Attitudes towards menstruation among young women

To determine knowledge and different attitudes towards menstruation among young women. A descriptive study was carried out at Isra University Hyderabad and villages around the Isra University Hospital, from 1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006. Five hundred women from villages around Isra University Hospital and students of Isra University Hyderabad were selected by non-probability sampling who were of menstruating age irrespective of their marital and literacy status. Women with menstrual irregularities or any other gynecological or psychological problem were excluded. All information was recorded on a questionnaire Performa and analyzed on SPSS version 15.0. Out of 500 participants, 438 [87.6%] regarded menstruation as a natural process; whereas, 62 [12.4%] perceived it as a disease and curse from God. Out of 500, 415 [83%] of the participants responded that the menstruation process is good for health; however, 85 [17%] felt this process not healthy for themselves. Ignorance, false perceptions and unsafe practices regarding menstruation are not uncommon among young women, hence the importance of health education particularly of women living in rural areas. Then they will be better prepared emotionally to experience menstruation and will have less negative reactions

Frequency and indications of cesarean section in a tertiary care hospital

To determine the frequency of cesarean section and to analyze the indications, so as to introduce measures to control the cesarean section rate. This descriptive study was conducted in obstetric and gynecology department of Isra university hospital Hyderabad Sindh from 1st Jan 2007 to 31st Dce 2007.In this study clinical record of all the patients who underwent cesarean section was analyzed. It included all the pregnant ladies booked in the antenatal clinic and unbooked patients admitted in early labour for whom cesarean section was indicated later. It also included all those cases coming in emergency at any time for which cesarean section was indicated. Clinically diagnosed cases of ruptured uterus proved on laparotomy were not included in the study. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 11 and frequencies as wall as percentages were calculated. During one year study period, 380 cesarean section were performed. The rate of cesarean section was 64.7%. Emergency cesarean section was performed in 225 [59.2%] patients and elective cesarean section in 155 [40.7%]. Among 380 patients, 167 [43.9%] were booked while 213 [56.0%] were unbooked. Repeat cesarean section was the commonest indication seen in 73 [19.2%] patients followed by dystocia in 51 [13.4%] patients, fetal distress in 48 [12.6%] and ante partum hemorrhage in 45 [11.8%] patients. Miscellaneous indications contributed to 16 [4.2%] of the cases. Majority of patients who underwent cesarean section was unbooked and had an emergency cesarean section. The commonest indication was repeat cesarean section

Frequency, intensity and impact of premenstrual syndrome in medical students

To determine the frequency and severity of Premenstrual Syndrome [PMS] in medical college students, evaluate the impact of the condition on the quality of life and find out the associated risk factors. An observational study. Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, from August to December 2006. Unmarried medical students aged 18-25 years with regular menstrual period for the last 06 months were recruited by convenience sampling. PMS-related data was collected on daily record of severity of problems [DRSP] for two prospective cycles. Health-related quality of life data was collected on medical outcome study Short Form 36 [Sf- 36] after taking informed consent from participants. Descriptive and inferential analysis was done by two-tailed t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Study participants [n=172] had mean age of 21.2 +/- 1.9 years. Eighty-nine [51%] girls met the criteria for PMS recording to ICD - 10, among them, 53 [59.5%] had mild PMS, 26 [29.2%] had moderate and 10 [11.2%] had severe PMS. Ten [5.8%] girls were found to have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder [PMDD] according to DSM - IV criteria. The order of frequency of symptoms were anger, irritability, anxiety, tiredness, difficult concentration, mood swings and physical symptoms like breast tenderness and general body discomfort with great impairment in social life / activities and work efficiency/productivity. Dysmenorrhea [p=0.003] and family history of premenstrual syndrome [p <0.001] were significantly associated with premenstrual syndrome on univariate and multivariate analysis. Sf - 36 score on Mental Component Summary [MCS] and Physical Component Summary [PCS] were significantly lower in the affected group. Premenstrual syndrome is a common problem in young girls which adversely affects their educational performance and emotional well-being. Strategies should be adopted for detection and management of PMS in young girls