Assessment of body mass index [BMI] in medical students [a cross sectional survey]

Obesity is nutritional imbalance and it is under the influence of environmental and genetic factors, increase in high-energy intake and a reduction in physical activity. All overweight and obese are at risk for hypertension, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc. Unfortunately obesity is increasing in modern world and this is reported by many researchers. This rising magnitude of the problem mandates population-level intervention. For which a quality data is needed. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap for designing a suitable preventive strategy. To know the etiological factors in the area, to formulate a public awareness and intervention programme for reduction in mortality and morbidity due to obesity in Pakistan. Cross-sectional survey. KEMU June to July 2006. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to interview the 4[th] yr MBBS students. Although obesity is present in some students but, surprisingly the percentage of students who were under weight was more than the over weight/obese. Obesity is significantly more in economically well students, whereas under wt. students belong to all the economical classes. Economical prosperity and sedentary life style are the most important suspected causes of obesity where as low wt. trend was either due to fashion of looking smart of due some awareness. Awareness programme are the best feasible approaches for rectification of the situation for neither being over- weight nor under wt

Common determinants of Ca breast - a case control study in Lahore

Background Ca breast is commonest malignancy in females all over the world and 2nd leading cause of death in females. In Pakistan, it is more common in young age [incidence in 30-39 years] contrary to west [over 65years]. Genetics,use of oral hormonal contraceptives, prolonged hormonal replacement therapy, environmental hazards and parity are also considered to play an important role in causation of ca. breast. This morbidity pattern of young age in Pakistan is a real concern for the health care planners and providers. To know the etiological factors in the area, to formulate a public awareness programme for reduction in mortality and morbidity due to breast cancer in Pakistan Case Control Study. Place and Mayo and INMOL hospitals. Jan-June, 2005. Pre- tested questionnaire was used to interview the cases and control groups Ca breast is significantly more in married, young age, with 3 or more children, breast feeding moth ers. Early marriages environmental hazards, genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalance are the most important suspected causes. Cancer awareness and screening programme with community participation are the best feasible approaches for rectification of the situation

First feed given to the new born babies - a survey in an urban community of Lahore

Pakistan being 7[th] populous country is facing a high Neonatal Mortality Rate and it is reported that acute gastroenteritis is one of the major factor to this high Neonatal Mortality Rate. Avoiding colostrums and giving some prelacteal feed are contributory factors for gastroenteritis. Which ultimately leads to high Neonatal Mortality Rate. To study the first feed practice adopted by lactating mothers in a community in Lahore. Study design. Cross sectional community based survey. Dubhi mandi near old Anarkali Lahore from January 2002 to June 2002. 180 mothers who delivered in the previous year were listed and interviewed on structured pre tested questionnaire. 32% mothers feed colostrums, and 68% started with other items like honey 27%, ghutti 18%, Araq 8%, water and sugar 4%, cow and formula milk 12%. Out of [122] those who did not started with colostrums, 59% done it intentionally under the influence of family traditions /taboos of either avoiding colostrums being a stale food or to get the first feed by a person of good fortune, 31% missed by ignorance and 10% due to medical reasons. Out of 58 mothers who started with costume 45% were motivated by health professionals, 39% by relatives/friends and 20% by media. It is conclude that still prelacteal feed is common practice. It is also observed that people change this practice under the guidance of health professionals. So situation can be improved by increasing liaison of pregnant mothers with health professionals,who should continuously motivate the mother during pregnancy and delivery, to start with colostrums with in half hour of delivery