Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 452 in total

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  1. Immigrant Health Study. 3. Foreign workers' study microbiological investlgations. [Abstract]
    Lam SK, Ng KP, Ngeow YF, Puthucheary SD
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:61-62.
    During the study period, a total of 241 foreign workers were examined. The countries represented were Indonesia (103), Bangladesh (133), Myanmar (I), Pakistan (3) and others (1). The specimens collected were blood (238) and stool samples (173). The tests conducted on blood samples were for syphilis by RPR and TPHA, HIV, Hepatitis B, and from stool samples, enteric pathogens such as Salirzoirella spp, Shigelln spp. and Vibrio clrolerne. Table I shows the type of tests performed on the various nationalities and Table 2 the results of testing. Of the 230 blood samples tested by RPWPHA, five were positive, one from Indonesia (1.09%) and four from Bangladesh (3.79%). There was only one sample of blood out of 238 tested which was HIV positive (0.42%) and this was in an Indonesian. Twenty three workers were found to be Hepatitis B antigen positive (9.66%), 10 out of 102 (9.80%) from Indonesia and 13 out of 131 from Bangladesh (9.92%). As for the entric bacterial pathogens, only six out of 173 stool samples tested were positive, five for Saliizoilella Spp. and one for Slligdla sp. Of the five positives for Salmonella, one was from Indonesia and four from Bangladesh. The single isolate of Shigella was from Pakistan. From this pretiniinary study, it is obvious that hepatitis B is the most important problem among the workers from Indonesia and Bangladesh. The second of importance is venereal disease and enteric bacteria among Bangladesh workers. The other three national groups are too small to be analyzed. It is interesting to note that although these workers are supposed to have been screened for venereal diseases, a number of them were still found to be positive. However, we are not certain that these might not have been acquired locally. There was only one case of HIV detected but if the foreign workers continue with their pronliscuous lifestyle they are likely to pick up other sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and chlamydia1 infections. For those who were found to be stool positive for enteric pathogens, it is important to determine whether they are food-handlers as they will prove a significant risk for the spread of infections. Originally, it was intended to test blood samples for hepatitis C and E markers since the incidence in foreign countries from which the workers come are higher. However, due to the shortage of the samples, this had to be deferred. In the light that hepatitis carriage rate is the highest for the microbes tested, it is important to include these two markers in future studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  2. Immigrant Health Study. 5. Faecal pathogens in foreign workers. [Abstract]
    Suresh K, Rajah S, Khairul Anuar A, Anuar Zaini MZ, Saminathan R, Ramakrishnan S
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:62-63.
    One hundred seventy three stool samples were obtained from workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and others. The stool samples were examined for Ascaris, Trichuris, Hookworm, Schistosomes, trematodes and cestodes. The protozaon parasites included Bnlantidiirrir coli, Blastocystis honlinis, Cyclospora cryptosporidium, Microsporidiirin, Entamoeeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, lodamoeba butschilli. Of these 21.9%, 17% and 1% of the population studied had hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides infections respectively. There was only one Indonesian reported to have Hymenolepis nana infections. The most common protozoan seen in the faecal sample is Blastocystis hominis (36%) followed by Giardia lamblia (4%). Most of the stools positive with these faecal pathogens were semisolid especially the ones positive for the protozoan. We have also shown Blastocystis from the Indonesian workers show very small forms almost 3-5 in size compared to the normal size of 10-15 pm in the other nationalities. These forms show a distinct growth profile in cultures and appears to be more resistant to temperature changes than Blastocystis seen in the other two nationalities. The high incidence of Hookworm and Trichuris infections is suggestive that if these workers are left unheated their productivity will be hampered by other possible serious complications such as anaemia, weight loss, abdominal pain with diarrhoea1 stools and nausea. There are increasing reports that Blastocystis hominis is pathogenic. Flatulence, abdominal discomfort and the increase in the frequency of the passing watery stool has been noted in patients infected with the parasite. Since most of the workers are generally housed in crowded rooms it is highly likely that this will facilitate transmission through the faecal-oral route of both Giardia and Blastocystis possibly increasing the incidences of these infections among workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  3. Epidemiological data on pneumococcal infections in Asian countries
    Jamal F
    Vaccine, 1999 Jul 30;17 Suppl 1:S75-8.
