RESUMO
The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the Middle East shows huge variability. This reflects the differing diagnostic techniques employed to diagnose neuropathy, but also the heterogeneity of the populations studied and the selection of populations from primary and secondary care. The treatment of diabetic neuropathy per se is inadequate as reflected by the poor control of risk factors such as glucose control, blood pressure and lipids in this region, which translates into the high rates of foot ulceration and amputation. In relation to symptomatic treatment, recommendations based on trials conducted in the West are without question, endorsed for the treatment of populations in the Middle East. Surely the demographics and patient responses both in terms of efficacy and side effects differ and therefore warrant local clinical trials. There is an over reliance on the prescription of B vitamins with the claim that they induce nerve repair. Whilst there is evidence for the relief of neuropathic symptoms with both vitamin B and D, again clinical trials are required in this region to establish their role in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy
RESUMO
The objective of this study was to determine understanding and health seeking behaviour among patients presenting with symptoms of reproductive tract infections [TRIs] and sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] and to identify socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with these conditions. This is a cross - sectional study and was conducted at gynae out patients clinics of Jinnah hospital Lahore. Participants were 100 women having symptoms of reproductive tract infections / sexually transmitted diseases [new and old cases], between 1[st] and 30[th] April, 2012. Face to face interview was conducted by the trained medical students and information about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about STDs and behavior to seek medical care, preference of medical facility, interval between appearance of symptoms and seeking for treatment and reasons for delay was recorded according to structured questionnaire. Fifty one percent women had the knowledge about STDs and main source of knowledge was electronic media, friends and relatives. All above women told the exact symptoms of these diseases and 27.3% answered that mode of transmission was mainly sexual intercourse. Sixteen percent women did not sought health care facility actively by themselves while some one brought them. Type of health care facility and provider for those who actively sought for medical care was Jinnah Hospital for 42.2% while 24%, 14%, 4.5% and 1% visited private maternity homes, Lahore General hospital, Pharmacy and herbal care respectively were tried before coming to this health facility. Reasons for not actively seeking for medical care were mildness of symptoms in 10 [out of 16], absence of perceived morbidity 1, social discrimination and shyness for genital examination in 2 and rest had the financial reasons. Women with lower education waited significantly longer for seeking care than those with higher education. Women who delayed in seeking care significantly had less knowledge of STD transmission and symptoms than women who did not delay in seeking care. It was concluded that early health care seeking behavior for STDs could be facilitated through improving women's basic knowledge regarding STDs, changing their sexual behaviour and creating a social support and environment for early care seeking
RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to assess the status of Body Mass Index [BMI] and to find out the relationship of dietary factors, physical activity, addiction pattern and family history of obesity, diabetes and hypertension with BMI. In addition to identify risk group for focused intervention of modification in lifestyle and information, education and communication [IEC]. This is a cross-sectional study on the students of King Edward Medical University [including those of MBBS and BDS], from May 2008 to Sept. 2008. Data was collected from 160 students by systematic random sampling technique, Desired information was collected by administering a questionnaire. Data was compiled, analysed for percentages and proportions, calculation of BMI and factors associated with BMI were evaluated by using SPSS and descriptive analysis technique [Chi-Square] and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Among the 160 students under study, 68 were males and 92 females. Twenty seven [18.8%] were in category of pre-obese and obese [BMI 25-29.9 and above] and among the rest 119 [74.41%] were within normal range of BMI [18.5-24.9] and 14 [8.8%] were under weight [BMI < 18]. Though 27.5% students were asked to take energy dense food 2-3 times/ week but it showed non-significant relationship with BMI [30 and above] [P=0.2219]. Significant relationship was observed between high BMI and no sports activity as walking, brisk walking and jogging [Chi square 24.1, 10.7 and P value 0.000019 and 0.001] respectively. Positive family history of obesity, hypertension and diabetes of the respondents had also strong significant relationship with BMI> 29.9. Long study hours [> 5-7 hrs/day] did not show any significant relationship with high BMI [p=0.86]. In conclusion though obesity is not high among the students of KEMU [18.8%] the correlating factors as low physical activity, no sports activity and positive family history of obesity, hypertension and diabetes related to the students falling in category of pre-obese and obese are concluding risk factors for their future health