Health Problem In Pakistan Research Articles

Clinical spectrum of typhoid fever in children

One of the most important health problem in Pakistan and other developing countries is Enteric Fever. As the definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever requires certain laboratory Tests, emphasis must be given to clinical diagnosis of typhoid fever especially in communities where laboratory services are not available, so that a rapid diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment started on clinical grounds without waiting for laboratory investigations. A descriptive study was carried out on 80 patients admitted in Paeds ward Jinnah Hospital Lahore from June 2003 to June 2004 with strong suspicion of typhoid fever. These patients were either blood culture or widal test positive. Out of 80 admitted patients, 29 were female and 51 were male. Maximum incidence was seen in children between 5-15 years of age. Fever was the most consistent feature in all patients which was mostly high grade and remittent. The important physical findings were coated tongue and hepatosplenomegaly.

Identification of Concurrent Infection by Multiple Dengue Virus Serotypes During an Epidemic in 2011 in Pakistan

J Microbiol Exp 2016, 3(3): 00088 DENV-1 and DENV-2 [6]. In 1994 the first lab confirmed cases of DENV-2 was reported from Baluchistan Province [7]. The prevalence of dengue virus serotype 3 in Pakistan was detected during the 2005 dengue virus outbreak in Karachi [8]. The cocirculation of DENV-2 and DENV-3 was identified in 2006 during the outbreak of dengue virus in Karachi [9]. In 2008 the cocirculation of three serotypes DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4 was also documented during the outbreak of dengue virus in Lahore [10]. Recently it is reported that the dominant serotypes of dengue virus circulating in Pakistan from 2007-2009 are DENV2 and DENV-3. The dengue is a major public health problem in Pakistan over the last 20-25 years. In last few years co-circulation of different dengue virus serotypes is identified with mixed infection. From Pakistan only one study in which they reported some cases of mixed infection with DENV-2 and DENV-3.In present study we for the first time reported many cases of mixed infection with DENV-1/DENV-2, DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3 from different geographic areas of Pakistan. The laboratory detection of dengue virus infection is achieved by virus isolation in cell culture, Serologic diagnosis by detection of IgM/IgG antibodies and more sensitive and rapid technique is the Molecular detection. From August to October 2011 a total of 87 serum samples were received at the department of virology National Institute of Health Islamabad Pakistan during an outbreak. These samples were collected from suspected dengue virus cases along the complete history sheet including the date of onset, age; sex etc. All serum samples were stored at -70 until further processing. All serum samples were analyzed for the detection of dengue virus IgM antibodies by using IgM capture ELISA (Panbio Tech Co Brisbane, Australia) according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. RNA was extracted from 140ul of ELISA Positive serum samples by using QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany) according to manufacturer instructions. In the present study RNA samples were analyzed by the molecular detection by using the real time PCR assay. Real time PCR is a one step assay using Primer pair and Probes specific to dengue serotypes. In single plex reaction mixture 5ul of RNA template was added with 50pmol of each primer and 9pmol of probe in 50ul total iScript one-step RT-PCR kit for Probes. Each reaction tube contains primers and probe for only one dengue serotype. In this assay one RNA sample was tested against four dengue serotypes in four separate reactions tubes [11]. In this technique the use of fluorescent probe enables the detection of PCR reaction product without need of gel electrophoresis. Another advantage of this assay is the ability to determine viral load in the patient sample which is important to understand the severity of dengue infection [12].

Aegle marmelos Leaf Extract is an Effective Herbal Remedy in Reducing Hyperglycemic Condition: A Pre-clinical Study

Diabetes is one of the alarming health problem in Pakistan. According to international diabetes federation (IDF), about 7 million Pakistanis are victims of diabetes accounting a total of 3% population. Most of Pakistanis still prefer to use herbal medicines for almost all of their health issues. Aegle marmelos (commonly known as the bael tree) is highly reputed ayurvedic medicinal tree as it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this pre-clinical work, 32 mice were induced for diabetes via injecting alloxan intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and mice having 104-170 mg/dl sugar level were considered diabetic. All mice were divided into two groups, each group with three sub-groups containing normal, control and diabetic mice. One group was given normal feed whereas other group was given a food containing Aegle marmelos leaf extract at 300 mg/kg body weight as an effective dose against alloxan induced hyperglycemia. The experiments lasted for 60 days and blood samples (05 ml to 1.0 ml) were collected from coccygeal vein of rats on 1st day, 30th day and 60th day of the experiment in heparinized tubes and blood glucose level was measured using spectrophotometer by enzymatic kit at a wavelength of 540nm. It was observed that the Aegle marmelos leaf extract is an effective herbal remedy in reducing and maintaining the glucose level in normal and hyperglycemic mice

