ABSTRACT
To estimate the knowledge, prevalence and factors associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods among currently married males of reproductive age group [20-49years] in soldier bazaar Karachi Pakistan. The study was carried out in Karachi in 2010 in area of soldier bazaar. In person interviews were carried out with150 males [Aged 20-49] from different areas of Soldier Bazaar which were taken randomly. Data was collected regarding socio-demographic features, reproductive profile, family size, knowledge, and practices of family planning services and reasons for non-use of contraception. The half of respondents has knowledge about condom [52%], IUCD [44.6%], Oral pills [43.7%], injection [41.3%] and tubal ligation [32.6%]. Knowledge about withdrawal and male sterilization [vasectomy] which are male contraceptive methods is low. Only 19.3% respondents know about all the methods and another 9.3% do not know about any method.32% respondents showed willingness to undergo vasectomy as compared to 68% who are not willing for the procedure.8% of the respondents use some of family planning methods 30% of respondents [and their wives] did not use any contraceptive method because they want more children. Surprisingly 3.5% respondents among non-users did not know about the family planning methods. Educational level has shown direct relationship with knowledge and practice of family planning. Prevalence of male contraceptive methods along with knowledge of other methods is found very low and has direct relation with attitude and practice of family planning, not only among themselves but also on the adoption of contraceptive measures of their wives
ABSTRACT
Adiponectin is an adipocytokine secreted from white adipose tissue. Serum level of adiponectin has been shown to be reduced in several disease states like obesity and diabetes. Hypoadiponectinemia has also been included in the list of newer risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease [CAD]. In this analytical cross-sectional study serum adiponectin level was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay [ELISA] in 60 cases of coronary artery disease [CAD] [both sexes, aged 40-60 yrs] and 60 healthy controls. Low levels of adiponectin were seen in CAD patients as well as controls. These levels were lower as compared to western standards. Our study conforms to the previous observation of lower serum adiponectin levels in South Asians compared to the western standards. Serum adiponectin level should be considered in the laboratory work-up of CAD patients
ABSTRACT
There are a number of risk factors involved in the etiology of coronary artery disease. Lipoprotein [a] [[Lp[a]] is a genetically determined variant of low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol which is highly atherogenic. It has been found to be a common risk factor in families suffering from premature coronary artery disease [CAD]. Our study was an analytical cross sectional study, in which Lp[a] levels were measured by ELISA assay in 60 cases of coronary artery disease [CAD], [both sexes, aged 40-60 yrs] and 60 healthy controls. There was a significant difference in serum Lp[a] level between the two with higher levels seen in the CAD cases. It is concluded that it is needed to measure Lp[a] levels as well as the routine lipid profile in CAD patients