ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the incidence cases and their demographic, clinical and haematological risk factors of dengue infections in a low resource rural community during outbreaks of 2010-2012 in Gadap town Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: An active surveillance data collection on epidemiological and clinical observations on patients with Dengue infections in a low resource community during 2010 - 2012 was done. The surveillance reports were collected from union councils of Gadap Town, Karachi. The diagnosis of Dengue fever, Dengue haemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndrome was confirmed by IgM and IgG anti bodies detection using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays [ELISAs] technique based on World Health Organization [WHO] criteria. The sampling technique was cluster random sampling from the union councils of Gadap Town, Karachi and sample size calculated was 350. Data was collected on a performa after informed consent of patients. Data analysis was done on SPSS version 16. Frequency was reported for categorical variables and chi-square test performed for statistical significance to determine associated risk factors among positive cases of dengue infections. Results: Out of 350, 105 [30%] cases had dengue infections in rural area of Gadap town Karachi. About 58 [16.6%] had dengue fever, 30 [8.6%] dengue haemorrhagic fever and 17 [4.9%] had dengue shock syndrome. Twelve patients died during treatment. Presence of fever and cutaneous manifestation were observed in all cases. The significant associated risk factors were found in female, unmarried having 5 years education and severe pain at p<0.001. Conclusion: In endemic areas during dengue surveillance dengue infections were found in 30% cases. The significant associated risk factors were female, unmarried, with 5 years education and severe pain. Febrile illness represented patients with typical clinical features and haematological findings suggestive of dengue fever
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the cognizable frequency of physical violence by intimate partners against women seeking medical care at a tertiary care center, Karachi
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional survey was conducted at a medical care emergency of a tertiary care center, Karachi. The sample size was 345. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the study subject. A Performa was used to collect the information directly through recorded data and interviews. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS software version 15. Means with standard deviation for numerical variables and proportions for categorical variables are presented. Chi square test was performed for association of education level and occupation with frequency of physical violence by intimate partners
Results: There were 345 cases reported during August 2014 to February 2015. Mean age +/- SD was 33.50 +/- 8.41 years and family income 1,855 +/- 962 rupees per month. Cognizable physical violence was observed in 286 [77.7%] by intimate partners against women seeking medical care at a tertiary care center Karachi. Housewives were 271 [78.6%] seeking care for physical violence injury. Fractures were found in 226 [65.5%] women. There was no education in 46 [13.3%] and 5 year education was 191 [55.4%]. The percentage of cognizable physical violence was 77.7%. Non-cognizable physical violence found higher among younger age group 24-36 years as compare to older women
Conclusion: The frequency of cognizable physical violence was two third by intimate partners against women seeking medical care in metropolis megacity, Karachi. Major risk factors found were age more than 36 years, housewives, low family income and only five years education
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the behavioral risks factors associated with spread of dengue infections in a rural community of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town, Karachi, Pakistan
Methods: A questionnaire based cross sectional survey was conducted during September 2013- February 2014 in union councils of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town, Karachi. The sample size was 350. Systematic random sampling was used for selecting the study subject, from each household taken as one unit. Sample was taken from a total of 3225 houses to achieve total sample of 350 households. All the data was entered and analysed by using SPSS software version 15. Means with standard deviation for numerical variables and proportions for categorical variables are presented. Chi square test was performed to find the association of behavioral risks factors with spread of dengue infections in a rural community of Karachi, Pakistan
Results: Dengue infection was clinically diagnosed in 203 [58%] patients and were hospitalized during August 2012 to February 2013. Among all patients, higher frequency was found in the middle age group 37 to 54 years i.e. 44% [n=154].The behaviors of self-mosquito bite protection [p<0.01], selfprevention in breading mosquitoes [p<0.01], density of vegetation [p<0.01], behaviors regarding lack of self-efficacy in controlling vector [p<0.01] and lack of preventive measure in community [p<0.01] were significantly associated with transmission of dengue infections
Conclusion: The behavioral risks factors associated with spread of dengue infections in a rural community included lack of preventive measure in community, lack of comprehension of Health belief models, lack of knowledge,lack of self- prevention in breading mosquitoes, high density of vegetation and lack of self-efficacy in controlling vector
ABSTRACT
To determine the proportion of passive tobacco smoking during pregnancy and estimate the level of knowledge and practices regarding Passive tobacco smoking and its adverse fetal outcome. A community based cross sectional survey was conducted in four union councils of Malir Town. This is a small semi urban community of 77216 population. Currently pregnant women were interviewed regarding passive tobacco smoking consumption and their knowledge about its adverse fetal outcome. A semi structured questionnaire was used during June to August 2011. Pregnant women either exposed or not exposed to passive tobacco smoking were interviewed for their knowledge and practices regarding its impact as adverse fetal outcome. A total of 190 mothers were interviewed. In the study 133 [70%] women were found subjected to passive tobacco smoking. About [85.5%] exposed to passive tobacco smoking were knowledgeable about adverse effect of maternal passive tobacco smoking on fetus. The fetal adverse effects comprehend by mothers included stillbirth 35 [63.6%], small size baby 65 [100%], fetal congenital abnormality 33 [86.6%]. The proportion of passive smoking exposure during pregnancy was 70% and 85.5% mothers were knowledgeable regarding Passive Smoking exposures and adverse fetal outcome including stillbirth 63.6%, small size baby 100%, fetal congenital abnormality 86.8%