Well baby visits - an experience in a squatter settlement of karachi

To determine the profile of healthy children visiting to the well child clinic in relevance to their growth and development. A cross-sectional study. The Study was conducted at the Primary Health Care [PHC] center in a squatter settlement of Karachi from December 2003 to December 2004. A cross-sectional survey of children under 3 years attending the Primary Health Care [PHC] center in a squatter settlement situated near Ziauddin Medical University [ZMU], Clifton. Karachi. It is divided into five blocks with a population of approximately 20,000. It is a low socio-economic area with poor literacy rate. For convenience of follow-up, only those children were enrolled in the well child clinic living within a distance of 5 kms. from the center. The information was recorded on a structured proforma, which included the introduction of the child; natal and pre-natal history; immunization and feeding history; past medical and surgical history; complete general and systemic examination. The growth parameters were recorded on growth chart recommended by the WHO. A total of 62 children were enrolled from birth to 3 years with a mean age and standard deviation of 2.2+1.3 years. Almost half the mothers [34 out of 62] preferred ghutti as a pre-lacteal feed, 6 preferred honey while the rest were unable to remember giving any prelacteal feed. Almost half of the children [n=31] were given colostrum. Breastfeeding was initiated in 18 children while the rest were bottle fed. The weaning age ranged from 4 to 24 months. All the children were fully immunized according to the EPI schedule. Majority of the children were malnourished [82%] and only 18% had normal weight for age according to the growth chart and Gomez's classification. It iwas found in this study that the improved nutrition can lead to improvement in child growth

Epilepsy: a family physician' perspective

Epilepsy is characterized by the occurrence of at least two unprovoked seizures. Seizures occur due to abnormal hypersynchronous discharges of cortical neurons and the clinical features depend upon the location and extent of the propagation of the discharging neurons. Family physician should be able to initiate management, alleviate misunderstandings and refer appropriately when required. For this review, literature search was done on PubMed. Only those articles which were related to the family physicians need were selected. They were further reviewed by the authors and data concerning common problems faced by family physicians was extracted and synthesized. This article reviews the definition of common terminology to describe seizures, classifications, clinical manifestations and complications along with the evaluation and management of epileptic seizures

Assessment of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage at a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan

The assessment of outcome in admitted patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in a tertiary care hospital on the basis of GCS and CT scan.The cases of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to neurosurgery department of a tertiary care hospital during the year 2004 were included in the study. Those with cerebral infarction, recurrent hematoma, or hemorrhage due to non-hypertensive causes were excluded. The parameters assessed included age and sex of the patient, associated comorbids like DM and IHD, GCS on admission, CT scan findings, management and outcome. A total of 84 cases with hypertensive bleed were analyzed, of which 52 [62%] were between 30-60 years and 32 [38%] were more than 60 years of age with equal sex distribution. Statistically significant association was observed between co-morbidity and outcome of patients [p 0.00 1], between CT scan findings and management [p 0.006], between management and outcome [p=0.02]. Management and outcome of hypertensive ICH is dependent on multiple factors like age of the patient, co-morbidity, CT scan findings and GCS. These are some of the direct predictors of assessing ICH. The aim should be to prevent such incidents secondary to hypertension

Knowledge of students regarding hepatitis and HIV/AIDS of a private medical university in Karachi

To determine and assess the level of awareness among students of a private medical college regarding HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C. A survey was conducted to assess the awareness of medical students on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C. They were asked to fulfill a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The variables accessed were their knowledge of disease regarding etiology, mode of transmission, and prevention. A total of 267 students participated, with 117 [43.8%] students from pre-clinical years and 150 [56.2%] from the clinical years. The male female ratio was 1:2, mean age of respondents was 21 + 1.5 years. Majority of the students [98%] agreed that an infected person is a major source of transmitting these infections. Almost all [95%] students knew that blood transfusion was an important source of transmitting these infections. Wearing gloves [87%] and safe disposal of sharps waste [98%] were known by the students to be the ways to protect against these infections. A significant difference was noted on comparing the knowledge between preclinical and clinical students regarding medical / surgical procedures causing these infections [p<0.001] and also regarding the ways to protect against these diseases [p=0.001]. There is a lack of awareness among the medical students entering into the profession. It is the need of the hour to emphasize on practicing universal precautions. In addition, some preventive measures should be taken by the management of the universities and medical students to avoid the occurrence of these problems

Risk factors assessment for hypertension in a squatter settlement of Karachi

To assess the risk factors for hypertension in adults [age more than 15 years] in a squatter settlement of Karachi. Cross-sectional survey of adults more than 15 years old in a squatter settlement of Karachi through random sampling method. A total of 327 adults were approached, 165 [50.5%] were males and 162 [49.5%] females. Blood pressure was measured in 63 [38%] males and 135 [83%] females. Out of which, 11 [17.5%] males and 19 [14%] females were screened hypertensive. Hypertensives were older as compared to normotensives [p<0.001]. The mean BMI of hypertensives [25.6 + 4.5 kg/m2] was significantly higher [p=0.008] than normotensives [22.9 + 5.0 kg/m2]. Hypertensives were 9.7 times more likely to be diabetic as compared to normotensives in this study [p<0.001]. On analyzing the relationship of hypertension with other variables, no significant difference was noticed for education [p=0.68], smoking status [p=0.46], family history [p=0.31] and occupation [p=0.27]. Prevention and control of hypertension is essential as the life expectancy is increasing in developing countries as well. The main emphasis according to this study, should be on controlling the BMI through weight reduction and regular exercise. Awareness about the risk factors for hypertension among the population is required to decrease the double burden on the society