Knowledge, attitudes and practices [KAP] regarding sexuality, sexual behaviors and contraceptives among college/ university students in Karachi, Pakistan

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexuality, high risk sexual behaviors and methods of contraception, among college/university students of Karachi, Pakistan. Cross-sectional observational study. Higher Education Commission-recognized government and private colleges/ universities in Karachi from 2005-2006. two colleges/universities were randomly selected from each category i.e. government medical, government non-medical and private medical and non-medical colleges/universities. Three stage cluster sampling was employed to draw a representative sample of students. A self administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding high risk sexual behaviors, methods of contraception and sources to obtain information about sexual issues. A total of 957 students were interviewed. They comprised 542 [56.6%] males and 415 [43.4%] females with mean age of 21 +/- 1.8 years. Bivariate analysis showed that students enrolled in medical colleges/ universities were less likely to watch adult films [O.R. 0.7, CI; 0.5-0.9] to acquire sex related knowledge and go out on dates [O.R.0.6, CI; 0.4-0.8]. Similarly, medical students were less likely to consider contraception as being against Islamic teachings [O.R. 0.7, CI; 0.5-0.9]. the curricula of non-medical studies at undergraduate level should include education regarding sexual health and contraception

Impact of prenatal ultrasound consultation on maternal anxiety

To determine whether ultrasound consultation reduces maternal anxiety and increases feto maternal attachment [the desire to care for the fetus and care for self]. Analytical study. Patients coming for routine obstetric ultrasound at the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi were recruited in the study. The study was carried out over the period of two months from January-February 2007 in which sixty patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a standard care group or an ultrasound consultation group [30 patients in each arm]. Both groups were required to fill a questionnaire before and after their ultrasound examination. The ultrasound consultation group in addition received counseling before they went in for the ultrasound regarding fetal development and maternal-fetal interaction. The two groups were then compared for difference of change in feto maternal attachment scores and change in anxiety levels regarding their pregnancies before and after the ultrasound. SPSS software [version 14] was used for compilation of the data and the statistical computations Categorical data was compared using Chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed with paired t-test. P value <0.05 was considered significant. A positive difference in feto-maternal attachment and reduction in anxiety levels was seen in both the groups but this difference was statistically significant in the ultrasound consultation group only. This study suggests that ultrasound examinations with prior consultation has a positive impact on patients as it strengthens bonding toward the fetus, reduces maternal anxiety and increases maternal investment in health during the pregnancy