Type 2 diabetes; effects of socio-demographic factors among patients

To determine the effects of various socio-demographic factors upon the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Type 2 Diabetes is growing at an epidemic scale. Besides genetic predisposition, numerous environmental factors elicit the development of diabetes. An estimated 246 million people are suffering from diabetes worldwide. Majority of diabetics [80%] live in very poor countries of the world, where even the least expensive lifesaving diabetes drugs are not available. Pakistan ranks number seven in terms of global diabetes burden and is projected to reach number five in 2025. Approximately half of the diabetics are aware of their disease status, and most of them are diagnosed with complications and poor metabolic control. This study determines the effects of various socio-demographic factors upon the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Cross-sectional. National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, DUHS, Karachi, Pakistan. March 2008 to December 2009. 1029. The mean age of the study sample was 50.5 +/- 12.1 years. Fifty two percent study participants were males and 48% females. They were from various occupations, educational levels and socio-economic strata. Among these diabetics, 73% had family history of diabetes; 20% were doing exercise, 20% knew self monitoring blood glucose and 6% had knowledge to inject insulin. Only 29% followed diabetes diet. A vast majority of diabetic patients was not doing exercise; had least knowledge of self monitoring blood glucose and did not follow diabetes diet. Various environmental factors, lack of related information and peoples' reluctant attitude played important role in the high prevalence of diabetes

Diabetic patients; awareness about life style modifications

To assess awareness about the role of lifestyle changes in the management of diabetes among diabetics. Diabetic clinics of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Kidney Centre. Karachi. From April 7, 2008 to August 31, 2008. Cross Sectional. Convenient. Sample Size: 200 diabetic patients. A total of 200 diabetics were interviewed. Their mean age was 48.8 years. Of these 92 [46%] were males and 108 [54%] were females. Diabetes was under control of 38% and 57% were taking regular treatment. Education sessions were attended by only 11%, counseling for lifestyle modification was done with 16%, 30% followed diet chart and 18% of the study participants were doing regular / irregular exercise. Majority of them [68%] needed social and family support to cop up the disease. There was a lack of awareness about the role of lifestyle changes in the management of diabetes among these diabetic patients. There is a need of health education programs for diabetics and general public

survey to assess the female sexual harassment in the higher educational institutes of Karachi

To determine the nature and frequency of the exposure of female students to sexual harassment at higher educational institutes; and explore the adverse effects of sexual harassment on the victims and coping strategies implied by them. Sexual harassment, whether at workplace, educational institution, street or leisure is a problem gaining increasing recognition in every society. Despite the widespread nature of the problem, there are still considerable misunderstandings as well as differences of opinion concerning whether particular situations or behaviours are sexually harassing in nature or not. The victim may feel threatened, humiliated, harassed, and would interfere with the performance, satisfaction, commitment, and undermine security, or create an intimidating environment. This study was conducted in ten institutes which included six medical, three engineering and one general colleges/universities of Karachi from January 6 to September 30, 2009. A total 480 female students were conveniently selected from ten different educational institutes, and were provided a self administered questionnaire with their consent. The identify of all the study subjects was kept secret. Out of total 480 female students, 460 i.e. 96% returned the filled questionnaire. Among them, 65% reported of sexual harassment of various degrees / levels irrespective of their residential area, appearance and attire. These females were harassed by the fellow students [37%], faculty [32%], and strangers [64%] who included patients, attendants, visitors and passerby. Although almost all of the participants [98%] wanted a punishment for the harassers, yet they [78%] were reluctant to disclose the name/ identity of those perpetrators because of the fear of exploitation, social taboo, further embarrassment, adverse consequences, and career obstacles. Many females were the victim of sexual harassment in various forms. There is a need to sensitize the society; and mass awareness programs should be carried out through variety of media

Visiting holy shrines; a survey to assess the common reasons by devotees in Karachi, Pakistan

There are frequent visits of the devotees to the holy shrines mainly for the purpose of mental healing. The people with various beliefs and religions attribute divine powers to the graves of their saints. This study surveyed the purpose of the visits to shrines, their beneficial effects, and also the sanctity violated by drug addicts and others. 1] To assess the common reasons of visiting holy shrines. 2] To determine the use / misuse of these visits. Cross-sectional. One most commonly visited shrine in Karachi. 01-06-2008 to 30-07-2008. 120 visitors. Visitors of 20 years age or older, who consented to participate. Visitors of less than 20 years age and who did not agree to participate. Total number of study subjects was 120, with male to female ratio of 58: 42. Their age varied from 20 to 80 years. They belonged to various socioeconomic and ethnic groups with varying educational level. Majority of the visitors come frequently. The purpose of visits included reward [swab], poverty, domestic problems, infertility, ill health, in addition to see lovers to have an access to commercial sex workers and narcotics. Some devotees had a mishap during the visit. Most of the visitors come for mental healing and relaxation with the hope of getting solutions for their problems, and a few use these sacred places for their wrong doings