Areas Of Karachi Research Articles

Giving Voice to the Voiceless Causes, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Changing Paradigm through the Lens of marginalized communities in developing Countries

Digital leadership plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of the fast-growing and changing scenarios of organizations and countries, mainly affecting and segregating society into different classes. This article aims to identify the challenges and opportunities for Digital leaders who are in touch with the digital practices in marginalized communities and working in various areas of Karachi, Pakistan. The study participants consisted of 15 Heads and coordinators of I.T. institutes. This study is based on a qualitative research approach, and data for the analysis was collected through snowball sampling technique in the marginalized areas of Sindh. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to inquire about the challenges and opportunities that digital leaders face especially working with marginalized communities. Data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed through descriptive coding techniques. The findings revealed digital leaders are facing multiple issues related to the implementation and deregulation of digital practices especially in marginalized areas. Whereas, the Pakistani Nation has ample potential to uplift their lifestyles through acquiring skills and utilizing them in the right direction.

Effects of road infrastructure development on residential property value and land development shifts in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan

The introduction of road infrastructure development projects often triggers expectations of shifts in property values. Extensive research has already been conducted regarding the impact of such projects on property values and land development in developed regions. However, there is a research gap when it comes to developing countries like Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of the road infrastructure development project, the M-9 Motorway, on residential property values and land development in a mega residential project in Bahria Town Karachi (BTK), Pakistan. This study employs a mixed-methodology approach, incorporating qualitative methods (interviews) and quantitative analysis (questionnaire surveys and property data analysis). Statistical tools such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the Chi-square goodness of fit test were used for correlation and hypothesis testing. This research reveals that proximity to a major road infrastructure project directly impacts property purchase prices, rents, and land development in BTK, either positively or negatively. The obtained results align with both expectations and the existing literature. Although these findings should not directly apply to other locations and contexts, they can be considered suggestive indicators for planning purposes.

A Cross-sectional Investigation of Gastroenteritis Inflicted by Salmonella Typhi, Entamoebahistolytica and Giardia lamblia in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Gastroenteritis is a global health concern affecting individuals of all ages and regions. The disease is caused bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Salmonella Typhi, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia are three prevalent pathogens worldwide responsible for causing gastroenteritis. Aim: To provide valuable insights into the prevalence, burden, and symptomatology of gastroenteritis caused by S. Typhi, E. histolytica, and G. lamblia in various areas of Karachi. Methods: To gather data, official registers of hospital wards, outpatient departments (OPDs), and relevant diagnostic laboratories were consulted. Stool microscopy, blood culture, Typhi Dot, and/or Widal tests were performed and their results recorded. The study collected data from a total of 1029 patients. Results: The frequency gastroenteritis rates (including cases of Typhoid, Amoebiasis, and Giardiasis), Typhoid fever, Amoebiasis, and Giardiasis were found as 71%, 57%, 30%, and 13% respectively. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the most common symptom in Typhoid cases was fever, followed by headache and abdominal pain. In Giardiasis and Amoebiasis cases, pain in abdomin was the most frequently reported symptom. By understanding the epidemiology of gastroenteritis caused by these agents, this research will add to the advancement of effective public health approaches to prevent and control gastroenteritis outbreaks in the future. Keywords: Gastroenteritis, Typhoid, Amoebiasis, Giradiasis, Salmonella Typhi, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia

The Utility Of Pre-Procedural COVID-PCR Testing For Dental Aerosol Generating Procedures Is Questionable.

To compare the number of aerosol-generating procedures performed and the number of coronavirus disease-2019-positive workers in dental practice. The audit study was conducted in May 2021 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, which was retrieved from dental clinics at the main hospital and its Clifton branch as well as in three secondary care hospitals in Garden, Kharadar, Karimabad areas of Karachi, and one in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Data of individuals who followed mandatory pre 20 procedural polymerase chain reaction testing in addition to using personal protective equipment in the main hospital and Clifton branch was placed in group A, and of those using personal protective equipment only at the 4 satellite clinics with no testing was placed in group B. Dental charts of patients who underwent dental aerosol-generating procedures were analysed. Number of dental clinics affected by coronavirus disease 25 2019 and number of dental patients who were reported positive on pre-procedural polymerase chain reaction testing were evaluated. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 63 dental healthcare workers, 44(69.8%) were in group A and 19(30.2%) were in group B. In group A, 19(43.2%) were affected by coronavirus disease-2019 compared to 2(11%) in group B (p=0.01). Among 782(67.8%) patients who underwent polymerase chain reaction testing, 26(3.3%) turned out positive for coronavirus disease-2019. Due to the mandatory testing imposed on patients, 371/1153(32.2%) refused to get the desired dental treatment. The benefit of pre-procedural testing in dentistry remained uncertain.

