Use of E-Technology, physical activity and obesity among adolescents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Objective: To determine the relationship of e-technology use and physical activity with obesity among adolescents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Different schools of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, from Mar to Aug 2015

Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 305 adolescents between ages 17-19 years, from different schools of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, selected through consecutive sampling technique. Structured close-ended questionnaire was administered and data obtained was analyzed by SPSS version 22. Correlation test was used to ascertain association between BMI, time spent using e-technology and physical activity duration

Results: The mean age of the participants was 15.7 +/- 2.4 years. It was revealed that 13.3 percent of the respondents were underweight, 64.5 percent were of normal weight, 17.3 percent were overweight and 9.5 percent were obese. The majority of females were found watching television [73.1 percent] and using cell phone [60.6 percent] whereas majority of the males were fond of playing videogames [63.7 percent] and using computer [72 percent]. A positive correlation of 0.64 was found between e-technology use and BMI of individuals whereas physical activities were having negative correlation of -0.231 with BMI

Conclusion: The current study concluded that use of e-technology was directly associated and physical activity was inversely associated with obesity, suggestive of elevated consequences of sedentary activities on adiposity during adolescence. This issue must be addressed by raising awareness among adolescents about healthy lifestyle practices for their healthy and productive life in future

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of lady health workers regarding family planning program in tehsil muzaffargarh

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of lady health workers [LHWs] regarding implementation of family planning program in Tehsil MuzaffarGarh

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: It was carried out from December 2015 to May 2016 involving Lady Health Workers from 10 union councils of Tehsil Muzaffar Garh including both urban and rural areas

Material and Methods: The data were collected by interviewing 307 LHWs using a structured closed ended questionnaire

The data were entered and analyzed through SPSS version 22

Results: Lady health workers [LHWs] demonstrated a good knowledge ranging from 78% to 99% of different aspects of family planning. They were poorly informed regarding pregnancy complications, breast feeding and infertility. Almost all of them 305 [99%] showed positive attitude regarding job, trainings, compatibility of family planning with religion, although were unsatisfied with their salaries and monetary incentives

Conclusions: LHWs have a good knowledge and positive attitude towards family planning except knowledge about infertility, pregnancy complications and breast feeding. Family planning practices are difficult in rural areas because of low literacy rate and dominance of mothers in law, which needs attention

An analysis of 3105 medico legal cases at tertiary care hospital, rawalpindi

Background and Objectives: Medico legal cases are essential component of medical practice and comprise most important constituent of emergencies. The reporting of such cases is imperative to recognize their socioeconomic burden on any country. The present study was conducted to scrutinize different categories of medico legal cases and characteristics of the victims at casualty department of tertiary care hospital Rawalpindi. The objective of the study was to find out the frequency of various categories of medico legal cases and major characteristics of victims at tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 3105 registered cases in medico legal record of the casualty department of Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2015 to December 2015. The hospital is located on the main road in densely populated central area of the city. The data was collected on age, sex, month-wise distribution of various medico legal cases, weapon inflicting the injury, blunt trauma or physical assault, firearm injuries and road traffic accidents. The data thus obtained was analyzed using SPSS; observations were presented in tables and graphs

Results: Out of all 3105 registered medico legal cases, reported cases caused by Road Traffic Accident 1230 [40%] followed by blunt injury or physical assault 966 [32%] cases, 19% by sharp weapons, 5% by poisoning, and 4% by firearm injuries. In our study out of 3105 cases, almost three quarter of victims [73%] were below 30 years of age, with a decreasing frequency beyond this age, males were predominantly inflicted 2516 [81%] as compared to females 589 [19%]. The reported road traffic accidents cases from urban areas were high [74%] as compared to those from rural locality [37%]. In cases of blunt trauma, sharp weapon injuries and firearm injuries, there was a huge preponderance of victims from rural areas [65%], [62%] and 61% respectively, with urban cases constituting less

Conclusion: Road traffic injuries are one of the foremost causes of medico legal cases followed by blunt trauma and sharp weapon injuries. The emerging medico legal cases are neglected epidemic in most of the developing countries comprising a considerable public health problem

Are We Aware of Dengue Fever? A Community Based KAP Survey on Dengue Fever in Rawalpindi

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever and its prevention in Rawalpindi. A Cross Sectional Survey. Community of Rawalpindi, from July to Sept. 2012. A total of 215 participants were selected through consecutive sampling echnique. A structured questionnaire was self administered after informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Knowledge of dengue was measured by asking questions related to disease symptoms and preventive measures. Association between knowledge and awareness at p<0.05 was accepted as significant. It was found that the knowledge of the community regarding Dengue fever was adequate [91%]. The respondents' awareness about preventive measures for dengue was also satisfactory [88%]. A significant association found between knowledge and awareness of dengue fever and preventive measures [P= 0.01]. Mass media was identified as an effective tool in raising awareness. However; adequate knowledge about prevention did not reflect in community practices [P=0.031]; factors identified responsible for it, were like water storage for domestic use due to water shortage and excessive load shedding. Local community is well aware about dengue fever and its prevention; however it was found that good knowledge doesn't necessarily lead to good practice. Health educational campaigns should be designed to improve behavior and practices of prevention and control measures against dengue fever