Involvement and barriers to research amongst students of Khyber Medical College

To find the involvement in research amongst students of Khyber Medical College and to identify reasons for not doing research. A cross-sectional study was performed in which medical students [n=160] from different years of study were asked to fill a questionnaire. Stratified random sampling was done as 20 male students and 20 female students from each year answered the 10-question. Total positive score was calculated. One-hundred and sixty students completed the survey. There were equal male and female respondents [80 each]. The students were from 2[nd], 3[rd], 4[th] and final year. Among the respondents, only fifteen [9%] were involved in a research project; one hundred and thirty students [81.2%] believed that research is easy if proper guidance is given. One hundred and one students [63%] thought that research could enhance understanding of the subject. Most students disagreed with the idea that research could only be done by intelligent students [139, 86.8%]. One hundred and forty students [87.5%] replied that they are interested in doing research, provided proper guidance is given. In this study, we found out that very few students of Khyber Medical College are involved in research. Lack of awareness regarding importance of research and lack of guidance for undertaking research were identified as main barriers for doing research. The concerned authorities need to take steps to encourage students and should involve teachers to streamline the process

Comparison of side effects and complications of intravaginal misoprostol with extra-amniotic prostaglandin F 2 alpha for termination of second trimester pregnancy

The objective of the study is to compare the maternal side effects and complications of Misoprostol and prostaglandin F2alpha for termination of second trimester pregnancy. Non randomized controlled [Experimental] study. This comparative study was carried out in Gynae Unit 1, Lady Willingdon Hospital Lahore from 1[st] Oct 2009 to 31[st] Mar 2010. Sixty patients admitted to gynecology ward for termination of pregnancy through the outpatient department were selected according to inclusion criteria of the study. They were divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group 1 was given Misoprostol and group 2 PGF2alpha for induction of labour. Induction failure was higher in PGF2alpha group. Side effects were more frequent in the women receiving PGF2a than those receiving Misoprostol [56.67% vs. 43.33%; p=0.96]; diarrhea [26.67% vs. 20%] and fever [16.67% vs. 10%]. Incidence of nausea and vomiting were 6.67% in both the groups. In the same way, the complication of post partum hemorrhage was seen more in PGF2a group than the Misoprostol group [6.67% vs. 3.33%]. The incidence of retained placentas was 6.67% in both the groups. The average cost per treatment was Rs. 619 for PGF2a as compared with Rs. 135 for Misoprostol. Misoprostol is cost effective has fewer complications and side effects as compared to PGF2alpha