Self-esteem levels in school-going adolescents across the slums of Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional analysis

IntroductionFor individuals to live their lives and integrate into society, self-esteem is an essential feeling. Self-esteem development depends on the environment in which children are nurtured. Assessment techniques using questionnaires include Rosenberg's self-esteem scale.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the self-esteem of school-going adolescents in slum areas.MethodologyThis school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three understudied slum areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A standardized scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), and a pre-tested demographic scale was used to assess the impact of gender, weight, academic performance, tuition, and parent's education level along with parent's strictness on the self-esteem of the understudied population of adolescents aged between 11 and 19 years included in the study. Parent consent was obtained before visiting the schools.FindingsAs per the collected data on self-esteem, among 539 school-going adolescents, 232 (43%) were male and 307 (57%) were female. Most students, 324 (60%), were in the 14–16 age range. Parents' education status and strictness towards their children, academic performance, and adolescent body mass index (BMI) influenced self-esteem levels.ConclusionThe study found that age, parent's education, parent's strictness, BMI, and academic performance were linked to the levels of self-esteem in the target population regardless of gender. Children's surroundings play an imperative role in developing lower or higher self-esteem in children. Assessing adolescent's self-esteem can be a useful way to build strong self-confident youngster and also beneficial to treatment for those with psychosomatic complaints in their growing age.

Link between Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion: A Case of Urban Areas of Karachi, Pakistan

The paper is aimed at examining the link between financial literacy and financial inclusion in the presence of social interaction. An established theoretical framework was used, and tested questionnaire was employed to test the hypotheses and data collection. Smart PLS was used as the data is primary in nature. The model is a considered to be a strong model as the effect size is 0.76. Results show that behaviour and knowledge contribute to have an impact on financial inclusion while skills and attitude do not significantly influence, which implies a significant positive influence of financial literacy on financial inclusion. Also, it was found that social interaction moderates the relationship between financial literacy and inclusion as hypothesized in the study. These results imply that in order to improve knowledge and understanding of financial ideas and practises, policy makers, financial institutions, and groups working on financial inclusion projects should concentrate on offering financial education and literacy programmes. Also, tailored interventions must be considered by the policymakers and organizations that combine financial literacy programs with opportunities for social interaction. These interventions could involve interactive workshops, community-based financial education initiatives, and social platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing and peer support.

Urban Forest and Recreational Facilities along Treated Malir River

Nature is the best teacher and reconnects the mechanically lost man with originality. Considering the fundamental role of nature in the nurture of mankind, this study aims to emphasise the need for green spaces within the urban metropolis for improved lifestyles and a sustainable environment. The conditions of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) necessitate a cleaner environment, clean air, water and sanitation. The quantitative research proposes jogging track, artificial forest implementation and recreational facilities along with the treated Malir river water sections. For this research, a questionnaire-based analysis is conducted. This study proposes a notion of urban forest recreation for the citizens, dwellers and monetary contribution for maintaining such facilities based on the quantitative analysis of the collected data. As a result, the analytics of the survey reveals that people would welcome the use of such options for recreation. According to the data received, the respondents ponder that these green places could enhance their quality of life with a preference for sharing green space with their family and friends and also increase some soothing hobbies in urban areas. Most respondents prefer urban forestry supporting water sports, boating and fishing areas in Karachi. The feasibility of the proposed model is ensured with critical analysis and assessment of public income for Tax, preferences of green places assessment, use of recreational areas, and willingness to pay for entry in the green area.

