Family Medicine Commons^™

Use Of Folk Remedies Among Patients In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Sr Alim, Rh Dhanani, S Jehangir, A Nasrullah, A Raza

Department of Family Medicine

BACKGROUND: The concept that food is medicine is being practiced in certain parts of the world, with positive outcomes on health of the population. We have such practice in Pakistan but it needs to be brought in line with the available scientific evidence.
METHODS: The study was conducted on 270 patients, visiting the Family Practice Center, the Aga Khan University, Karachi. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic profile, and the use of folk remedies for medicinal uses.
RESULTS: Substantial use of folk remedies for different medical conditions has been documented. The remedies included cinnamon, ginger, …

The Art Of Practicing Scientific Medicine, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Perceptions On Bioethics Among Patients Presenting To Family Physicians At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Waris Qidwai, Hafeez Qureshi, Syed Sohail Ali, Mahboob Alam, Syed Lgbal Azam

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the perceptions on bioethics among patients presenting to family physicians at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan Study design: Questionnaire based cross sectional survey
Settings: The study was carried out at the family practice center, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi Main outcome measures: Perceptions on the broad principles of bioethics
Results: Majority of the respondents were young and well educated and better placed socioeconomically. Respondents reported the moral duties of a physician and their reaction in the event of the death of a close relative due to a doctor`s negligence. The majority agreed …

Prevalence And Perceptions About Consanguineous Marriages Among Patients Presenting To Family Physicians, In 2001 At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Iqbal Azam, Faisal M Khan

Department of Family Medicine

Aim: Consanguineous marriages are common in Pakistan despite their declining popularity in the developed world. In the present study, a questionnaire based survey was used to record the attitudes and perceptions of consanguineous marriages among the sample population.
Methods: A questionnaire was developed to collect information on the acceptability of, and perceptions about, consanguineous marriages among patients presenting to family physicians, at the Family Practice Center of the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Demographic data was collected as part of the questionnaire. Each participating patient signed a consent form after assurance of confidentiality was provided.
Results …

Are Our People Health Conscious? Results Of A Patients Survey In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, D Saleheen, S Saleem, M Andrades, Iqbal Azam

Department of Family Medicine

BACKGROUND: Life style is known to influence health and may be responsible for certain diseases. There is a need to document the life style on health among the Pakistani population.
METHODS: The study was conducted on patients visiting the Family Practice Center, the Aga Khan University, Karachi. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic profile, and the life style on health. The ethical requirements for conducting the study were met.
RESULTS: 393 patients were surveyed. The majority were young married men, in either private or government service. Preference for consumption of fats/oils, sweets, spicy foods, …

The Utilization Of Services Of Health Care Providers Among Patients Presenting To Family Physicians At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Iqbal Azam, S. S. Ali, S. Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the utilization of services of Health care providers among patients presenting to Family Physicians in a teaching hospital in Karachi.
Methodology: It was a cross sectional study. A questionnaire was developed to collect patient’s utilization of services of health care providers. The investigators administered the questionnaire to 387 patients, after purpose of the study was explained, written consent was taken and confidentiality was assured.
Results: The study population included more females than males, with average age of 32.6 years. The majority were married, well educated, in private and government service, were students or housewives. …

Myths Regarding Treatment Of Hepatitis: The Vicious Cycle Of Increasing Morbidity, Waris Qidwai, Naureen Alim, Iqbal Azam

Department of Family Medicine

Viral hepatitis has high prevalence rates in Pakistan. It is a potentially serious condition with associated high morbidity and mortality. Studies from neighboring regions document significant utilization of the services of faith healers for the treatment of patients with hepatitis. This article is a short communication

Psychiatric Morbidity And Perceptions On Psychiatric Illness Among Patients Presenting To Family Physicians, In April 2001 At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Iqbal Azam

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To assess psychiatric morbidity and the perceptions about psychiatric illness, among patients presenting to family physicians, at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: A questionnaire based survey was developed to collect demographic data, information on psychiatric morbidity and perceptions on psychiatric illness. It was administered to 400 patients, against a sample size of 347. The study objective was explained, written consent was taken and confidentiality was assured.
Results: There were more women then men in the study, with a mean age of 37 years. The majority was married, better educated and socioeconomically placed then the rest …

Perceptions On Bioethics Among General Practitioners In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Hafeez Qureshi, Iqbal Azam, Syed Sohail Ali, Semi Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the perceptions on bioethics among general practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan.
Design: A questionnaire based cross sectional survey. Settings: 85 general practitioners in Karachi were surveyed at their clinic premises. Main outcome measures: Perceptions on the broad principles of bioethics.
Results: The majority of general practitioners were males, with mean age of 36.3 years, had minimal postgraduate qualifications and continuing medical education. They reported the top five moral duties of a physician and their reaction in the event of the death of a close relative due to a doctor's negligence. A significant number of respondents agreed …