Prevalence of Substance Dependence among Susceptible TB Patients in a Private Sector Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Pakistan ranks sixth amongst the twenty-two TB high-burden countries in the world, accounting for one of the major health problems in Pakistan. Substance abuse is the most commonly reported behavioral risk factor among TB patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out substances TB patients use frequently. Study design: Retrospective Analytical study. Methodology: A retrospective review was performed to analyze substance dependence in TB patients at Indus Hospital. Data were collected from 1,234 newly enrolled adult patients counseled at baseline from February 2012 to February 2014. The patients were categorized as substance dependent if they were positive on three of the seven criteria within the same year as defined by Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder Text Revision (DSM IVTR). Tolerance, increased amount of substance and persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use was observed in our patients. Results: Out of the 1,234 TB patients 590 (48%) were males and 644 (52%) were females. Overall 20% (251/1,234) of patients reported taking different substances were categorized as substance dependent out of which 85% (214/251) were males while 15% (37/251) were females. Cigarette smoking (up to a pack/day) was the most common addiction among patients, higher in males 51% (105/214) compared to 4% (2/37) females. 10% (21/214) of males used Niswar (smokeless tobacco) compared to 4% (2/37) females. Ghutka was comparatively more common in females 24% (11/37) than males 9% (18/214). Chewable tobacco was used by 7% (14/214) males compared to 35% (16/37) females. 5% (11/214) males used pan compared to 2% (1/37) females. Alcohol and charas (hashish) were respectively used by 0.5% (1/214) males only. 21% (44/214) males were addicted to multiple substances compared to 11% (5/37) females. The Indus Hospital provided special counseling to these patients about adverse reactions of substance on TB treatment and general health to ensure treatment compliance. Conclusion: TB and substance abuse programs need to work hand in hand since substance abuse is associated with negative treatment outcomes. Effective interventions need to be developed by TB programs to address the need of patients who indulge in substance abuse.

IMPACT OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR ON PATIENTS

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the level of awarenessof the parents regarding Thalassemia Major; the cost of treatment of Thalassemia Major Patientsand the sufferings it brings to the families; the social problems faced by patients’ families; toidentify the barriers patients’ families face in the treatment of Thalassemia child. Study Design:Descriptive study. Setting: Four Thalassemic Centers (i) Thalassemia / Hemophilia Centre, TheChildren’s Hospital & the Institute of Child Health Multan (ii) Fatimid Foundation Multan (iii) AmnaBlood Foundation (iv) Minhajul Quran Multan. Period: January-2013 to June-2013. Methods:A sample of 500 respondents was drawn from the total population and structured interviewschedule was administrated. Data were analyzed and interpreted by using SPSS (StatisticalPackage for Social Sciences) 19.0 version software. The structured interview was discussedwith two experts of the Sociology Department and two Senior Doctors (>8 years’ experiences)working in the Thalassemia centers and Government Health Institutions. It was revised toincorporate recommended improvements. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied toanalyze the data that includes: frequency, percent, mean, standard deviations. Results: Dataindicated that 100(20.0%) respondents were patients’ father while 329(65.8%) were mothersand 71(14.2%) were close relatives. Of the 500 respondents, 306(61.2%) were married to theirfirst cousins, 91(18.2%) of the respondents were married to their second cousins, 34(6.8%) ofthe respondents married in distance relatives and 69(13.8%) of the respondents married out offamily. Conclusion: The study summarized that the health care providers should be encouragedto talk about Thalassemia as a public health problem in Pakistan and should enhance the publicawareness to eliminate the Thalassemia in Pakistan.

TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis is one of the major public health problems in Pakistan. Pakistanranks fifth amongst TB high-burden countries worldwide and accounts for 61% of the TBburden in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Objectives: To describe knowledge,attitudes, and perceptions among the patients of pulmonary tuberculosis about their diseaseattending outpatient department at independent university hospital Faisalabad. Study Design:A descriptive cross-sectional study. Period: August to September 2014. Setting: Out patientsdepartment at Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Methods: A total of 197 patientsfrom OPD. Systematic random sampling technique. After an informed consent a pretestedquestionnaire were used to collect the information from the patient. SPSS-17were used tocalculate the frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 197 respondents were 55.3% (109)male, 44.7% (88) female and 63% (125) were earning below 10000 rupees per month. As foras knowledge is concerned 50% of the patients viewed that TB is transmitted through contactwith the patients having tuberculosis, 83%labelled cough of long duration as commonest sign,60% viewed that it can be prevented by avoiding contact with patients, 57% labeled healthcarestaff as their source of information, 65.9% perceived TB as an infectious disease, 55% stressas cause of disease, 85% as not curable disease. Conclusions: Poor knowledge and falseperceptions are the main constrain in the control of TB in Pakistan.

Prevalence of dengue virus outbreak in district swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Dengue is an epic health problem in Pakistan since December 2013 affecting 2.5 billion people worldwide. In August 2013, outbreak of dengue was occurred in District Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which has so far caused 37 deaths. In this study 5190 patients were screened for DENV NS1 and specific antibodies using SD Dengue Dou strips. Out of which 3611 were found to be positive for DEN NS1 males and 1579 positive DEN NS1 for females. All Dengue virus positive samples were screened by specific antibodies. In current study, 935 patients have IgM positive and 63 were positive for IgG. Dengue virus males patients were more affected as compared to females. The highest rate of Dengue patients were recorded in the age between 14-30 years especially male. Dengue was more affected Mingora and surrounding area in Swat. In September more people were affected from Dengue. Those patients whose platelets were below 20000 were more near to death

Exploration of Osteoporosis Knowledge and Perception among Young Women in Quetta, Pakistan

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and a major public health problem in Pakistan. Women have been the most susceptible group of this silent disease therefore needs primary preventive steps such as health education of which one of the steps is to assess their knowledge according to which the content of their health education program is made. The study intended to investigate knowledge regarding osteoporosis among female students of university in Quetta, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 162 female students of University of Baluchistan, Quetta. Knowledge was assessed by using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire containing 20 disease related questions. Convenience sampling technique was used for data collection. Descriptive analysis was used to demonstrate the characteristics of the study population. Inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis tests, p< 0.05) were used to assess the significance among study variables. Results: Out of 162 female students, 153 (81.5%) were single and science students 123(75.9%) with the majority of age group of less than 24 years. Mean age of the study participants was 21.91 ± 1.74 years. 134(82.7%) have not been previously diagnosed of bone related problem or osteoporosis. Mean score of knowledge was 13.01 ± 2.9. Department and living status were significantly associated with knowledge scores. Conclusion: The study concluded that females had better understanding of the disease, osteoporosis, but they need to know about the treatment for this disease in Pakistan and it is also necessary for them to know more about some specific risk factors.

Zinc supplementation fails to increase the immunogenicity of oral poliovirus vaccine: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPolio eradication remains a challenge in Pakistan and the causes for the failure to eradicate poliomyelitis are complex. Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, especially zinc deficiency, are major public health problems in Pakistan and could potentially affect the response to enteric vaccines, including oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). ObjectiveTo assess the impact of zinc supplementation among infants on immune response to oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). MethodsA double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted in newborns (aged 0–14 days). Subjects were assigned to either receive 10mg of zinc or placebo supplementation daily for 18 weeks. Both groups received OPV doses at birth, at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks. Data was collected on prior immunization status, diarrheal episodes, breastfeeding practices and anthropometric measurements at recruitment and at 6 and 18 weeks. Blood samples were similarly collected to determine the antibody response to OPV and for micronutrient analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between seroconversion and zinc status. ResultsOverall, 404 subjects were recruited. At recruitment, seropositivity was already high for poliovirus (PV) serotype 1 (zinc: 91.1%; control: 90.5%) and PV2 (90.0%; 92.7%), with lower estimates for PV3 (70.0%; 64.8%). By week 18, the proportion of subjects with measured zinc levels in the normal range (i.e. ≥60μg/dL) was significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (71.9%; 27.4%; p<0.001). No significant difference in seroconversion was demonstrated between the groups for PV1, PV2, or PV3. ConclusionsThere was no effect of zinc supplementation on OPV immunogenicity. These conclusions were confirmed when restricting the analysis to those with measured higher zinc levels.

Microbial contamination of drinking water in Pakistan--a review.

