Are We Aware of Dengue Fever? A Community Based KAP Survey on Dengue Fever in Rawalpindi

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever and its prevention in Rawalpindi. A Cross Sectional Survey. Community of Rawalpindi, from July to Sept. 2012. A total of 215 participants were selected through consecutive sampling echnique. A structured questionnaire was self administered after informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Knowledge of dengue was measured by asking questions related to disease symptoms and preventive measures. Association between knowledge and awareness at p<0.05 was accepted as significant. It was found that the knowledge of the community regarding Dengue fever was adequate [91%]. The respondents' awareness about preventive measures for dengue was also satisfactory [88%]. A significant association found between knowledge and awareness of dengue fever and preventive measures [P= 0.01]. Mass media was identified as an effective tool in raising awareness. However; adequate knowledge about prevention did not reflect in community practices [P=0.031]; factors identified responsible for it, were like water storage for domestic use due to water shortage and excessive load shedding. Local community is well aware about dengue fever and its prevention; however it was found that good knowledge doesn't necessarily lead to good practice. Health educational campaigns should be designed to improve behavior and practices of prevention and control measures against dengue fever

Stress; a cross sectional study at islamic international medical college [IIMC], Rawalpin

To assess different level of stress and reaction to those stressors among undergraduate medical students and also observe an association between different academic years, if any exists. Cross-sectional study. Islamic International medical college- a private medical college in Rawalpindi. Period: From 2006 to 2007. Questionnaire used was a stress inventory called students life stress inventory. It was distributed to all registered MBBS students at IIMC in years 1- 5 who voluntarily participated. 403 out of 500 students completed the questionnaire with response rate 81.6%. Data was analyzed through SPSS by applying different statistical tests, which were ANOVA, and t test. Results reveal that 21.53% students were mildly stressed, 39.12% students were moderately stressed and 12.64% students were severely stressed. Significant gender differences were found on almost all the sub-scales. The findings reveal that females face more stressors especially conflicts, emotional and behavioral [p < .01], stress was more significant between boarders as compare to non-boarders. One Way Analyses of variance [ANOVA] was computed to check the significance of differences on mean scores. An analysis of variance on Student Life Stress Inventory is significant, F = [3.774], p <.01. Mean difference indicates that prevalence of stress is higher in first year and final year MBBS students. This study presents pragmatic evidence regarding the psychological health of students in our college. These findings suggest that high levels of stress exist in our students especially significant during first and final years of their course. It is important for us to know the prevalence and causes of student stress, which not only affects their health, but also their academic achievement. Information from this study can be used to develop appropriate intervention programs for medical students, in order to decrease their stress levels

Knowledge, attitudes and practices to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] and diabetes amongst South Asians in North Kirklees, England - a focus group study

The aim of the study was to identify and explore main issues relating to knowledge, attitudes and practices to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] and Diabetes amongst South Asians in North Kirklees, UK. A comparative study. The study was conducted in North Kirklees, UK from April 2001 to March 2002. A focus group approach from qualitative research methodology was used. South Asians already attending community centers for different activities were selected randomly. Group discussions were taped and translated. Main issues were identified by analyzing these transcripts using qualitative methodology. A variety of attitudes and different levels of knowledge and practices to lifestyle risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] and Diabetes have been observed. The main issues identified were language barrier, lack of individually tailored information, cultural and religious barriers such as lack of women-only facilities. Other barriers which have been highlighted by the study were diet, lack of physical activity and stress. Stress has also been identified as an important cause of CHD leading to Diabetes especially in South Asians [SA]. The health care professionals need to be aware of knowledge, attitudes and culturally sensitive issues of South Asians to potential diseases in order to undertake effective preventive measures by avoiding being prejudice. Inspite of provision of communication assistants South Asians still face problems accessing health and leisure services due to language barriers. The issue of stress amongst South Asians needs to be recognized as an important issue. Hence it is important to assess the health and social needs of SA independently in order to deliver high quality and effective health care