Contraceptive utilisation among mothers of reproductive age in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objectives: This study aimed to determine contraceptive utilisation among mothers aged 18-49 years old in Ajman, United Arab Emirates [UAE]

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from May to November 2013. A total of 400 participants were recruited from two primary healthcare centres and one private hospital in Ajman. An interviewer-administered validated questionnaire was used for data collection

Results: The frequency of previous and current contraceptive use was 68.0% and 61.8%, respectively. Expatriates more frequently used contraceptives in comparison to Emiratis [77.3% versus 54.3%, respectively]. Contraceptive use increased significantly with age [75.5% among >35-year-olds versus 57.3% among

Conclusion: Healthcare practitioners can play a pivotal role in providing contraceptive advice which could lead to an improvement in contraceptive utilisation. Efforts are recommended to raise awareness regarding newer forms of contraceptives among mothers of reproductive age in the UAE

Burns in pediatric population admitted in two tertiary care hospitals

Burns in Pediatric population accounts for almost 77% of total burn cases in developing countries including Pakistan. To calculate the frequency and causes of burns in pediatric population. Prospective cross sectional survey done in the emergency departments of pediatric units of Mayo Hospital Lahore and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad over 6 months from July to December 2012. Subjects and All new cases of burns presenting to the emergency departments of these hospital were included in the study while those who were previously admitted with burns and were undergoing some reconstructive surgery or treated for complications were excluded. A questionnaire was completed by the duty doctor while interviewing the parents or care givers. The frequency of all variables was measured in percentage. A total of 600 children were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged from 0-12 years with 270[45%] constituting toddlers between the ages of 1-2 years. Gender showed female predominance in 372[62%] cases. Place of injury was home in 80% cases [480]. Mothers were illiterate in 60% cases [370]. Commonest causes of burns were scalds [43.6%], followed by flame burns [20.6%], electrical burns [15.3%], chemical burns [10.2%] and other causes [10.3%]. Single multipurpose room of poor socioeconomic homes and maternal ignorance about burn prevention were common contributing factors. Burns were more in toddlers and in female gender. Creating awareness in mothers can reduce the injury Manifold

Causes of childhood unintentional injuries in urban cities of Pakistan

Unintentional childhood injuries are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and its incidence is higher in low to middle income countries. To determine the frequency of childhood unintentional injuries in pediatric units of two tertiary care hospitals. Prospective cross sectional study in pediatric surgical unit of Mayo Hospital, Lahore [01 July, 2012 to 30 September, 2012] and Children's Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad [01 October, 2012 to 31 December, 2012] July to December 2012. All children presenting with unintentional injuries to the pediatric surgical emergency of above two hospitals were included in study. Unintentional Injuries were [burns, RTAs, falls, piercing sharps etc.] are accidental injuries that occur without any planned intention of someone to harm children. Children who were previously treated for unintentional injuries, unexplained injuries, medico-legal cases were excluded from the study. An informed consent was taken [from the parents or care-givers] and the questionnaire was filled by the duty doctor through interview. The demographic data was taken. Age, Gender and maternal educational status were measured Frequency of all variables was measured and simple frequency was measured. The data was analyzed in SPSS 11 version. A total of 600 patients [300 from each selected hospital] were included in the study. The predominant cause of unintentional injury was burn [37.2%] followed by fall [21.5%] and pedestrian hit [16.1%]. Maximum unintentional injuries were noted in 6-10 years [45%] and minimum in 0-1 years [1%]. Male children were affected more [62%] as compared to females. Maternal education was low or nil in 40% cases with majority [46.6%] belonging to poor socioeconomic group. Home was the most frequent place of injury [58.7%]. This study showed that 37% of the unintentional injuries were due to burning and the most common place of injury was the home which may be reduced by creating awareness in public and especially by educating the mothers