Water pollution with pathogenic microorganisms is one of the serious threats to human health, particularly in developing countries. The main objective of this article is to highlight microbial contamination of drinking water, the major factors responsible for microbial contamination, and the resulting health problems in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study will be helpful for researchers and administrative agencies to initiate relevant studies and develop new policies to protect further deterioration of water supply with pathogenic microbes and ensure clean and safe drinking water to the public in Pakistan. In Pakistan, water at the source, in the distribution network, and at the consumer tap is heavily polluted with coliforms and fecal coliforms all over the country. An overview of more than 7,000 water samples reviewed here reveals that an average of over 71 and 58 % samples in the country was contaminated with total coliforms and fecal coliforms, respectively. Drinking water contamination accounts for 20 to 40 % of all diseases in the country, which causes national income losses of Rs 25-58 billion annually (US$0.25-0.58 billion, approximately 0.6-1.44 % of the country's GDP). Improper disposal of industrial and municipal wastes is the most important factor responsible for water pollution in the country followed by cross-contamination due to old and leaking pipes and lack of water filtration and disinfection facilities. There is an urgent need for emergency steps to stop further deterioration of water quality and improve the existing water quality so as to protect the public from widespread waterborne diseases.

Seroprevalence of HBV infection and viral loads in outpatients attending a district hospital located in Mardan, Pakistan

Abstract Hepatitis B is a major public health problem in Pakistan like other developing countries. HBV infection is a more contagious disease than HCV and HIV infection. The aim of the current study is to compare seroprevalence of HBV infection in outpatients who attended a district headquarter hospital of district Mardan, Pakistan. A total number of 270 patients were selected for this research work. Serum of patients were tested by HBsAg and ICT strip method and those found positive were sent to GCMBDR to confirmed for HBV DNA by Real Time PCR. Out of the total 270 screened patients, HBV DNA was confirmed in 94(34.81%) patients using Real Time PCR of which 56(59.6%) were male while 38(40.4%) were female outpatients. All the positive patients were divided into three categories on the bases of viral load categories such as low ( 10,000,000 IU/ml). On the bases of these categories 50 %( n=47) patients were found with low viral load, 33 %( n=31) with intermediate and 17 %( n=16) were found having high viral load. Female patients were slightly more susceptible to HBV infection compared to male patients. The highest HBV infection seroprevalence was found in patients of 21-40 age group. Majority of the sick subjects were however seen with low viral titers.

Pakistani Womens Perceptions and Experiences of the Psychological Impact of Advanced Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is a common health problem in Pakistan. Due to limited breast health awareness, women often seek medical support when the disease is in an advanced stage. Breast cancer can be a frightening disease for women due to local beliefs about cancer and knowledge deficits. Objectives:This study examined the psychological impact of a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer in Pakistani women. Setting/ Subjects; 21 women with a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer participated in interview. Design: A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews to explore women’s perceptions and experiences of the psychological impact of their diagnosis on their lives. Women adopted religious coping strategies to manage the long-term manifestations of their disease and the seriousness of their diagnosis. Many women questioned their perceptions of the challenges that they faced; the meaning of life for them as mothers, wives and constant fear of recurrence and impact that this could have in their lives. Possessions and money were of little consequence to them as their existence and duration of life was perceived to be limited. Conclusions: Many women revitalised their perceptions of the purpose of life and developed increased optimism for the future. This optimism was related to their renewed spirituality which they used as a coping strategy.

Rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin Resistance in extra pulmonary samples using Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem in Pakistan. The World Health Organization has recently endorsed the Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay for rapid detection of smear negative and multidrug resistance tuberculosis. A total of 100 extra pulmonary samples were processed, which included 60 pus, 19 pleural fluids, 16 ascetic fluids and 5 CSF. Out of these 37% patients were Gene Xpert MTB/RIF Assay positive, 17% were LJ culture positive and 12 % were Zn smear positive. MTB was detected in 31 out of 60 (51.7%) Pus samples, 3 out of 19 (15.8%) Pleural fluid samples, 1 out of 16 (6.3%) Ascitic fluid samples and 2 out of 5 (40.0%) CSF samples. In this study we found that Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay is rapid method for diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis as compared to conventional methods. Because of its simplicity, rapidity and sensitivity, this seems to be a very gorgeous tool for diagnosis of extra pulmonary tuberculosis from clinical samples.