Analysing the Perceptions of Teachers’ and Parents’ on the Causes and Consequences of Slow Learners’ Early Learning Difficulties in Karachi Pakistan

The development of a nation cannot occur without first addressing the issues of education. Students can learn at varying speeds, from very quickly to quite slowly. Children who fall below the norm for their age group in terms of cognitive development are categorized as slow learners. They have trouble meeting the academic standards of a traditional classroom setting. Educators and researchers from all around the world are beginning to clarify the components of slow learning and conduct extensive studies on slow learners at all levels of schooling. This research looks at pre-schoolers who are slow learners in specific areas of Karachi, as well as the activities and beliefs of both parents and educators that contribute to the problem. The purpose of this research was to determine how teachers and parents perceived the problems and difficulties faced by slow learners and to identify potential solutions to improve their learning. To achieve the objective researchers employed qualitative research design and used a questionnaire to gather information from preschool educators and parents. Findings of the study highlight the importance of characteristics including memory impairment, lack of self-assurance, a lack of social support, and a hesitant disposition in causing learning difficulties. The importance of fostering in children a passion for learning is widely acknowledged by parents. A teacher's ability to provide a learning environment that caters to each student's unique needs and strengths is crucial to the academic success and happiness of slow learners. Unfortunately, there are times when this isn't feasible for a number of reasons. Further support for slow learners is found in individualized lesson plans, extended study periods, learning through projects, and the use of interactive media (such as games), oral instruction, and collaborative projects.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE AWARENESS OF THE GENERAL POPULATION IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN TOWARDS HEPATITIS B VIRUS AND THE DISEASE

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) causes a serious infection that has been increasingly spreading in Pakistan in recent years. The probable causes may include illiteracy, absence of appropriate health services, and less community awareness about the spread of major infectious diseases. This study has evaluated the awareness of HBV infection in different areas of Karachi. A survey-based questionnaire with a total of 25 awareness questions was filled out by the general population as well as people related to the medical field. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 and chi-square tests were used for the p-significance value. A total of 646 responses were collected out of which, 56.50% were medical personnel and 43.50% belong to the general population. In the current study the awareness of HBV was categorized into highly aware, moderately aware, and less awareness level and it was assessed based on gender, marital status, residential area, and educational background. The awareness level was found to be very low in the general population mostly belonging to the rural areas, which ultimately leads to the morbidity rate of hepatitis B virus infection. To improve the level of awareness about infectious diseases, it is necessary to conduct awareness campaigns among people that are not related to the medical community.

Ambient Air Quality Assessment in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan

Pakistan’s urban air pollution is amongst the utmost severity in the world that causes acute damage to the economy and human health. This study was designed for the assessment of ambient air quality in different areas of Karachi. The data were collected as pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season from main industrial zones of Karachi, S.I.T.E area, North Karachi industrial area, Korangi industrial area and Landhi industrial area in the year of 2017-2019. These zones are also a blend of industrial, residential, commercial and heavy traffic zones with dense populations. Ambient air data were collected for different pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matters (TSPM, PM10 and PM2.5). It is observed that in pre-monsoon, there is quite high intensity of particulate matter (TSPM, PM10 & PM2.5) present in the air, whereas CO and NO2 values found in all four zones are moderate in the air samples as prescribed by Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) standards. It is observed specifically in Landhi, S.I.T.E Area and Korangi industrial area which are more prone to the exposure of these pollutants. In post-monsoon, the intensity of particulate matters (TSPM, PM10 & PM2.5), CO and NO2 values in all four zones are less to moderate than the values of pre-monsoon due to the seasonal effects. Study data shows that three major zones; Landhi, Korangi and S.I.T.E. industrial areas are at a high exposure to gases and other toxic elements. North Karachi is at the least risk because of having a small scale of industries present. The PM10 & PM2.5 levels average about 2 - 3-fold greater than the SEPA standards. High levels of ambient air pollutants cause severe health problems and chronic diseases on human health. Therefore the implementation of rules and regulations regarding ambient air pollutants should be more rigorous.

Depression and suicidal ideation among individuals with type-2 diabetes mellitus, a cross-sectional study from an urban slum area of Karachi, Pakistan.

