ABSTRACT
Objectives: To screen and assess the severity level of anxiety, its influencing factors along with the gender-wise predilection of coping strategies among resident doctors working in accident and emergency departments. Methods: A transverse study was conducted amongst 260 resident doctors of accident and emergency department of different teaching hospitals of Karachi from October 2020 until March 2021. A demographic sheet containing questions related to factors, GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and Brief COPE were used to measure the severity level of anxiety and coping strategies. Data was scored according to the standard scoring procedure for each subscale and for further statistical analysis SPSS Version 21 was used. Results: Out of all participants, 68.1% were <30 years of age, 63.1% were females while 54.2% were single. The findings of the study showed the prevalence of anxiety within the range of normal (38.1%), mild (35.0%), moderate (16.9%) and severe (10.0%). Gender (p= 0.001), marital status (p= 0.040) and job satisfaction (p= 0.007) among resident doctors were significantly associated with level of anxiety. Deemed to coping strategies, the most frequently were planning (n=145, 90.0%), acceptance (n=141, 87.6%), and religion (n=137, 85.1 %). All coping strategies were mostly opted by females except substance abuse. Conclusion: More than a half of the resident doctors manifested with mild to severe anxiety disorder, which highlights the need for psychological support programs to minimize anxiety levels and to ensure a healthy environment at workplace for the health practitioners.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to test the association between diabetes and tuberculosis. METHODS: It is a matched case control study conducted in tertiary care hospitals in 2019-2020. Cases and controls were 144 each, selected on the basis of an odds ratio of 2 at 95% confidence interval with a significance level of 5%. Cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were selected through consecutive sampling technique, either visiting OPD or admitted in hospital. Controls were taken from the general population and frequency matching was done based on age, gender and socioeconomic status. Data was collected through structured questionnaire after taking written consent. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 23. Binary Logistic regression model was applied for finding association between the risk factors and the disease. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of all cases and controls, 45% and 20% were diabetics respectively. The association between the risk factors and tuberculosis was estimated by univariate analysis, positive association was found between diabetes and tuberculosis (OR= 3.32), a high frequency of diabetes in cases as compared to controls were observed with a highly significant p- value (<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for a strong positive association between tuberculosis and diabetes.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are suggested to predict dementia at a very early stage. However, association of SMCs with known risk factors of dementia namely diabetes mellitus Type-2 diabetes and hypertension (HTN) remain unexplored which is the main aim of this study. The objective of the study was to investigate the association of SMC with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and hypertension (HTN). METHODS: The associations of diabetes and hypertension, with SMCs has been tested in 500 participants from a tertiary care hospital of Karachi during 2017. Diagnosed cases of diabetes and hypertension were included through convenient sampling. Healthy attendants of patients were interviewed for the reference group. SMCs were assessed through a 14-item SMC questionnaire. RESULTS: Sample included 114 patients with only diabetes and hypertension each, 103 with both diabetes and hypertension and 169 healthy participants. Compared to healthy adults, persons with diabetes and hypertension had higher SMCs (difference, 0.88, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.54) (difference, 1.06, 95% CI: 0.40, 1.71) respectively, in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to healthy adults of working age-group, persons with diabetes and hypertension were more likely to have SMCs. Assessment and early detection of SMCs in persons with diabetes and hypertension might be informative to provide a window for effective interventions to maintain cognitive health.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Children spend most of their time in schools and are vulnerable to injuries and mild ailments, hence requiring first-aid care. School teacher can provide immediate first-aid care in the absence of any health professional. This study assesses first-aid facilities within school premises and assessment of teachers on first aid training. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from July-December 2017, participants were full time school teachers of both public and private sectors at both primary and secondary levels, having a minimum of one year experience. Questionnaire was filled on one to one basis by taking oral interview. RESULTS: Out of 209 teachers, 72.7% were from private sector. Stomachache was the most common medical incident (82.29%) requiring first-aid care in schools. First aid box was available in all schools but its contents were not satisfactory. Sick bay was not found in any school. 68.42% of teachers were not trained in first-aid management because of lack of opportunity, however 56% were willing to enroll in any first aid training and majority (91.38%) considered it essential for their professional life. CONCLUSION: First aid facilities at various schools of Karachi and availability of trained teachers who can provide first aid care is unsatisfactory.
