Background Cervical carcinoma is a widespread disease of the female genital tract, for which human papillomavirus (HPV) is an utmost risk factor. Of the total global burden, the majority is endured by the developing nations of the world, mainly due to inadequate knowledge regarding the disease and ineffective measures taken for its prevention, early detection, and screening. Hence, our study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, general attitudes and perception, and prevention practices related to HPV-based cervical cancer and its socioeconomic correlates among women in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Burn related injuries (BRIs) are relatively common, mostly accidental, and highly preventable forms of injury. First aid management of BRIs can have a significant impact on the outcome and morbidity of these injuries, yet there seems to be an inadequacy in the knowledge related to burn management worldwide. Hence, our study aimed to delineate the level of knowledge and awareness of burn first aid treatment (BFAT) amongst undergraduate students, and the impact training courses had on that knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by employing undergraduate medical and nonmedical students from various universities of Karachi, Pakistan. By means of convenience sampling, 400 students were sent online, structured questionnaires. The analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US), and associations calculated through t-tests. A mean knowledge score was calculated to assess the participant's adequacy of knowledge regarding BFAT.Results: Medical students had a better knowledge score than their non-medical counterparts (5.8 ± 1.6 versus 3.6 ± 1.5, P < 0.01), however, overall knowledge of BFAT remained inadequate amongst participants. Students who received formal training scored a higher mean knowledge score than the majority of students with no training (P < 0.01). Conclusion:The majority of students had insufficient overall knowledge about BFAT, highlighting the need for integrating this topic into the curriculum. In addition, education of the masses via multimedia and conducting formal training courses, are both imperative in raising awareness and reducing the occurrence of BRIs.

Background Menstruation is a natural physiological phenomenon, yet considered a stigmatized subject, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. It is seldom discussed openly, leading to flow of incorrect and incomplete knowledge. The resultant unhealthy practices not only affect the health of the menstruator but can also contribute to considerable psychosocial stress. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an important facet, which is associated with a variety of practices and beliefs in different parts of the world, some of which may not be correct. Identifying these poor methods is necessary in order to rectify them. Hence, our study aimed at determining the level of knowledge, beliefs, and practices pertaining to menstruation in the general female populace of Karachi. Healthcare workers have a potential role in the dissemination of authentic knowledge and practices. Therefore, we assessed and compared the accuracy and reliability of the aforementioned parameters in them and the need for an educational intervention. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on females visiting the Gynecologic and Obstetrics Outpatient Department (OPD), and healthcare workers employed at Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi and Dow University Hospital Ojha. Using non-probability convenience sampling, a self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 353 respondents over a duration of three months from October 2019 to January 2020. Data was tabulated in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). In accordance with the objectives of the study, descriptive analysis was performed, and data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. Results Of the 353 participants, 176 were from the general population and 177 were healthcare workers. At menarche, only 28.4% of the general population and 29.4% of healthcare workers had an idea of menses and proper placement of absorbent. Significantly lower number of females from the general population were found to be aware of tampons and menstrual cups (15.9% and 11.4% respectively) as compared to healthcare workers. For both groups, the source of knowledge was mostly their mother. The study showed that 77.8% of the general population and 66.1% of healthcare workers avoided bathing on certain days during menses, with the most common reason being that "it causes irregular flow". As compared to healthcare workers, a significantly higher number of women from the general population had restrictions of activity (53.4%) and avoided washing of groin area during menstruation (31.2%). Majority of women from the general population mentioned that they were scared when they menstruated for the first time. The most common absorbent used by respondents was pads, followed by cloth. The data showed 64.2% of females from the general population and 28.8% of healthcare workers abstained from eating certain foods. Seeking treatment for gynec...

Background: In Pakistan, thousands are reported dead due to organ failure annually, owing to the huge discrepancy between the number of people waiting for organ donation and the number of organs available. It is imperative that the young generation, the future donor force, comprehends the concept and importance of organ donation. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding organ donation amongst the youth of Pakistan, and to delineate the factors that motivate or demotivate the new generation for organ donation so our future campaigns may be more successful. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate medical and non-medical students from various universities of Karachi, Pakistan. Using convenience sampling, 450 students were sent online, structured, 11-item questionnaires. The analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US), and associations calculated through chi-square tests. A knowledge score was calculated to reflect a participant's familiarity with organ donation. Results: 88.7% of students were familiar with organ donation; however, only 34.6% were willing to donate, and 0.6% had donated an organ. Belonging to a medical university and female gender were associated with higher knowledge scores. 'To save lives' (51.7%) was cited by most students as a factor that would motivate them to donate an organ, while 'Religion' (27.6%) was chosen as the most popular factor that demotivates them. Conclusion: Majority of the students had insufficient overall knowledge about organ donation, highlighting the need for inculcating this topic in the curriculum. The differences in knowledge between medical and non-medical students were inconsistent with their practices, indicating that future campaigns should focus on eliminating barriers to organ donation to facilitate an accepting attitude and increased practices with respect to this topic.

Background: Nutritional rickets resulting from different causes continue to be a major pediatric concern in many developing countries. It's the most frequent non-communicable disease among children globally. Even developed countries have not been exempted from this disease. Aim: To determine the predisposing factors for nutritional rickets in children, presenting in Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore Study design: Cross sectional study Place and duration of study: Department of Pediatric Medicine, Sh. Zayed Hospital, Lahore from 01-01-2019 to 31-07-2019. Methodology: One hundred and thirty children of nutritional rickets were enrolled. Children of both genders and age 9 months to 2 years were included. All children on anti-convulsant therapy and chronic liver diseases were excluded. Results: There were 83(63.85%) between 9-18 months, 47(36.15%) were between 19-24 months of age with mean age was 17.36±3.92 months. Seventy four (56.92%) males and 56(43.08%) were females. Predisposing factors reveal 89(68.46%) exclusive breast feeding, 68(52.31%) low nutritious status of mother, 93(71.54%) had cow’s milk, 87(66.92%) had lack of sunlight exposure and 63(48.46%) had malnutrition. Conclusion: Exclusive breast feeding, low nutritious status of mother, cow’s milk, lack of1sunlight exposure and malnutrition are the significant predisposing factors for nutritional rickets in children. Keywords: Nutritional rickets in children, Predisposing factors, Exclusive breast feeding, Low nutritious status of mother