Problem-based teaching of birth attendants in the Philippines.

We compared the effects of lecture-style (L) and interactive problem-based (I) educational programs on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of traditional birth attendants in the Philippines. Participants in two cities were randomized to L and I teaching groups and completed a questionnaire pre-, immediately post-, and 6 months after education. Mothers reported practices of the attendants. There was significant improvement in mean knowledge scores (L 16.8 to 17.9 and I 16.4 to 19.3) in group I. Group I scores continued to improve 6 months later. Attitude scores significantly improved in both groups and decreased 6 months later, indicating a need for reinforcement. Certain undesirable practices such as late cord clamping and holding the baby upside down following birth were changed in both groups. Actual practices reported by mothers were carried out less frequently than indicated by providers, indicating a need for further education and possibly provision of adequate resources. Interactive (I) learning is a preferred method for education of traditional birth attendants.

Low dose lorazepam in psychoneurotic outpatients

In a double blind study, 32 patients were randomly divided into three treatment groups, namely, placebo, 1 tablet b.i.d., lorazepam 0.5 mg. b.i.d., and lorazepam 1.0 mg. b.i.dCoefficient of regression analysis during the first three weeks of treatment showed significantly faster improvement in both lorazepam groups compared with placebo. With the fourth week included, statistically significant difference was attained only with lorazepam 1.0 mg. b.i.d. compared with placebo. Side effects were seen in 10 patients, including 3 placebo patients; these either promptly responded to reduction in dosage or were transitory without change in dosageLaboratory data before treatment were not significantly different from post-treatment values. Laboratory data before and after treatment showed no evidence of drug toxicityThe efficacy of lorazepam even at low doses of 0.5 mg. b.i.d. and 1.0 mg. b.i.d. attests to its potency as an anti-anxiety agent. (Summary)