Patterns Of Use And Non-Use Of The Services Of Hakim Practitioners Among Patients In Karachi, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the pattern of use and non-use of the services of hakim practitioners, among patients visiting the Family Physicians, at a teaching hospital in Karachi.
Design: Cross-sectional survey
Place and Duration of Study: Family practice centre, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, from March to June, 2001.
Methods: A total of 387 patients were surveyed against an estimated sample size of 347. A questionnaire was developed and administered to collect information on the patterns of the use and non-use of the services of hakim practitioners among the respondents.
Results: The majority of the respondents were young, well-educated …

Knowledge About Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Pakistani Men, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Prevalence of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still believed to be low in Pakistan. However, because of its location in South Asia and the presence of high risk group for the disease, it is likely that Pakistan would experience diffusion of HIV1. We therefore decided to cany out this study to access the understanding of young Pakistani men about sexually transmitted infections (STI s).

Behind The Counter: Pharmacies And Dispensing Patterns Of Pharmacy Attendants In Karachi., Fauziah Rabbani, F. H. Cheema, N. Talati, S. Siddiqui, S. Syed, S. Bashir, L. Z. Zuberi, A. Shamim, Q. Mumtaz

Community Health Sciences

BACKGROUND:

There is little literature available on dispensing patterns and unsupervised sale of medicines from pharmacies in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE:

This study obtained background information on pharmacies assessed the level of training, knowledge and dispensing patterns of pharmacy attendants in Karachi.

METHODOLOGY:

This is a descriptive cross sectional study with convenient sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to interview pharmacy attendants.

RESULTS:

Of the 219 pharmacies surveyed, 62% reported more than 50 customers daily and 20% also sold items of general provision. Mean operating hours were 13. Only 24 (11%) had a visible license. On an average 3 attendants were …

Beyond Pain Management: A Primer For Providing Quality End-Of-Life Care, Linda P. Tomko, Terri L. Maxwell

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Providing excellent care for a dying patient is something all patients deserve. Hospices and palliative care centers exist in many areas to aid primary care physicians and patients through this difficult time. It is important to remember that most patients want to prepare for death, if at all possible. Everyone does this in his or her own way, but oftentimes concern about pain and symptom management interfere with this very involved and valuable process. Being prepared to treat these symptoms as well as addressing your patient's emotional needs is imperative. Referral to a hospice, if possible, will only strengthen the …

Cigarette Sources For Teens By Grade: Implications For Prevention And Intervention, Netra M. Thakur, Michael P. Rosenthal, Priscilla Latta, Jamie L. Robinson, James Diamond

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Objective: To identify at-risk teen populations and their sources of cigarettes, in order to help target future efforts in prevention of teen smoking. Methods: Analysis of smoking behavior questions for students in grades 6, 7, 9 and 12 from the 1997 Pennsylvania Biennial Youth Risk Survey. Results: Current smoking prevalence was 20.9% overall. The number of ninth grade smokers was almost five times higher than the number of sixth grade smokers (30.6% vs. 6.6%). Seventy-three percent of the teens identified friends as a source of tobacco. Stores became the most common source for twelfth graders only. Conclusion: Teenage smoking remains …

Physician Assisted Suicide Perceptions Among Patients Presenting To Family Physicians At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, H. Qureshi, S. S. Ali, M. Alam, S. I. Azani

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the perceptions on physician assisted suicide, among patients presenting to family physicians, at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Method: The study was carried out at the Community Health Center of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, between December 1999 and May 2000. The principal and co-investigators filled a pre-coded and pre­tested questionnaire consisting of important demographic characteristics and bio-medical ethics issues. A system of convenience sampling was used and a written consent was taken from respondents over the age of 16 years, who agreed to participate. The data were managed by using the Epi …

Clinical Spectrum Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus At The Aga Khan University Hospital., K. Sulaiman, N. Sohail, A. A. Sheikh, F. Raza, F. Shahzad, A. Siddique, T. Shakir, Fauziah Rabbani

Community Health Sciences

BACKGROUND:

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease of unknown etiology, which at onest may involve only one organ system or be multisystemic. The aim of our study is to determine the clinical presentation of SLE patients presenting to AKUH to establish whether guidelines laid down about this disease are in agreement with our experience.

METHODS:

A retrospective log review was carried out at AKUH, based on data obtained from 165 files of individuals admitted to the hospital over a period of 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of SLE.

RESULTS:

From the sample size of 165, 143 (86.7%) were females …

The Minds Of Mothers: Maternal Mental Health In An Urban Squatter Settlement Of Karachi., Fauziah Rabbani, Furqan Farooq Raja

Community Health Sciences

BACKGROUND:

Community-based information on maternal mental health in developing countries is meager and nearly non-existent in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the proportion of probable cases of women with mental disorders and examine the associated conditions and risk factors which contribute to maternal mental ill-health.

METHODS:

With convenient sampling 260 mothers in an urban squatter settlement of Karachi were interviewed. The tools consisted of a household questionnaire collecting information on basic demographic and other characteristics and the Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS), an instrument to assess psychiatric morbidity.

