Results of a health facility assessment survey in five eealth districts of Kuwait

Objective: To describe by means of a survey the availability, functioning and quality of health care delivery system in the public sector health districts of Kuwait. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted in five health districts of Kuwait and data collection was done using structured questionnaires. The survey was based on general observation, examination of facility records, and interviews with facility personnel. The data was entered in SPSS-version 19.0, and analysis was based on type of the health facilities and district with focus on predefined indicators Results: All the health centres in the five health districts were targeted to obtain information. Majority of health service centre suggested that training for Non-Communicable Diseases and related factors should be provided. Nearly all the centers assumed that electronic health record [EHR] is suitable for recording data regarding Non-Communicable Diseases. Nonetheless, there is need for health promotion and obesity prevention clinics in almost all the health districts. Conclusion: There is a need for cancer screening clinics in all the districts of Kuwait. New researches and surveillance systems have been developed for Non-Communicable Diseases which can assist in lowering the incidence of such diseases in the country

Family medicine made compulsory subject in MBBS program: implications for health care in Pakistan and the region

Family Medicine is an emerging specialty that offers cost effective, frontline, and comprehensive health care services. It is considered mandatory for the success of any health care delivery system. Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has taken the courageous step, mandating all medical colleges in Pakistan to have department of Family Medicine and an examination paper on Family Medicine in Final year MBBS program. Repercussions of this PMDC directive will have far reaching and favorable impact on health care delivery and services in Pakistan. PMDC has placed Pakistan in the forefront in healthcare reform in the region and now it is up to all stakeholders to enforce PMDC directive in true letter and spirit

Dental care [prevention and status] among family practice patients at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

To study the status of oral hygiene and preventive dental practices among family practice patients at a teaching hospital in Karachi. A cross sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Family Practice Center, Karachi, Pakistan, from July to October 2010. The questionnaire included the demographic profile and questions in line with the study objective. It was administered to 400 family practice patients, each participant was explained the study objective, a written consent was taken and full confidentiality was assured. Oral examination of all respondents was conducted by the Investigators. Out of 400 patients 258 [64.5%] respondents were female with 248 [62%] having graduation or higher education. The oral examination revealed plaque, previous extraction, restoration, stains, prosthesis and caries among 138 [34.5%], 114 [28.5%], 102 [25.5%], 38 [9.5%], 35 [8.8%] and 33 [8.3%] respondents respectively. Regular tooth brushing was practiced by 359 [89.8%] respondents. Sixty eight [17%] respondents were reluctant to consult a dentist. Reasons for reluctance were fear of pain, lack of sterilization of instruments, incorrect treatment, expense and a long waiting time to see the dentist in 32 [47%], 14 [20%], 10 [15%], 06 [09%] and 06 [09%] respondents respectively. Fifty five [13.8%] respondents visited the dentist on a yearly basis. The most common reason to visit a dentist was pain among 71 [17.8%] respectively. A need exists to educate public on oral hygiene care through education programs in schools and media. Preventive dental care is a neglected area that requires attention on an urgent basis

Knowledge, attitude and practice of vitamin supplementation among patients visiting out-patient physicians in a teaching hospital in Karachi

To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the use of vitamin supplements among patients visiting Out-Patient clinics of a teaching hospital. Four hundred patients were interviewed during the period of July to September 2008, at the Out-patient clinics, Aga Khan University hospital, Karachi. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect information. It consisted of questions regarding demographics, awareness of vitamin supplements and its consumption, reasons for usage and its effects. The purpose of the study was explained and assurance of confidentiality was given. After obtaining written consent, eligible individuals were interviewed. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19.0 was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that 98% of the respondents were aware of vitamin supplements. The most known vitamin was found to be Vitamin C [16.9%] with Vitamin K being the least well-known [0.4%]; while 51.8% of the respondents were unaware of the harmful effects of vitamin supplements. The results also showed that 84.8% of the study population had taken vitamin supplements, and 79% of the participants considered that vitamin supplements to be helpful. Taking vitamin supplements as a compensation for the deficiencies in the body was the most frequently chosen answer [17.7%] as the reason for use of vitamin supplements. On the other hand, a majority of the population was unaware of the indications for use of vitamin supplements. This study highlights a very significant yet ignored issue of vitamin supplementation in Pakistan. A need exists to inform the general population about the use of vitamin supplementation. The media and the medical community are required to play their role in this regard. Short/ refresher training courses are needed for doctors to update and disseminate adequate knowledge of vitamin supplementation to their patients