Suicidal thoughts and depression are associated with patients with diabetes, especially patients with low socioeconomic backgrounds and prolonged illness. We aimed to estimate suicidal thoughts and depression among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the slums of Karachi. This cross-sectional study was conducted across 38 locations in the slums of Karachi to understand depression, suicidal thoughts, and other supporting factors of depression associated with T2D. The three-item Oslo Social Support Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale, and the Ask Suicide Screening Questions were used to screen the patients. A total of 504 study participants were interviewed, with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of depression among patients with diabetes was 30.83%, and suicidal ideation was 20.39%. In the final multivariate analysis, being socioeconomically poor, physically disabled, and having poor social support were independent predictors of depression. Diabetes, low socioeconomic level, a lack of social support, and physical disability were all linked to depression. Therefore, trained health providers should conduct an early depression-focused routine screening for patients with diabetes.

Phytoremediation of Potentially Toxic Elements from Contaminated Saline Soils Using Salvadora persica L.: Seasonal Evaluation.

Plants in coastal ecosystems are primarily known as natural sinks of trace metals and their importance for phytoremediation is well established. Salvadora persica L., a medicinally important woody crop of marginal coasts, was evaluated for the accumulation of metal pollutants (viz. Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr) from three coastal areas of Karachi on a seasonal basis. Korangi creek, being the most polluted site, had higher heavy metals (HM's) in soil (Fe up to 17,389, Mn: 268, Zn: 105, Cu: 23, Pb: 64.7 and Cr up to 35.9 mg kg-1) and S. persica accumulated most of the metals with >1 TF (translocation factor), yet none of them exceeded standard permissible ranges except for Pb (up to 3.1 in roots and 3.37 mg kg-1 in leaves with TF = 11.7). Seasonal data suggested that higher salinity in Clifton and Korangi creeks during pre- and post-monsoon summers resulted in lower leaf water (ΨWo) and osmotic potential at full turgor (ΨSo) and bulk elasticity (ε), higher leaf Na+ and Pb but lower extractable concentrations of other toxic metals (Cr, Cu, and Zn) in S. persica. Variation in metal accumulation may be linked to metal speciation via specific transporters and leaf water relation dynamics. Our results suggested that S. persica could be grown on Zn, Cr and Cu polluted soils but not on Pb affected soils as its leaves accumulated higher concentrations than the proposed limits.

Respiratory Diseases' Burden in children and adolescents of marginalized population: A retrospective study in slum area of Karachi, Pakistan.

Worldwide, the burden of respiratory disease has dramatically increased, endangering public health. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of respiratory illness among children and adolescents living in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan. This study aimed to assess the burden of respiratory disease in marginalized slum populations and the factors causing such an increase in disease burden. This study was conducted in 35 slums of Karachi, Pakistan, to determine the prevalence of respiratory disease in children and adolescents. Data on pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, tuberculosis, and asthma from August 2019 to July 2022 were analyzed and inferences were drawn. Among the studied diseases, pneumonia was more prevalent among females (39,864, 44.9%), followed by males (19,006, 21.4%). Most of the children (59,988, 67.6%) were aged 1-5 years. In addition, of those diagnosed with pneumonia, 50,348 (56.8%) were from the same age group. Furthermore, bronchiolitis was found among 10,830 (12.2%) children aged 5-9 years. The majority (46,906, 52.9%) of the studied population belonged to the Pathan ethnicity, followed by Sindhi (21,522, 24.2%), and most of them (84,330, 95.1%) were of a lower socioeconomic status. This study found that pneumonia is the most common respiratory disease followed by bronchiolitis in children and adolescents in a marginalized slum population of Karachi, Pakistan. Both pneumonia and bronchiolitis have seasonal variations in their occurrence.

EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION OF MEANING IN LIFE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN MALE PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN PAKISTAN

The objective of the present research is to explore the predictive association of meaning in life (presence & search) with psychological distress (depression, anxiety & stress) in people with substance use disorder. Sample of the present study comprised 200 Muslim participants (male patients with substance use disorder), ages ranging from 18 to 45 years (M =18; SD =6.55). The sample was recruited from different substance use treatment and rehabilitation centers situated in different areas of Karachi, through purposive sampling. Instruments used in this study were the Personal Information Form, Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ; Stegaer, et al., 2006), and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS; Lovibond, & Lovibond, 1995). Regression analysis shows a significant predictive relationship of meaning in life (i.e., presence & search of the meaning) with depression (adj R2=.988, F (2, 198) =8278.46, P < .0001(, anxiety (adj R2=.943, F (2, 198) =1659.82, P < .0001(, stress (adj R2=.982, F (2, 198) =5390.78, P < .0001(. Overall findings revealed that meaning in life is a significant predictor of psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety & stress) in people with SUD. The finding and implications are discussed in detail. Keywords: Meaning in life, presence, search, depression, anxiety, stress, substance use disorder

Prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Malaria is caused by malaria parasite of Genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Four species of Plasmodium namely P. malariae, P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. ovale are responsible for causing malaria in humans. The fifth one, P. knowlesiare is responsible to cause zoonotic infection in humans. Severe malaria may lead to death in humans.
 Objectives: To study the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and to evaluate the percentage of infection in males, females and children of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
 Methodology: Samples were collected from different laboratories and hospitals of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Chi-square test for frequency data was performed.
 Results: A total of 411 cases were found to be positive out of 2096 suspected cases. P. vivaxwas more prevalent than P. falciparum. Out of 411 patients, 296 cases were of P. vivax, 112 were of P. falciparum, 2 were of P. malariaewhile one was of P. ovale. The frequency of different species was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). In age class <1-15 yrs, 16-40 yrs and 41->80 yrs the frequency differed significantly as indicated by chi-square test (p<0.001). Our results show that infection of malaria is more frequent in males as compared to females.
 Conclusion: Present survey shall be beneficial for the control of Plasmodium infection. Screening of patients who have malaria is important in other areas of Karachi as well. Additional studies with large sample sizes in other localities are required to fully understand malaria pathology in detail. The presence of P. ovaleand P. malariaecould be due to travel of subjects to African countries or Srilanka.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Perceptions of the Community about Polio in High-Risk Areas of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

The study aimed to determine the reasons for polio vaccine hesitancy among parents of persistently missed children (PMCs) in the high-risk areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey of parents of PMCs was conducted in April 2019 in 34 high-risk union councils of Karachi. PMCs were randomly selected from the polio program database, and further information was collected on a questionnaire by trained staff using face-to-face interviews with parents of PMCs. A total of 325 participants were included in the study. Among refusals, 112 (37.3%) had no trust in vaccine quality, followed by 45 (15.0%) who were afraid of side effects, 42 (14.0%) whose elders did not allow polio vaccination, 39 (13.0%) who refused due to the influence of negative social media videos, and 20 (6.7%) who had no trust in polio teams. We concluded that misconception is still a big challenge, and the program needs to strive for community acceptance. Low levels of trust in vaccines and teams as well as fear of OPV side effects were among the main reason for vaccine hesitancy. The participant communities recommended involving famous medical doctors, religious influencers, and TV or sports stars to enhance knowledge and acceptance of polio vaccination.

Reintegration of Karachi port through sustainable adaptive reuse of abandoned and underused industrial buildings

The economic capital and one of Pakistan’s most important cities gain popularity due to the reputable Karachi port. Karachi was referred to as Korokala and Debal in ancient times; a city conquered by famous conquerors, including Alexander the Great and Muhammad bin Qasim due to its seaport importance. However, most of the port’s tangible and material heritage were built by the British during the 19th–20th century. The Britishers conquered the city and started developing Karachi port because of the seaport. Due to the port, the area of Karachi grew from a small fishermen’s village to a bustling metropolitan city. During the second industrial revolution in the late 19th century, the Britishers developed Indian industries so that they depended on British capital goods. To transport the goods, the British empire constructed railways and maritime routes in the mid and late nineteenth century, The port of Karachi was one of them.Karachi port remains the hub of Pakistan’s main logistic transportation, but some of its heritage buildings have been neglected on this site. After the 9/11 tragedy in the US, due to security reasons, Karachi port trust restricted the port to the public. Now, the security situation is better, and the port can be reintegrated and made accessible to the public through sustainable adaptive reuse of abandoned or underused buildings. Karachi is a congested city with few places for recreation; reintegrating this site can open opportunities for tourism while showcasing the city’s industrial heritage.This paper wants to articulate the potential of industrial heritage. But the latter in Pakistan is not yet recognized as part of a heritage discourse. The port offers a rich case study due to its layered history and various typologies of buildings on site.

Prevalence and risk factors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection in women and children in peri-urban communities in Pakistan: A prospective cohort study.