RESULTS:

The proportion of probable cases of mental disorder was …

Effect Of Dietary Garlic (Allium Sativum) On The Blood Pressure In Humans - A Pilot Study, Waris Qidwai, Riaz Qureshi, Iqba Azam, Syed Najmul Hasan

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To find out whether individuals with blood pressures on the lower side consume more garlic in their diets. A pilot study to make grounds for more elaborate future trials.
Method: A questionnaire was developed in order to estimate the dietary intake of garlic per person per month and to record three blood pressure readings on each individual. It was administered to 101 adult subjects, presenting to the Family Practice Centre of a hospital in the city of Karachi, Pakistan. The various demographic parameters including age, sex, marital status and education were recorded. Those subjects found to be overweight, with …

Perceptions About Female Sexuality Among Young Pakistani Men Presenting To Family Physicians At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the perceptions about female sexuality among young Pakistani men, presenting to family physicians at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Study Design: A questionnaire based prevalence study.
Setting: Questionnaire administered to 188 young Pakistani men, between the ages 18-30 veai-s, who presented to family physicians, at the outpatient department of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Main Outcome Measures: Perception among Pakistani young men about enjoyment of sexual experiences in women, whether women stop to enjoy sexual experiences during stress, menstruation, pregnancy and after menopause. Whether they are aware about “orgasm” in women and their belief …

Evaluation And Management Of Gout, N S. Ali

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Views About Women's Mental Health: Study In A Squatter Settlement Of Karachi., Fauziah Rabbani

Community Health Sciences

OBJECTIVE:

Mental health of women is globally receiving particular attention. This study assessed community's view on certain aspects of women's mental health prior to introducing an intervention.

SETTING:

The study was conducted in an urban squatter settlement located in District West of Karachi in 1997 where the Aga Khan University has set up a Primary Health Care program in partnership with the communities.

METHODS:

Using convenient sampling, door to door household survey was conducted by medical students.

RESULTS:

Two hundred and eighty one residents were interviewed. Respondents were asked to list contributory factors which lead to mental distress in women. …

Economic Development And Health Status Among The Poor In Squatter Settlements Of Karachi., Fauziah Rabbani, Anwer T. Merchant

Community Health Sciences

OBJECTIVE:

Socioeconomic status is an important determinant of health outcome measures. This study examines and presents some of the important health outcomes amongst the higher and lower socioeconomic groups within the urban poor.

SETTING:

Data analysis is based on a Health and Demographic Survey conducted in urban squatter settlements of Karachi in 1996.

METHODS:

A structured questionnaire was administered to all households in the catchment area. The indicator used to assess economic status is ownership of assets.

RESULTS:

Comparison between the two economic levels shows that the lower socio-economic group was more likely to experience child mortality, (CI; 1.02-1.29, p …

Home-Care Of The Dying, Riaz Qureshi

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Poor Performance Of Health And Population Welfare Programmes In Sindh: Case Studies In Governance Failure, Mehtab S. Karim, Shehla Zaidi

Community Health Sciences

Over the past few years, the issue of what is meant by “good governance” has generated increasing attention and debate both at the national and international level [Streeten (1997)]. The role of state and how that role is to be exercised is appearing high on the agenda of politicians, policy-makers and academicians in the developing world. Governance has been defined by the World Bank as “the manner in which power is exercised in the management of the country’s economic and social resources” [World Bank (1994)]. The somewhat narrow scope of this definition has been broadened in recent years to “the …

Sexual Knowledge And Practice In Pakistani Young Men, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Background: There is a shortage of scientific data on the subject of sexuality from Pakistan. We decided to document misconceptions among Pakistani young men, regarding masturbation and nocturnal emissions and to make a case for sex education in the country.
Objective: To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of Pakistani young men as regards masturbation and nocturnal emissions and to see any associations with demographic factors like age, marital status, occupation, level of education and socio economic status.
Method: A questionnaire was developed, based on the objectives of the study. It was administered to 188 men between the ages 18-30 …

Protocol For Management Of Hypertension By Family Practitioners, Badar Sabir Ali, R Qureshi, R H. Dhanani

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Chest Pain In General Practice, S Dodani

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Principles Of Family Medicine, Riaz Qureshi

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Management Of Hyperlipidaemia In General Practice, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Hyperlipidaemia is a powerful predictor of coronary artery disease, with a strong, independent, continuous and grades positive associationbetweencholesterol levels and risk of coronary events. Several large studies have shown the benefit of cholesterol reduction and there is clear evidence of the efficacy of statins in the reduction of events inprimazy and secondary prevention¹. A 1% reduction in the total serum cholesterol reduces the frequency of fatal coronary heart disease by atleast 2%². A l0% meandecrease inthe total serum choelsterol level reduces the incidence of both fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarctions³. Family physicians need to …

Attitudes And Perceptions Of Nurses Regarding Early Communication Intervention, Brenda Louw, Ingrid Weber

Brenda Louw