TETANUS;

Background: Tetanus still remains a major public health problem in Pakistan like in most other developing countries, with ahigh morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To study the demographic profile the clinical profile, the outcome of the tetanus patients andeffectiveness of tetanus immunization coverage in district Faisalabad. Design: Retrospective record based study. Place and Duration:Surgical unit-5 DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad from January 2010 to December 2012. Subjects and Methods: All data of 198 patients oftetanus of any age and sex, diagnosed clinically was collected, compiled and analyzed from the Medical Records Department of theHospital. Results: Out of 198 patients of tetanus,138(69.7%) were males and 60(30.3%) were females. Their ages ranged from 1 to 85years with a mean and a standard deviation respectively of 29.36 and 17.48 years.162 (81.8%) were from rural and36(18.2%) were fromurban areas. 47(23.7%) patients were having prior immunization and151(76.3%) were not immunized. The most common presentingsymptoms were trismus (47.5%), body stiffness(24.2%),fits(19.2%) and respiratory distress(9.1%). 23(11.6%) patients were havingmild disease,71(35.9%) patients were having moderate disease,71(35.9%) patients were having severe disease and 33(16.7%) werehaving very severe disease. Overall mortality rate was 41.4%. Respiratory failure was the most common cause of death and there wasstatistically significant association between mortality and increasing grades of disease. Conclusions: By making expanded programmeof immunization(EPI) more effective and removing flaws from out-dated vaccination through incomplete vaccination. By improvingawareness in public and complete vaccination through EPI program, we can reduce the incidence of tetanus.

Teacher training intervention for early identification of common child mental health problems in Pakistan

School-based interventions involving teacher training programmes have been shown to benefit teachers’ ability to identify and manage child mental health problems in developed countries. However, very few studies have been conducted in low-income countries with limited specialist services. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the training programme on teachers’ knowledge and awareness. A total of 114 primary school teachers from five schools in Karachi participated in a two-day (10–12 hours) workshop to provide them with an understanding of common child mental health problems and train them in basic skills. Their pre- and post-training knowledge was evaluated through a rating scale and open-ended questions. Single tailed t-test, involving paired differences, was applied for participants’ scores. Pre-/post-training differences were statistically significant. The training sessions were associated with an improvement in teachers’ knowledge and awareness of various signs and symptoms of common child mental health problems. The greatest improvement was noted in response to strategies of managing difficult behaviours, as 61% of respondents were able to formulate appropriate behavioural management techniques after the training. In low-income developing countries like Pakistan, teachers should be trained in early-intervention programmes for the identification and school-based management of less complex emotional and behavioural problems. Such interventions can maximise the use of sparse mental health resources.

Does Comorbidity Increase the Risk of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome?

Background. Dengue fever is an emerging public health problem in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between comorbid conditions in individuals suffering from dengue fever and the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Methods. In this age- and sex-matched case control study, total of 132 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome and 249 randomly selected controls were recruited from two major teaching hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect data through interview and by reviewing clinical records. SPSS version 18 was utilized for statistical analysis including conditional logistic regression. Results. Odds of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) among diabetics are higher than in controls, but this association was not found statistically significant (OR. 1.26; 95% CI. 0.78–2.03; P=0.34). Similarly, no association was observed in individuals suffering from hypertension (OR. 0.93; 95% CI. 0.57–1.49; P=0.76). Odds of developing DHF and DSS were higher for bronchial asthma (adjusted OR. 1.34) and pulmonary tuberculosis (adjusted OR. 1.41); however P values were insignificant. Conclusion. Presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and bronchial asthma among patients contracted dengue fever will not increase the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

Acute kidney injury in dengue virus infection.

BackgroundDengue is a growing public health problem in Pakistan and acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the least studied complications of dengue virus infection (DVI). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, severity and predictors of AKI in patients with DVI and to study the impact of AKI on the length of hospital stay and mortality.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients aged ≥14 years hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of DVI at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi between January 2008 and December 2010. Binary logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with the development of AKI and to study the impact of AKI on hospital stays of more than 3 days.ResultsOut of 532 patients, AKI was present in 13.3% (71/532). Approximately two-thirds (64.8%) of these patients had mild AKI and a third (35.2%) had moderate to severe AKI. Independent predictors for AKI were male gender [odds ratio (OD) 4.43; 95% CI 1.92–10.23], presence of dengue hemorrhagic and dengue shock syndrome (DSS, OD 2.14; 95% CI 1.06–4.32), neurological involvement (OD 12.08; 95% CI 2.82–51.77) and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT, OD 1.81; 95% CI 1.003–3.26). AKI was associated with a length of stay ≥3 days when compared with those who did not have AKI (OD 2.98; 95% CI 1.66–5.34). Eight patients (11.3%) with AKI died whereas there were no mortalities in patients without AKI (P < 0.001). Only 5 patients (7%) had persistent kidney dysfunction at discharge.ConclusionsAKI in DVI is associated with neurological involvement, prolongation of aPTT, greater length of hospital stay and increased mortality.

