Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a major occupational health problem among dental healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan, which places them at a significant risk of acquiring blood-borne infections. However, not all NSIs are reported, leading to an underestimation of the actual prevalence. The harmful impacts of NSIs on the healthcare delivery necessitate an urgent need to measure its actual prevalence. Objectives. The aim of this study was to review literature to estimate the prevalence and reporting rates of NSIs among dental-HCWs in Pakistan. Methods. 713 potentially relevant citations were identified by electronic databases and hand searching of articles. Nine primary studies were subsequently identified to be included in the review. Results. The results of the included studies indicate that the prevalence of NSIs among Pakistani dental-HCWs was between 30% and 73%. The rate of reporting of NSIs was between 15% and 76%, and the most common reason was found to be the lack of awareness regarding the reporting system, or of the need to report NSIs. Conclusion. It is evident from the review of the included studies that there is a significantly high prevalence and a low rate of reporting of NSIs among dental-HCWs in Pakistan, suggesting the need to setup an occupational health department in dental settings, for preventing, managing, recording, and monitoring NSIs.
Development of school-based nutrition education programmes and behavior change strategies emphasizing the regular intake of meals and nutrient-rich snacks, and encouraging consumption of easily available and affordable food items such as dried seeds, fruits, vegetables, milk and its derivatives is essential for addressing nutrient deficiencies.
Background: Work-related stress has become a global public health problem among occupational drivers. However, it is a highly neglected topic in the Pakistani population. Aims: This study was conducted to identify the stress-inducing factors in occupational drivers in Karachi and to determine the relationship of stressors with sociodemographic and occupational factors among bus, minibus, rickshaw, taxi and private vehicle drivers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to October 2017 through a validated structured questionnaire. A total of 384 occupational drivers were recruited through non-probability quota sampling. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and stress-inducing factors in drivers was obtained. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, version 21. The Chi-squared test was applied to see the association between categorical variables. Results: Traffic jam was the most significant cause of stress (n = 377, 98.2%), followed by condition of the roads (n = 356, 92.7%) and the lights of other vehicles (n = 339, 88.3%). Conclusion: Numerous stress-inducing factors are experienced by occupational drivers in Karachi. This could possibly result in decreased precision and judgment while driving resulting in increased number of accidents.
BackgroundCorrect medicine dosing is an important component in the safe and effective delivery of medicines, particularly for the pediatric population. However, there is a scarcity of public campaigns on the correct administration and choice of dosing aids for oral liquid dosage form in many countries, leading to medicine safety issues and therapeutic failures.MethodsThe study targeted the assessment of the knowledge and practice of university students. It utilizes pre- and post-intervention surveys administered through google forms as a survey tool during online zoom and in-person sessions. The intervention included a short video presentation detailing the selection and use of medicine spoons and other aids for the administration of oral liquid dosage. The Fischer Exact test was used to assess the pre- and post-test shift of responses.ResultsNine-degree programs were engaged in the activity, and 108 students attended this health awareness activity after obtaining formal consent. A significant decline (CI = 95%, ****p-value < 0.05) in the choice of selecting tablespoon and a shift to a low-volume spoon, as well as rejection of an entire variety of household spoons, were observed. A significant improvement in the correct naming of spoons, the meaning of the abbreviation “tsp,” and the correct volume of a standard teaspoon were also observed with a p-value of <0.001.ConclusionA deficit in the knowledge of the proper use of measuring devices for oral liquid medicines in the educated population was observed, which can be enhanced through simple tools like short video presentations and awareness seminars.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air inside water-pipe cafés in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: During June 2015, three water-pipe cafés in the city of Karachi, Pakistan were selected through convenience sampling. CO air samples were collected from the selected cafés using Carbon Monoxide USB Data logger. The graphs were automatically generated through the USB Data logger and the collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: The results showed that the overall readings of CO levels were within/lower than threshold limit value (TLV) of 25 ppm. However, there was an increase of CO levels in indoor air of all included water-pipe café during peak hours when the cafés were open and had a regular customer flow compared to the CO levels overnight. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence that the air quality in water-pipe cafés is potentially hazardous to the health of its employees, which is critical to inform tobacco control policies and regulations for such venues. The study findings also indicate a clear need to extend research to not only focus on the indoor air quality of water-pipe cafés, but also the biological monitoring of employees in water-pipe cafés.
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