RESUMO
Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological problem among women of reproductive age group which can have an impact on professional and psycho-social life. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its sequels and factors influencing among the medical students in MAHSA University. To study the effect of dysmenorrhea on the personal and professional lives of students. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study carried out on 215 female medical students of MAHSA University in Malaysia. The study was conducted in the faculty of medicine, MAHSA university, Kuala Lumpur. The data was collected in a span of three months from March to May 2012. Data was collected by interview and clinical examination method using pretested structured proforma designed by the researcher. Measurement of body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage were done by using a digital scale. Analysis: Data were analyzed into frequency percentage distribution and regression analysis was worked out for statistical significant association. Results: The study showed that 78% complained of dysmenorrhea among which 52% was of moderate severity. The mean age group of the students with dysmenorrhea was 21.4±2.2 years and the mean age of menarche was 12.2±2 years. The 59% of the participants were Indians, 17.1% Malays, 16.6% Chinese and 7.1% others respectively. Among the students who had dysmenorrhea, 92.2% frequently consumed fast food and 61.7% students exercised on an average of 2 times a week. It was observed that among the students with dysmenorrhea 58.1% had normal BMI and obesity was seen in 9% of the students. Sixty-four percent of those who had dysmenorrhea did not take any medication. At the level of multivariable analysis using multiple binary logistic regression, race (Malay), interference with social life and family history of dysmenorrhea were significantly associated with dysmenorrhea adjusted for study year, premenstrual syndrome and number of pads (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female medical students and is associated with Malay population, family history of dysmenorrhea and interference in their social life.
RESUMO
Background: Hypertension is one of the common chronic diseases resulting in high mortality and morbidity. A plethora of new drugs are now available, and the quality of life for these patients has been altered for the better. Not many studies are conducted in Malaysia regarding drug utilization of antihypertensives and hence this study was planned. Methods: This was a pilot study conducted in a private clinic in Kuala Lumpur. Thirty patients with hypertension were chosen randomly and their prescriptions were analyzed. The data was collected in a proforma designed for the study. The proforma included variables such as age, gender, drugs used, and also regarding the names of the drugs used (generic or trade). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty patients were recruited for the study. We found that 53% of the patients were females and 47% males. Trade names were more commonly used i.e. 64% of patients, than the generic names. Monotherapy (70%) was more frequently used than combination drugs. Beta blockers (45%) were used more often followed by calcium channel blockers (25%). Conclusions: The incidence of polypharmacy was low. The three most common groups of drugs used in hypertension were beta blockers followed by calcium channel blockers and then angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Drug utilization studies are powerful exploratory tools to ascertain the role of drugs in society.