    PMID: 10471186
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan/epidemiology
  4. Rapid serologic diagnosis of pediatric typhoid fever in an endemic area: a prospective comparative evaluation of two dot-enzyme immunoassays and the Widal test
    Bhutta ZA, Mansurali N
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1999 Oct;61(4):654-7.
    PMID: 10548305
    We evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of two dot-enzyme-linked immunoassays (Typhidot and Typhidot-M; Malaysian Biodiagnostic Research SDN BHD, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), assessing IgG and IgM antibodies against the outer membrane protein (OMP) of Salmonella typhi, and the Widal test in comparison with blood culture in a consecutive group of children with suspected typhoid fever. Of 97 children with suspected typhoid fever, the disease was confirmed bacteriologically in 46 (47%), whereas 25 (26%) were considered to have typhoid fever on clinical grounds. An alternative diagnosis was made in 26 (27%). The Typhidot and Typhidot-M were superior to the Widal test in their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, although values (sensitivity = 85-94% and specificity = 77-89%) were significantly lower than in other regional reports. The lower specificity of the Typhidot in our series may represent regional differences in the genomic structure and plasticity of the OMP of S. typhi and merits further evaluation of these tests in diverse geographic locations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  5. Husbands' versus wives' fertility goals and use of contraception: the influence of gender context in five Asian countries
    Mason KO, Smith HL
    Demography, 2000 Aug;37(3):299-311.
    PMID: 10953805 DOI: 10.2307/2648043
    Using data from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, we explore how gender context influences (1) husband-wife concordance in the demand for children and (2) the impact of each spouse's fertility preferences on contraceptive use. We also explore whether the husband's pronatalism can explain the wife's unmet need for contraception. The results suggest that gender context has little net effect on couples' concordance, but influences the relative weight of husbands' and wives' preferences in determining contraceptive use. Analysis of women's unmet need for contraception suggests that the husbands' pronatalism contributes to wives' unmet need, but only to a relatively small degree, especially in settings where unmet need is high. This is the case because the proportion of couples with differing fertility goals is small in most communities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  6. Parasitological and serological investigation into lymphatic filariasis among immigrant at Semenyih Detention Centre, Selangor, West Malaysia
    Wan Omar A, Khairul Anuar A, Sulaiman O, Rahmah N, Manaf A, Rahimah A
    JUMMEC, 2000;5:41-44.
    Parasitological and serological investigations for lymphatic filariasis were performed on 450 immigrants detained at the lmmigration Centre at Semenyih, Selangor, West Malaysia. The country of origin of these immigrants were Indonesia, The Philippines, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Brugia malayi adult worm homogenate (BmAH) antigen was used for the detection of antiifilarial IgG. A monoclonal antibody-based ELISA (MAb.XC3-ELISA) specific for filarial circulating antigens and non-phosphorylcholine reactive was used to detect antigenemia in these immigrants. Parasitologically 67 (14.89 %) were positive for W. bancrofti and 54 (12.0%) for Brugia malayi. Serologically 63% had antifilarial IgG titre to the BmAH antigen. While Bancroftian filariasis is now unknown in Peninsular Malaysia, the potential of it to be reintroduced into Peninsular Malaysia by the immigrant population is discussed. KEYWORDS: Lymphatic filariasis, immigratits, antifilarial IgG, antigenemia
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  7. Islam and Science: the Islamic world
    Abbott A, Cyranoski D, Masood E
    Nature, 2006 Nov 2;444(7115):20-1.
