviewed. The mean age was 29.05 years. A majority was married [53.5%] with more than grade XII education [67%]. Sixty three [31.5%] women were working due to need and eighty three [41.5%] were finding it difficult to carry out home responsibilities because of it. Extra understanding and support was received from family by 155 [77.5%] and 115 [57.5%] women respectively. One hundred twenty three [61.5%] women felt they did not have enough time for themselves. The status of working women is better than non-working women according to 123 [61.5%] respondents. Financial benefits outweigh other disadvantages according to 105 [52.5%] respondents. Marriage prospects of working women and their children are better than non-working women and their children according to eighty one [40.5%] and eighty [40%] respondents respectively. Confidence in working women is higher than non-working women according to 142 [71%] respondents. Eighty one [40.5%] respondents feel that working women's financial independence has negative impact on theirs husband's self esteem. Working women find it difficult to carryout their home responsibilities. There is need for further studies on how to improve the working conditions and home situation for working women in our society

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding immunization among family practice patients

To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices about immunization among family practice patients. A questionnaire based survey. A questionnaire was developed in line with the study objectives. It was administered to patients visiting family physicians, after they were administered, informed consent and assurance with regards to confidentiality was provided. Epi-info and SPSS software was used for data management. A total of 97 patients were surveyed. The majority were men [59.8%] with a mean age of 29.69 years. Majority was unmarried [51.5%], with graduate and post-graduate education [73%], and in government and private service [48%]. Vaccination was believed to prevent disease by 94%. Majority was informed about immunization by doctors and parents [94%]. Media provided information about immunization to 62% of the patients. A 58% would recommend vaccination to others. Source about harmful effects of immunization was provided by friends and parents [80%]. Hurdles against immunization were lack of education and lack of funds according to 43 [45%] and 29 [30%] respondents respectively. Education of population and mothers were ways to promote immunization according to 23 [24%] and 19 [20%] respondents respectively. Immunization exists against Hepatitis "C" and Malaria according to 35 [36%] and 10 [10%] respondents respectively. Immunization were received against polio, measles and hepatitis "B" by 86 [89%], 51 [53%] and 26 [27%] respondents respectively. The study results have identified a strong need for education program for the masses about immunization, since major deficiencies have been identified. Further studies are strongly recommended along with debate on this important public health issue