Biosafety intervention and follow up assessment in laboratory workers of Karachi, Pakistan

Regular trainings and capacity building are required for all health care workers to ensure that they follow the laid down standard operating procedures and thus avoid any mishap. Delays in such trainings and improper supervision results in their reverting back to their old habits. Post intervention assessment of laboratory workers of public and private sector hospitals of Karachi on adherence to biosafety practices. Quantitative-qualitative cross-sectional survey done from August-November, 2012 using simple random sampling. Study population comprised of 253 laboratory workers of public and private sector hospital laboratories of Karachi. An initial KAP survey on biosafety practices in the laboratories and their workers followed by training and a post intervention evaluation was done in 2008. Four years later these workers were re-evaluated using an anonymous closed ended questionnaire to assess how many are following the training and the standard guidelines. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 13.0. Mean and percentages were calculated for quantitative variables and x[2] - test was applied for significance. A total of 253 participants [168 males and 85 females] returned the filled questionnaire Almost all [98.8%] laboratory workers had correct concept on use of personal protective equipment, 85% were neither practicing mouth pipetting for chemical and biological samples, nor using laboratories for eating and drinking purposes while importance of SOP/BOP and laboratory accident record maintenance was acknowledged by over 95%. Knowledge about discarding the used syringe was present in only 68%. A comparison between public and private sector laboratory workers revealed that 37% public sector workers were still discarding syringes in the dustbin as opposed to 3% from private sector. Educational interventions performed almost 4 years ago were still followed by laboratory workers indicating the importance of at least one training every 2-3 years to sensitize them on biosafety

Adolescent's perspective on reproductive health: a study from Karachi

To determine the existing knowledge, attitude and behavior about reproductive and sexual health in adolescents of Karachi and seek their opinion about reproductive health education. Study type, settings and duration: A cross sectional study was conducted on adolescents [17-19 years] of both gender studying in colleges of Karachi during 2010. Subjects and Methods: Using stratified sampling procedure, a cross sectional study was carried out. After informed consent and ensuring confidentiality an anonymous quantitative questionnaire was completed to ascertain the knowledge of adolescents on reproductive health. A total of 912 adolescents [470 males and 442 females] of 12 public and private sector colleges of Karachi participated in the study. Acquaintance to reproductive health was present in 75% males and 71% females and most participants confirmed discussing reproductive health issues with friends. About 81% males and 91% females affirmed for a need for enhanced reproductive health education and awareness while over 50% of the respondents were of the opinion that the right age for reproductive health education was 16 to 18 years. Confining sexual activity to one partner and avoiding exposure to blood and needles for the prevention of AIDS was known to 38% males and 44% females but the prevention of sexually transmitted infections using condoms, was known to only 1/3 rd of the respondents. Although 70% of the respondents of both genders knew that pregnancy can be avoided but only 20% knew about contraceptives. Most adolescents' knew about the reproductive cycle but were not well aware of how to avoid exposures to sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies. Policy message: Reproductive health education is insufficient in adolescents should be gender specific and socio culturally sensitive

Liquid antacids: a comparative study on palatability and cost effectiveness

To compare the palatability, acid consuming capacity and cost effectiveness of different brands of liquid antacids available in Karachi. Fifty healthy volunteers between the age of 20 to 59 years were recruited in the study. A total of seven antacid brands available in market were physically and chemically tested. The trial design was that of randomized, double blind and cross over study type. All fifty volunteers were individually asked to taste different brands of respectively classified antacids. All antacids were given during a period of 2-hour. Scoring/rating was conducted on the basis of aroma, taste, consistency and after taste using a scheme similar to wine tasting point scale methodology. Acid consuming capacity of antacid were determined according to British Pharmacopeias 2007. A total of 50 volunteers participated in the study after giving informed written consent. The taste rating scores deduced were independent of age and gender. Among all the antacids suspension B [Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Alginate] showed maximum palatability; however the overall palatability of the antacids was poor. Antacid containing sodium bicarbonate and sodium alginate was found least palatable. More over the extra strength antacid version showed highest acid consuming capacity entailing small dosage but shows reduced palatability. Antacid brand-B reveals lowest cost effectiveness and least palatability. While, based on the findings of this study G suspension can be one of the suitable antacid for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders since it showed highest palatability scores and cost effectiveness