Conference proceedings of the first international conference on mental health, March 2012

Correspondence: Muhammad Tahir Khalily Email dr.khalily@iiu.edu.pk There has been an alarming increase in mental illness reflected in a persistent wave of violence, suicide, deliberate self-harm, and disruption in the social fabric worldwide, and particularly in Pakistan, a developing country and now the ninth most populous in the world. Keeping in view the abovementioned mental health issues, the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University, organized the first international conference on mental health, held on March 29–30, 2012, with the theme “Violence, psychological trauma, and possible acute and post-traumatic interventions in general and particularly in Pakistani society”, to enable intellectual and academic circles to acquire a profound understanding of mental health issues and develop evidence-based strategies for the amelioration of psychological ailments. The chief invited guest at this inaugural conference was Sohail Naqvi, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, accompanied by Dr Mumtaz Ahmed, president of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Nabi Bux Jumani, dean of the Faculty of Social Science, Muhammad Tahir Khalily, chairman and principal conference organizer, from the Department of Psychology, and Seema Gul, the coprincipal conference organizer. Tahir Khalily, the principal organizer, gave the welcome address, highlighting the prevalence of mental health problems in Pakistan as a consequence of violence. In addition, he lauded the support of the International Islamic University and Higher Education Commission in organizing this auspicious event. Sohail Naqvi, the principal invited guest speaker, highlighted the pioneering work of the Department of Psychology, International Islamic University, for launching a BS program in psychology and promoting mental health. He also referred to the dire need to address addiction as one of our social problems, and how women can play a significant role in the resolution of these problems, including addiction. The conference program was divided into three sessions, and each session was subdivided into presentations held in three separate rooms. Each session started with a keynote lecture from national (Murad Musa Khan, Aga Khan Medical University) and international clinical opinion leaders and academics (Inam-ul-Haq, Ireland; Grace Clark, US; Ashiq Ali Shah, Canada). Delegates were clinicians, academics, and students at the graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, including professionals and scholars from different disciplines. Musa Mura Khan addressed the topic of “Challenges of suicide prevention in Pakistan”. Dovepress

Mental health problems in Pakistani society as a consequence of violence and trauma: a case for better integration of care.

This paper discusses the increasing incidence of mental health problems in Pakistan, and specifically in the Swat Valley, in relation to the growing insurgency and current violence in Pakistani society. The paper argues that the health care system's response in Pakistan is not adequate to meet the current challenges and that changes in policy are needed to build mental health care services as an important component of the basic health package at primary care level in the public sector. This paper reviews the existing mental health situation in Pakistan with reference to the findings of a case study in the Swat Valley in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa Pakistan. The figures presented in the case study are used to support the need for an integrated national mental health policy. Mental health care needs to be incorporated as a core service in primary care and supported by specialist services. There is a strong need to provide adequate training for general practitioners and postgraduate training for mental health professionals to meet the current demands. A collaborative network between stakeholders in the public and private sector, as well as non-governmental organisations are required that promotes mental health care and advocates for changes in mental health policy.

Electrolyte Concentration in Malarial Patients by Flame Photometer

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the parasite. It could be a major public health problem in Pakistan due to poor hygienic conditions; malnutrition borne non-defensive immunity system. The purpose of study was to examine possible changes in electrolytes level of patients with malaria. Serum electrolytes were determined by using appropriate techniques. The result showed a significant elevation in the levels of sodium (Na) and potassium (K), whereas, chloride decreases statistically in malarial patients compared to those of controls. The blood serum electrolyte level obtained for sodium was 135.55 ppm, potassium was 4.044 ppm, and for chloride was 10.33 ppm and those for the controls determined to be 130.88 ppm, 3.98 ppm and 104.5 ppm respectively. The concentration of serum electrolytes was in range of abnormal level which could lead our study towards the conclusion that the increased levels of sodium and potassium can be maintained by giving supplement.