    PMID: 17080056
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  8. Rheumatic diseases in the APLAR region
    Davatchi F
    APLAR Journal of Rheumatology, 2006;9(1):5-10.
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-8077.2006.00177.x
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  9. An analysis of suicide and undetermined deaths in 17 predominantly Islamic countries contrasted with the UK
    Pritchard C, Amanullah S
    Psychol Med, 2007 Mar;37(3):421-30.
    PMID: 17176500
    Suicide is expressly condemned in the Qu'ran, and traditionally few Islamic countries have reported suicide. Undetermined deaths are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Other Violent Deaths (OVD) in ICD-9, or Other External Causes (OEC) in ICD-10. It has been suggested that to avoid under-reporting of suicides, both formal suicide verdicts and OVD should be considered together because OVD may contain 'hidden' suicides.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan/epidemiology
  10. Factors influencing Hepatitis C virus sero-prevalence among blood donors in north west Pakistan
    Khattak MN, Akhtar S, Mahmud S, Roshan TM
    J Public Health Policy, 2008 Jul;29(2):207-25.
    PMID: 18523475 DOI: 10.1057/jphp.2008.7
    Hepatitis C virus infection is a major health problem worldwide. The current study estimated seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and evaluated associated factors among volunteer blood donors of the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. Of 1,131 volunteer blood donors enrolled, 46 (4.1%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that positive donors were more likely to be 27-32 years old or >32 years old, have had 1-2 injections or >2 injections in the past year, or 1-5 intravenous (IV) drips or >5 I/V drips in the past 5 years. Positive donors had a family history of jaundice and were more likely to have been shaved (facial and armpit) by barbers. There was high prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among blood donors of the NWFP. Public awareness programs should target the identified risk factors to prevent HCV transmission. We highlight the weakness of the health care system for blood donation, as it does not offer any record management for donors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan/epidemiology
  11. Integrating ethics, health policy and health systems in low- and middle-income countries: case studies from Malaysia and Pakistan
    Hyder AA, Merritt M, Ali J, Tran NT, Subramaniam K, Akhtar T
    Bull World Health Organ, 2008 Aug;86(8):606-11.
    PMID: 18797618
    Scientific progress is a significant basis for change in public-health policy and practice, but the field also invests in value-laden concepts and responds daily to sociopolitical, cultural and evaluative concerns. The concepts that drive much of public-health practice are shaped by the collective and individual mores that define social systems. This paper seeks to describe the ethics processes in play when public-health mechanisms are established in low- and middle-income countries, by focusing on two cases where ethics played a crucial role in producing positive institutional change in public-health policy. First, we introduce an overview of the relationship between ethics and public health; second, we provide a conceptual framework for the ethical analysis of health system events, noting how this approach might enhance the power of existing frameworks; and third, we demonstrate the interplay of these frameworks through the analysis of a programme to enhance road safety in Malaysia and an initiative to establish a national ethics committee in Pakistan. We conclude that, while ethics are gradually being integrated into public-health policy decisions in many developing health systems, ethical analysis is often implicit and undervalued. This paper highlights the need to analyse public-health decision-making from an ethical perspective.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  12. Fulltext Role of the husband's knowledge and behaviour in postnatal depression: a case study of an immigrant Pakistani woman
    Khan TM, Arif NH, Tahir H, Anwar M
    Ment Health Fam Med, 2009 Dec;6(4):195-201.
    PMID: 22477910
    Objective. This study aims to highlight the subjective experience of an immigrant Pakistani woman during postnatal depression (PND), with a special emphasis on the husband's knowledge and behaviour towards PND.
    Methods. A face-to-face interview was conducted with a woman reporting symptoms of depression on the fourth day after delivery. She was evaluated using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM IV)(1) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Rating Scale (EPDRS).(2) The evaluations were completed by a qualified psychiatrist. The demographic information, personal and family medical history and attitude towards the child were the principal issues recorded. In addition, five items were used to evaluate the husband's knowledge about PND. The EPDRS differences before and after counselling were evaluated using a student t-test.