Rhesus negative blood incompatibility: knowledge of primiparous in a community

Incidence and the complication rate of Rh incompatibility varies in different parts of the world and the low incidence of Rh negativity often leads to the neglect of rhesus incompatibility in many parts of Asia. To assess the knowledge of primiparous and females with first child, regarding Rh incompatibility and its risk to mother and child and create awareness amongst them about the importance of blood grouping during pregnancy. Cross sectional study, done in Korangi town Sector 33-B to 33-F of Union Council -7 of Karachi, consisting of 5000 randomly selected houses. About 350 primiparous and female with first child were selected by using systemic sampling plan. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge regarding Rh disease and hemolytic disease of newborn, after taking informed written consent. Testing for blood group was done at the site and report cards were issued to all participants. Information about Rh related aliments were also given to all participants to enhance their awareness about Rh disease. A total of 350 females were interviewed and checked for blood group and 8.3% were found to be Rh negative. Only 2% women had knowledge about complications related to negative blood group during and after pregnancy. Majority [94.3%] were not aware that what precautions should be taken if a mother's blood group is Rh negative. Knowledge about blood groups, Rh incompatibility and its complications during pregnancy and after child birth was very low and needs to be addressed through public education. Blood grouping of married pair may be helpful in early diagnosis of Rh -ve blood incompatibility

Blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference of school going children of Karachi

Exposure to cardiovascular risk factors during childhood may be associated with the development of atherosclerosis later in life. To determine blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference in school going children of Karachi. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in schools of Karachi. Children from randomly selected public and private sector schools, aged between 8-14 years were included. Height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure of each child were recorded. All children with raised blood pressure were re-evaluated and their detailed history and physical examination was carried out. Of the total 500 children, 41[8.2%] were over weight, [23[9.2%] boys and 18 [7.2%] girls] and 33[6.6%] were obese [21 [8.4%] boys and 12[4.8%] girls]. Waist percentile > 90 was found in 65[26%] boys and 89[35.6%] girls and all obese [33] children had waist percentile >/= 90. Over all 21[4.2%] and 28[5.6%] children had raised systolic and diastolic blood pressure [>/= 95[th] percentile] respectively. With increasing status of body mass index, there was an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Over weight and obese children had significantly [p<0.001] higher blood pressure values than children with healthy weight. In obese category, 3[9%] children were hypertensive [systolic and diastolic blood pressure >/= 95[th] percentile], 2[6.%, systolic] and 4[12.% diastolic] were pre-hypertensive [>=90<95] while over weight was marked by hypertension in 3[7.3%] and pre-hypertension in 5[12.2%]. Present findings are in accordance with the definition that 5% of children in any given population would be classified as having high blood pressure and an increase in body mass index and waist circumference was found associated with raised blood pressure. The study recommends a need for measuring blood pressure in children during health maintenance visits, to identify children at greatest risk of obesity in adolescent and suggest interventions before chronic overweight is established. Education department should introduce healthy life style behaviour in school curricula to improve the health of our younger generation

Perception of adolescent females about viral hepatitis in urban and rural Sindh

To assess perception regarding viral hepatitis among adolescent college girls and to evaluate the frequency of vaccination against hepatitis B of urban [Karachi] and rural [District Kambar Shadad Kot] Sindh. A cross sectional study using cluster sampling technique was conducted in five randomly selected intermediate colleges of Karachi and four of district Kambar Shadadkot during January 2008-February 2009. A total number of 500 adolescent college girls of age group 16-19 years were included in the study; 350 from urban and 150 from rural Sindh. A questionnaire was filled comprising of general information regarding viral hepatitis such as; type of hepatitis, mode of transmission, methods of prevention and status of vaccination etc. Respondents were interviewed after a written informed consent and confidentiality was assured. Data was analyzed using SPSS software package. Total respondents were 500; 350 from urban [Karachi] and 150 from rural [district Kambar Shadadkot] Sindh. Knowledge regarding various types of hepatitis was known to only 4% urban and 7% respondents from rural setup, while 54% from Karachi and 30% from interior Sindh had awareness that hepatitis B and C are infectious diseases. Seventy three percent of urban respondents knew that hepatitis B can develop cirrhosis and lead to liver cancer and 51% from rural population had the acquaintance. Immunization against HBV was recognized by 53% respondents of urban population but despite acquaintance only 28% were found vaccinated and the reason cited for non immunization was lack of awareness and cost of vaccine. Only 16% girls were found vaccinated from rural Sindh. Poor knowledge about hepatitis and vaccination against it amongst adolescents is still alarming and strategies need to be developed by the relevant authorities for creating awareness and to vaccinate them