RESUMO
Objective Sun exposure is a primary preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of certain skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of sunscreen use among medical students in Karachi. Methods A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among 578 students from multiple medical universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The levels of use of sunscreen were recorded using a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 29 questions. Descriptive statistics were used and p-values less than 0.05 calculated using the chi-square test were considered significant. Results A majority (n=441, 73.9%) of the participants in this study were female students. Sunscreen use was prevalent in 415 (69.5%) participants. Female students were more aware of the risk of skin cancer from extended sun exposure (n=186, 72.4%). Sunscreen use was significantly associated with gender (p<0.001) and the propensity to get sunburned easily (p=0.001). Few (n=19, 5.0%) students reported being well-versed regarding skin cancer and its risk factors. Most participants were aware of the use of sunscreen for sunburn prevention (n=473, 79.2%), though knowledge of the additional benefits of sunscreen, such as the prevention of skin cancer (n=257, 43.0%) and aging (n=199, 33.3%), was lacking. Conclusion There is an evident lack of knowledge of the importance of sunscreen protection among medical students, particularly regarding the prevention of skin cancer and skin aging. However, an overall positive attitude was observed regarding the use of sunscreen among female students. Medical students are an imperative part of our future healthcare system and should be adequately informed on sunscreen benefits and skin cancer prevention.
RESUMO
Objective Cardiac arrest is an emergency, which can be managed effectively by sound knowledge and practice of basic life support (BLS) skills. However, it has been globally reported that the knowledge of doctors regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and BLS is sub-standard. We conducted this study with the aim to assess the knowledge and attitude of doctors toward CPR in Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, one of the largest tertiary care hospitals, in Pakistan. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, in Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital located in Karachi, Pakistan, using cluster sampling. A total of 285 doctors were interviewed. Results A majority of the doctors were unaware of the revised rate and depth of chest compressions (65.6% and 75.8% respectively). While many know the abbreviations of BLS and CPR (96.55% and 95.4%, respectively), 56.5% did not know what automated external defibrillator (AED) stood for. CPR was preferred over chest compression-only resuscitation (CCR) by 91.6% of the doctors. Half of the participants rated their knowledge as average. Most stated that they will not be reluctant to perform CPR in an emergency situation. The majority also agreed that BLS training should be an integral part of the medical curriculum. Conclusion There is an evident lack of knowledge of CPR among healthcare professionals, particularly regarding the updates made in the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. However, an overall positive attitude was observed.