    Results. The patient was 32 years old and this was her first experience of delivery by Caesarean section. The evaluation for depression confirmed the diagnosis of PND and she scored 16 on the EPDRS. The husband's knowledge of PND was poor.
    Conclusion. This case study suggests that lack of social support and understanding appear to play a vital role in the persistence of symptoms of PND among new mothers. Therefore, counselling of couples may be an effective additional tool in treating PND.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  13. Fulltext Evidence-based decision on medical technologies in Asia Pacific: experiences from India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Pakistan
    Thatte U, Hussain S, de Rosas-Valera M, Malik MA
    Value Health, 2009 Nov-Dec;12 Suppl 3:S18-25.
    PMID: 20586975 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2009.00622.x
    This paper discusses national programs implemented in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Philippines to generate and apply evidence in making informed policy decisions on the approval, pricing, reimbursement and financing of medicines, diagnostics, and medical devices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  14. Fulltext Systematic Review on Management of Conversion Disorder
    Aamir, Siddiqua
    Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;18(2):1-7.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of review was to find the recent evidence for the management of conversion disorder. The study was conducted at the Psychiatry Unit of Govt. Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. A systematic literature search was done using Medline and Extra Medline. A total of 10 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the literature reviewed hypnosis and self hypnosis, psychoanalytical intervention, behavioral intervention, paradoxical intervention, treatment by strong suggestion and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation were the treatments used by the clinicians for the management of conversion disorder. Conclusion: The literature review did not give details concerning the treatment used for conversion disorders adequately. Behavioral interventions were in general found to be more successful treatment course for the management of conversion disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  15. Fulltext Reverse Culture Shock among Returnee High School Students
    Siddiqua, A.
    Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;19(1):1-5.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The purpose of the present study was to identify reverse culture shock among returnee high school students. Methods: It was an observational study conducted at an International High School of Islamabad, Pakistan on overseas-experienced returnee Pakistani students. A 15 statements questionnaire was used to measure reverse culture shock. Results: Mean index score on survey questionnaire was 4 indicative that these returnees were experiencing high reverse culture shock. Conclusion: For being feeling different in own cultural set up the returnees usually suffer from reverse culture shock and develop personal problems associated with it.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  16. Device closure of patent ductus arteriosus in Marfan patients: safety and effect on the aortic root diameter
    Zanjani KS, Wong AR, Sadiq M, Weber HS, Cutler NG
    Congenit Heart Dis, 2010 Sep-Oct;5(5):439-43.
    PMID: 21087429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0803.2010.00448.x
    Objectives: There is little evidence in the medical literature about safety of PDA device closure and its effects on aortic root diameter in Marfan patients. We reported on nine Marfan patients whose ducts were occluded by coil or Amplatzer Duct Occluder.
    Patients and interventions: Two patients had aneurismal type E ducts which were closed by a single coil, respectively. The others had conical ducts for which even Amplatzer occluder, stiff, or double coils were used.
    Results: No untoward consequence was found during a median follow up period of 18.5 months (range 3 months to 6.33 years). Two patients had small residual shunts. The observed change in the mean ratio of aortic root diameter to its estimated value was statistically insignificant in seven patients who had complete data on their aortic root diameter before PDA closure and during the follow up.
    Conclusions: We concluded that PDA device closure in Marfan patients is safe. Risk of residual shunt is higher even after closure of small ducts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  17. Knowledge attitude and perception of dispensing doctors regarding generic medicines in Karachi, Pakistan: a qualitative study
    Jamshed SQ, Hassali MA, Ibrahim MI, Babar ZU
    J Pak Med Assoc, 2011 Jan;61(1):80-3.
    PMID: 22368910
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  18. Real-life safety and effectiveness of amlodipine/valsartan combination in the treatment of hypertension
    Chazova IE, Dongre N, Vigdorchik AV
    Adv Ther, 2011 Feb;28(2):134-49.
