Analysis of retinal signs in patients with primary hypertension

OBJECTIVE OF STUDY: To detect retinal signs in patients with primary hypertension

DESIGN OF STUDY: Hospital based prospective study

PLACE OF STUDY: Department of Medicine Unit II, Chandka Medical College Hospital Larkana

DURATION OF STUDY: One year from January 2010 to December 2010

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included evaluation of 495 patients of age greater than 20 years with primary systemic hypertension [BP>139/89mmHg] for presence of retinopathy

The hypertension was detected by physician with sphygmomanometer and the retinopathy was detected by ophthalmologist with fundoscopy. The type and severity of hypertensive retinopathy was graded on the basis of KEITH-WAGENER CLASSIFICATION. The investigations advised were complete blood cell count, complete urine examination; sugar fasting, lipid profile, blood urea, serum creatinine, electrocardiogram, echocardiography and X-Ray chest PA-view. Only known patients of primary hypertension were included in this study and patients of primary hypertension with other retinal vessel diseases and secondary hypertension were excluded

RESULTS: We evaluated 495 patients, 317[64.04%] males and 178 [35.95%] females aged 20 years and above. [P value=<0.001, X[2] Value=34.29, df=4]. The hypertensive retinopathy was present in 223[45.1%] patients and absent in 272[54.9%] patients [P value= <0.045, X[2] value=6.19, df=2]. The severity and grading of retinopathy seen was, grade-I hypertensive retinopathy in 108 [48.4%,n=223] patients, grade-II in 71[31.8%, n=223], grade-III retinopathy in 36[16.1%, n=223] patients and grade-IV in 8 [3.6%, n=223] patients. [P value=<0.0001, X[2] Value=52.76, df=6]

CONCLUSION: With early detection of retinal signs in primary hypertensive patients, the eyes and other systemic complications of primary hypertension can be prevented

Awareness and pattern of utilizing family planning services among women attending urban health care center Azizabad Sukkur

To assess level of awareness and pattern of utilizing family planning services among women [15-49 years] of reproductive age at Urban Health Center, Azizabad Sukkur, Sindh. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2005 at Urban Health Care Center Azizabad Sukkur. Two hundred women of reproductive age group were interviewed by using a PRE tested semi structured questionnaire visiting the health care center during the study period. Information was obtained after taking informed consent regarding socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and pattern of utilizing family planning services. The data was entered and analyzed by using statistical package SPSS version 13. About 75% of women and 42.5% husbands were found illiterate, 85% women were housewives, 69.5% were married before 18 years of age and 54% had nuclear family. Regarding desired number of children women responded one child [3%], 2-3 children [11%], 4-5 [37.5%], more than five children [36%], 5.5% said that children are God gifted and 7% did not answer. About 60% of women reported use of at least one contraceptive method and 40% had never used any contraceptive method. The women who received counseling from the health care provider were 48.5% and only 6% received information through media. Religious prohibition, shortage of female staff and cost of family planning contraceptive methods were the main reasons identified for not utilizing contraceptive methods. The unsatisfactory variables were long waiting hours at the center, non-availability of contraceptive, shortage of the female staff and cost. Limited number of women was aware and practice contraception in the area and utilization of family planning services were low. The efforts should be made for providing information to couple and improving quality of family planning services in the area