Influence of volume of dental treatment on self reported oral health of patients visiting university college of dentistry Lahore

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of volume of dental treatment on self reported oral health of patients visiting University College of Dentistry Hospital, Lahore. A cross sectional study of 660 participants was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, University of Lahore from March 2011 to March 2012. An oral examination conducted by calibrated examiners was followed by administering a self complete questionnaire i.e. global oral health transition [GOHT] statement to indicate change in oral health related quality of life [OHRQoL]. A statistically significant greater proportion of people who had received six or more dental services in the past one year had a self-reported improvement in oral health than people who received less or no dental services [p=<0.01]. Of the putative confounders, the presence of oral disease at baseline [p=<0.01], having a treatment need [p<0.01] usually visiting a dentist with a problem [p<0.05] and having a lot of difficulty paying Rs 1000[$10] dental bill [p=<0.01] were significantly associated with oral health staying the same or worsening. Having six or more dental services was significantly associated with greater self-reported improvement in oral health than less than six dental services. Results provide important information to politicians, policy makers and administrators for allocating necessary resources to improve population OHRQoL

Spatial and seasonal variation of dengue fever in Lahore 2008

To find out the spatial and demographic profile of cases of dengue fever outbreak in Lahore [2008]. 2. To find out the seasonal variation of the dengue fever outbreak. Jan 2008 to Dec 2008. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Bacteriologist laboratory at Institute of Public Health Lahore. All the cases reported from Lahore city to the Bacteriologist laboratory during the study period. Blood samples from 3215 dengue suspected cases referred to Bacteriologist laboratory from different areas of Lahore were tested for IgM antibodies by ELISA after subjecting them to initial screening by rapid immunochromatographic technique [ICT]. Demographic and residential data was recorded. Among 3215 dengue suspected cases, 1766 [54.94%] were found serologi-cally reactive for IgM antibody. Reactive cases were stratified spatially according to administrative towns of Lahore. Higher positivity of dengue cases was observed in densely populated areas of the Lahore. Maximum reactive cases [73.21%] were observed during month of November. Patients in age group 20 - 29 years were more frequently affected [32.33%]. Only 74 cases [4.1%] were children below 9 years. Males [58.55%] were affected more commonly than females [41.44%]. It is concluded that during epidemic of dengue fever in Lahore [2008], more cases were observed from September to December from densely populated areas of Lahore in age group 20-29 years. Protective measures should be adopted for at risk population. Our study forms the basis for public health measures for better control of vector

Prevalence of alcoholism in the Punjab, Pakistan

Alcoholism is a type of addiction, causing both physical and psychological dependence. It is a major social, economical and health problem. A total of 1560 cases of alcohol intake were studied at the office of Surgeon Medico legal Punjab. Most of them at the time of examination were showing visible clinical evidence of alcoholic intake. Victims were mostly males. Examination was conducted on the request of police. A wide range of symptoms of different duration was observed. Psychological element was also seen in some victims