Population-based seroepidemiological surveys provide accurate estimates of disease burden. We compare the COVID-19 prevalence estimates from two serial serological surveys and the associated risk factors among women and children in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. The AMANHI-COVID-19 study enrolled women and children between November 2020 and March 2021. Blood samples were collected from March to June 2021 (baseline) and September to December 2021 (follow-up) to test for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using ROCHE Elecsys®. Participants were visited or called weekly during the study for recording symptoms of COVID-19. We report the proportion of participants with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and symptoms in each survey and describe infection risk factors using step-wise binomial regression analysis. The adjusted seroprevalence among women was 45.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 42.6-47.9) and 82.3% (95% CI = 79.9-84.4) at baseline and follow-up survey, respectively. Among children, it was 18.4% (95% CI = 16.1-20.7) and 57.4% (95% CI = 54.3-60.3) at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Of the women who were previously seronegative, 404 (74.4%) tested positive at the follow-up survey, as did 365 (50.4%) previously seronegative children. There was a high proportion of asymptomatic infection. At baseline, being poorest and lacking access to safe drinking water lowered the risk of infection for both women (risk ratio (RR) = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7-0.9 and RR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.4, respectively) and children (RR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-1.0 and RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-1.8, respectively). At the follow-up survey, the risk of infection was lower for underweight women and children (RR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.3-0.7 and RR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-0.8, respectively) and for women in the 30-39 years age group and children who were 24-36 months of age (RR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4-0.9 and RR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-0.9, respectively). In both surveys, paternal employment was an important predictor of seropositivity among children (RR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.6-0.9 and RR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7-1.0, respectively). There was a high rate of seroconversion among women and children. Infection was generally mild. Parental education plays an important role in protection of children from COVID-19.

Profile: Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System in peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan

A Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System (MCHSS) was set up by the department of pediatrics and child health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan in peri-urban areas of Karachi to provide a platform for various research projects. It was established in five low-socioeconomic communities in a stepwise manner between 2003 and 2014. The total area currently under surveillance is 18.6 km2 covering a population of 302,944. We maintain a record of all births, deaths, pregnancies, and migration events by two monthly household visits. Verbal autopsies for stillbirths, deaths of children under the age of five years and adult female deaths are also conducted. For over a decade, the MCHSS has been a platform for a variety of studies describing the burden of various infectious diseases like typhoid, pneumonia and diarrhea, evaluation of effectiveness of various treatment regimens for neonatal sepsis, assessment of the acceptance of hospitalized care, determination of the etiology of moderate to severe diarrhea, assessment of burden and etiology of neonatal sepsis and a multi-center cohort study measuring the burden of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths. More recently we have also established a bio-repository of the well-characterized maternal and newborn cohort. Through a well-established MCHSS, we aim to provide concrete evidence base to guide policy makers to make informed decisions at local, national, and international levels.

Multi-Criteria Relationship Analysis of Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude of Stakeholders for Engagement towards Maritime Pollution at Sea, Beach, and Coastal Environments

The external influence due to the severe repercussions of unprecedented and un-attended pollution has put vulnerable marine ecosystems at high risk of irreversible damage. This business-as-usual scenario could render them unfit to offer sustenance along with innumerable ecosystem services. Since the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment 1972, there have been global efforts to raise awareness, build capacity, and govern the pollution issue for a sustainable solution. However, there is a growing concern about the adequacy of the desired level of mobilization and readiness so far achieved at the level of various stakeholders to respond to the issue of maritime pollution. In this context, the present study was aimed at assessing the relationship between knowledge, perception, and attitude of the stakeholders regarding their engagement towards maritime pollution at sea, beach, and coastal environments, by incorporating multi-criteria quantitative analysis method for a case study of Karachi area in Pakistan. The structured questionnaire incorporates Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude as three key variables for three principles; four standardized criteria each, with eighteen indicators transformed into queries by applying MCDA’s Simple Multi Attribute Rating (SMART) technique for scoring to quantify the feedback of 304 respondents through a ratio scale having nominal qualifiable classes. The analysis has offered insight into the ways the stakeholders are perpetrating pollution and how their respective actions are important in the abatement of marine pollution. One-tailed Pearson Correlation analysis reveals insignificant relationship between the variables, indicating that the level of understanding of the stakeholders has not developed opinions to an extent that would enable an appropriate behavioral approach toward the abatement of the pollution. It suggests inducing awareness, mobilization, and reforms to encourage collective action by all actors.