    PMID: 21240661 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-010-0099-1
    The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the free combination of amlodipine/valsartan in patients with arterial hypertension in a real-life setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
  19. Fulltext Patterns of differentiated thyroid cancer in Baluchistan Province of Pakistan: some initial observations
    Iftikhar A, Naseeb AK, Khwaja A, Mati H, Karim K, Hameeda N
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Oct;66(4):322-5.
    PMID: 22299551
    The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing in several countries. The main objective of this retrospective study was to find and describe province-specific estimates of incidence in males and females by age groups for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This study reports on 87 cases of DTC from Baluchistan province of Pakistan treated with post operative radioiodine at the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (CENAR) Quetta from January 2003 to December 2009. The patient data has been collected from CENAR Quetta. Patients with DTC were confirmed by clinical examination, thyroid scintigraphy (Thyroid scan), blood tests (T3, T4, TSH) and histopathalogy tests and then treated with radioiodine. The Median age of the patients was 35.5 years (Range 12-70 years). The final histological diagnosis was papillary carcinoma in 71 (81.6 %) cases, follicular carcinoma in 6 (6.9%) cases while 10 (11.5%) cases presented with mixed papillary and follicular carcinoma. About 53 % cases were found in females with age 21-40 years. No strike predominance was observed in any age group for males. Four patients presented with recurrence while six patients showed metastasis in cervical lymph nodes. The small annual incidence did not follow any definite pattern. DTC has a small incidence in Baluchistan due to lack of education and health care facilities. The incidence of DTC is higher in females when compared with males as per this study. This preliminary study will provide an insight to incidence of DTC, its treatment facilities and future planning strategies in Baluchistan, Pakistan.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan; Pakistan/epidemiology
  20. Medication counselling and dispensing practices at community pharmacies: a comparative cross sectional study from Pakistan
    Hussain A, Ibrahim MI
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2011 Oct;33(5):859-67.
    PMID: 21853362 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-011-9554-6
    OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess and compare medication counselling and dispensing practices at community pharmacies in three major cities of Pakistan.

    METHODS: A total of 1113 patient dispenser interactions were observed from a randomly selected sample of 371 pharmacies by using convenient sampling technique in the three respective cities namely Islamabad (118), Peshawar (120) and Lahore (133). The data collection tool was adapted from WHO structure observation form and was modified according to the objectives of the study.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The process of prescription handling at community pharmacies in terms of patient dispenser interaction, prescription validation and medication counseling was assessed. The data was coded, entered and analyzed by using SPSS Version 16.

    RESULTS: A total of 1113 patient dispenser interactions were observed at the community pharmacies in the three respective cities namely Islamabad (n = 354), Peshawar (n = 360) and Lahore (n = 399). Out of 1113 patient/dispenser interactions the providers present at the community pharmacies were; pharmacist (degree of B-pharm/pharm D) 1.6% (n = 18), pharmacy assistant (diploma in pharmacy) 7% (n = 78), diploma holder (certified course of drug dispensing) 5.6% (n = 62) and salesmen (no medicine related education) 85.8% (n = 955).There was no significant difference in the practice between pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, diploma holders and salesmen. Prescription validation was carried out in 18% (n = 206) of the cases, drugs verification in 32% (n = 360) of the cases while labelling of drugs was performed in only 6% (n = 76) of the cases. Completely counselling about medication was provided in 3.1% (n = 35) of the cases while no counselling at all was given in 52.7% (n = 582) of the cases.

    CONCLUSION: The process of medication counselling and dispensing practices at community pharmacies in Pakistan is not satisfactory. The patients are largely handled by unqualified salesmen. Thus there is a strong need to improve medication counselling and dispensing practices at community pharmacies by improving the skills of the dispensers through a mix of interventions, and law should be implemented to ensure presence of qualified person which in turn will result in the provision of better patient oriented services at community pharmacies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pakistan
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