Prevalence of pan, gutka, betalnut, naswar and cigarette smoking in university students of Karachi

To evaluate prevalence of pan, gutka. betal nut, niswar and cigarette addiction among students of different universities and to be familiar with perception of people about addiction and smoking free public places. Cross-sectional study This study was carried out at three different universities of Karach, i.e. Karachi University, NED University and Sindh Medical University, Karachi from 10.08.2012 to 05.01.2013. A cross-sectional study conducted with a total of 537 students aged between 18-28 years from three different universities of Karachi. A questionnaire was given to them containing 28 close ended questions about addiction of pan, gutka, betel nut, naswar and tobacco. The data obtained was analysed by using SPSS version 17. The results showed 67.5% [361] were males and 32% [171] were females.The prevalence of addiction of pan, gutka, betal nut, Naswar and cigarette smoking is higher among males than in female university students. Addiction of betal nut is found 41.55% in males and 12.86% in females. There were 71.1% males and 72.5% females in complete favor of smoke free public places. The perception about addiction was 5.62% of the males and 0.585% of the females feel that it's good About 56.5% of the males and 84.79% of the females note that it's deleterious to health. Most popular addiction is of betal nut. Many people think that public places should be smoked free. Most of them are aware of the deleterious effect of addiction to health and tried to quit but failed. Hence, it is suggested that some awareness program about quitting modalities should be introduced

Attitude towards radiology and knowledge regarding CT and M.R scans in medical students

To assess the attitude towards radiology of undergraduate medical students of DUHS and the level of knowledge of common imaging techniques [CT and MR Scans]. A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. This study was carried at Dow University of Health Sciences [DUHS], Karachi from May 2009-October 2009. The study among 300 medical students of Dow University of Health Sciences [DUHS]. Systemic random sampling was carried on pre-tested questionnaires among the batches of students attending clinics. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS version 16. 97.3% students stated that radiology teaching is not adequate.93% students stated that radiology should be taught along with basic sciences' course. 63% and 69% of the participants knew about the indications of CT and MRI respectively. The perception of the Undergraduate medical students towards acedemic teaching of radiology during their clinical tenures in medical schools and their knowledge, indication and risk factors regarding CT and MR scans is scares which needs to incolporated in the curriculum but the knowledge regarding skills involved with them including radiation exposure was 45% and 31% respectively

Perception of euthanasia in students of public Medical University in Karachi

Euthanasia is emerging as a grave issue in medical and biomedical fields. The fate of Euthanasia however, swings like a pendulum with terms like 'merciful intervention' at one pole to 'endangering human rights' on the other. The ongoing debate has lead to many surveys with significant results showing the upward increase in acceptance of either performing or securing intentional actions resulting in termination of life. This study is carried out to know about the perception regarding Euthanasia. The aim is to perceive understanding towards Euthanasia in medical students and its usage in their future practices. Qualitative descriptive study design. This study was the Department of Community Medicine, SMC, Karachi from April 2011 to September 2011. Sample size is 400 collected from Dow University of Health sciences, Karachi and sampling design is simple random. Evaluation tool is structured questionnaire based on 3 case studies with the consideration of ethical issues. In the data analysis 48.25% endorsed the act of euthanasia in certain cases while 40.25% strongly disagreed with it. Remaining 11.5% supported the cause only when the patient is willing. 13% individuals opted for actively easing the suffering of a patient in Case-1 while 11% agreed to prescribe a lethal drug/dosage in Case-3 of voluntary euthanasia. A staggering 40% ordered removal of life saving equipment in Case-2 of a vegetative patient as passive euthanasia. The leading cause for supporting euthanasia was increased availability of equipment and resources at a 48% while 62% of the discord was due to belief in life/death being a matter for the Lord only. When faced with a choice, 39% found ethnic discrimination more abusive of a doctor's oath than 23% of those who choose Euthanasia. To conclude, significant numbers of medical students support Euthanasia especially passive euthanasia. Religious beliefs are of serious concerns while gender also plays a small part in the decision making