ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the prevalence of health issues among hajj pilgrims and the factors associated with them
Method: An observational study conducted during hajj [Year 2011] using a questionnaire which was filled by pilgrims on their visit to the health clinics conducted by the Imamia Medics International
Results: During the period, pilgrims presented complaints related to the respiratory system 52.5% [n=394] followed by musculoskeletal system 29.6% [n=222], gastrointestinal system 15.5%[n=116], skin problems 5.9%[n=44], central nervous system 3.1%[n=23], cardiovascular system 2.9%[n=22], reproductive system 2.7%[n=20], urinary tract problems 2.3%[n=17] were dealt with. Out of 750, 17.9% [n=134] were diabetic and 26.4% [n=198] were hypertensive. Amongst the total, 24.8% [n=186] were vaccinated against hepatitis while 35.7% [n=268] were vaccinated against pneumonia. An astonishingly high percentage of the pilgrims had no prior immunization to both hepatitis and pneumonia
Conclusion: This data tries to emphasize awareness regarding the importance of vaccination and the potential problems which are faced by diabetic, hypertensive and older population which can help to improve the health condition of hajj pilgrims and can lessen the burden faced by concerned authorities
ABSTRACT
To check the Vitamin D levels in patients diagnosed as fibromyagia in our population. Study was done at Medical OPD of Civil Hospital Karachi, from January to March 2009. Female patients diagnosed as Fibromyalgia according to American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria and exclusion of systemic illness on examination, and normal reports of blood CP, ESR, serum calcium, phosphate and Alkaline Phosphatase, were asked to get Vitamin D levels in their serum. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as < 20 ng/ml, Vitamin D insufficiency 21-29 ng/ml and Vitamin D sufficiency equal or > 30 ng/ml. Forty female patients were included in the study. The mean age was 37.65 +/- 11.5 years. Mean Vitamin D level was 17.41 +/- 5.497 ng/ml. Thirty two [80%] of patients had Vitamin D deficiency, mean levels of 15.855 +/- 4.918 ng/ml and 8 [20%] had Vitamin D insufficiency, mean levels of 23.64 +/- 2.39 ng/ml. Patients with vitamin D deficiency and age less than 45 years were 22 [68.75%], had mean vitamin D level 16.87 +/- 4.48 ng/ml whereas in age ranging from 46-75 years were 10 [31.25%] had mean vitamin D level 16.09 +/- 6.45 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency is frequently seen in patients diagnosed as fibromyalgia and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain in our population. Although the sample size of the study is small, but the figures are so alarming that it is an eye opener towards the need of a population based study, including normal population as well as those presenting with musculoskeletal pain