Vitamin D deficiency in healthy female medical students of a public sector hospital

To determine Vitamin D levels in healthy female medical students. Public sector university in Karachi during the month of November 2010. A total of 84 healthy, female medical students were included in the study. 25 [OH] Vitamin D, serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were determined in their blood samples. Vitamin D was analyzed by chemiluminesence technique, while serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase were determined photometrically. A comprehensive questionnaire was also filled out by 57 students which included biometrics, dietary habits, sun exposure and physical activity details. Almost all [98.8%] subjects had low levels of vitamin D, with 96.4% having values less than 10 ng/ml. There was no correlation of low Vitamin D levels with calcium, phosphorous or alkaline phosphatase levels or with biometric measurements. Vitamin D deficiency was very common even in apparently healthy young females with no correlation to calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels. Nationwide studies are needed to see the cases for low levels of vitamins D

Perceptions and practices of a pakistani population regarding cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer is among the three leading causes of cancers among females worldwide. It is also among the three most common causes of cancer deaths among females, about 80% of which occur in less developed countries. The present cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practice survey was carried out to determine the perceptions and practices of a Pakistani female population regarding cervical cancer screening. Through convenient sampling, 192 subjects were recruited and administered a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. About 5% of subjects knew that screening was available for cervical cancer. Only 2.6% of the sample had ever received a Pap test. The most common reason cited for not having received a Pap test was the lack of information. In conclusion, the Pakistani population studied here demonstrated a very low coverage of the Pap test and a poor knowledge regarding its utility.