Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease and has reached a status of global health emergency. It is widespread in Pakistan causing morbidity and mortality amongst masses.
Objectives: Undertaken study aims at investigating knowledge, attitude and practices of the people residing in Lahore, Pakistan whilst the global crisis with sparse data available previously.
Methodology: Following lockdown announcement, an immediate online cross sectional study was conducted from the 31st March to 6 April 2020. Data was analyzed by using SPSS IBM version 22. 00.
Results: A total of 316 responses were received. Our study has shown that people 95.80% were well familiar with COVID-19, informed via news channels 46.2%. 91.7% believed the virus is contagious, 95.8% reported that the virus is spread by the respiratory droplets, 89.2% believed that all ages are at risk while 62.3% believed it risky for geriatrics only. 60.4% believed in its prevention with 91.7% respondents agreeably quarantined themselves while 6.6% didn’t. 99.7% participants were aware of social/physical distancing and 75.6% found it affecting mental health i.e. cause anxiety, depression etc. 59.2% of respondents were optimistic expecting it to end soon while 32.3% were uncertain. 49.1% said they have diagnostic facility and 89.6% acknowledged efforts of researchers/healthcare providers (doctors, pharmacist, nurses, allied health professionals and paramedical staff) for the society. 94.3% believed that there is need of awareness regarding COVID-19.
Conclusion: An ever increasing need of awareness amongst the local population regarding COVID-19 is needed. It will lend hands in preventing spread of COVID-19 with minimal secondary transmission. It is recommended that extensive survey studies are required that can provide supportive data in developing and implementing public health policies regarding COVID-19 pandemic. It would further control and arrest the spread of COVID-19 in country.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(0) 2020 p. S 69-S 76
This review is aimed at provision of an updated knowledge about the gout and highlights the various areas which need to be focused for better healthcare. Relevant published articles in English Language were reviewed by utilizing various available databases including: Google Scholar, Springer Link, Science Direct and MEDLINE. The data reveal a precipitating number of gout cases from the developed countries, while the developing countries on the other hand are faced with an even higher threat. The risk factors and pathophysiology of gout are immaculate and clearly established. Hence, appropriate measures can be explored and worked on to pinpoint diagnosis, effective and economical treatment.
Continuous...
Background: Students’ understanding regarding traditional medicine is a part of pharmacy curriculum. In Pakistan, be it students or healthcare professionals, little is known about the general importance of traditional medicine.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the students, enrolled in Doctor of Pharmacy Program, regarding their beliefs, knowledge and practices for use of medicinal plants.
Methodology: The questionnaires were distributed among the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) students. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (IBM, version. 22) and different statistical tests were applied, including descriptive analysis, t-test and Pearson chi squared test.
Results: Total 254 responses were obtained in the study. While the outcome indicates that the majority of the participants (n=237: 93.3%) acknowledge the usefulness of traditional medicine. 151 (59.4%) participants believed that the traditional medicine is safe but 103 (40.6%) concerned about the side effects of herbal remedies. 187 (73.6%) reported the use of some type of medicinal plants in their life. Easy availability of traditional medicine was reported by 186 (73.2%) participants and 176 (69.3%) claimed the medicinal plants as inexpensive alternatives. The physician was kept informed about the concomitant administration of herbal with allopathic medicine in only 43 (16.9%). Stomach pain (14.17%) was most common sickness for which participants utilized traditional treatment, followed by cough (12.6%) and flu (10.63%). Mint (10.24%) was found to be the most commonly used medicinal plant, followed by aloe (9.84%) and ginger (7.48%).
Conclusion: Detailed studies are still required to evaluate not only the students but also health care professionals about their understanding, prescribing practice and dealing with patients already using medicinal plants. This will help in improved management of the disorders and may lead further advancement in the field of natural product research and cutting off ill effects of allopathic treatment.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 02 April’22 Page : 323-334
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