Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding immunization among family practice patients

To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices about immunization among family practice patients. A questionnaire based survey. A questionnaire was developed in line with the study objectives. It was administered to patients visiting family physicians, after they were administered, informed consent and assurance with regards to confidentiality was provided. Epi-info and SPSS software was used for data management. A total of 97 patients were surveyed. The majority were men [59.8%] with a mean age of 29.69 years. Majority was unmarried [51.5%], with graduate and post-graduate education [73%], and in government and private service [48%]. Vaccination was believed to prevent disease by 94%. Majority was informed about immunization by doctors and parents [94%]. Media provided information about immunization to 62% of the patients. A 58% would recommend vaccination to others. Source about harmful effects of immunization was provided by friends and parents [80%]. Hurdles against immunization were lack of education and lack of funds according to 43 [45%] and 29 [30%] respondents respectively. Education of population and mothers were ways to promote immunization according to 23 [24%] and 19 [20%] respondents respectively. Immunization exists against Hepatitis "C" and Malaria according to 35 [36%] and 10 [10%] respondents respectively. Immunization were received against polio, measles and hepatitis "B" by 86 [89%], 51 [53%] and 26 [27%] respondents respectively. The study results have identified a strong need for education program for the masses about immunization, since major deficiencies have been identified. Further studies are strongly recommended along with debate on this important public health issue

Level of prepatedness of patients for medical emergency

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted at the Emergency Room, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, during March and April 2003. One hundred patients visiting the Emergency Room for the treatment of a medical emergency were surveyed. The average age of patients was 42 years, with 54 men and 46 women. The majority was married, well educated, housewives or in private/government services. Only those patients who were well enough to respond to questions were interviewed. Seventy [70%] respondents had financial resources available to meet the expenses of the medical emergency. Patients were accompanied by someone in 89% cases. The majority was accompanied by husband [20%], son [20%], brother [14%], father [08%], wife [06%], sister [06%], mother [05%], daughter[05%] or a friend [05%]. Seventy-nine% respondents felt that experiencing the present medical emergency will enable them to be better prepared for such events in the future. Since we conducted the study at the Emergency Room of a teaching facility, and the study subjects were well-educated and socioeconomically better off, we cannot generalize the results to the population at large. We should not be surprised that 70% of the study subjects had the resources to pay for the expenses the medical emergency. Far less people in the community will be able to meet such expenses

Perceptions on bioethics among general practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan

To study the perceptions on bioethics among general practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan. A questionnaire based cross sectional survey. 85 general practitioners in Karachi were surveyed at their clinic premises. Main outcome measures: Perceptions on the broad principles of bioethics. The majority of general practitioners were males, with mean age of 36.3 years, had minimal postgraduate qualifications and continuing medical education. They reported the top five moral duties of a physician and their reaction in the event of the death of a close relative due to a doctor's negligence. A significant number of respondents agreed that a 'doctor is next to God'. Other issues studied include discontinuation of artificial life support, giving of gifts by pharmaceutical companies to doctors, sickness certification, organ donation, human cloning, disclosure of information to cancer patient and patient confidentiality. We have documented the perceptions of general practitioners on broad principles of bioethics. These views have significant implications for medical practice