Population Of Karachi Research Articles

Association of oral parafunctional habits with anxiety and big five personality traits in the Karachi Population.

Background: Oral parafunctional habits such as nail biting, teeth grinding, and lip biting are often linked to stress, anxiety, and specific personality traits with potential physical and psychological health impacts. While these habits are common, research on their association with anxiety and personality traits in young adults, particularly in Karachi, is limited. This study aims to explore the prevalence of oral parafunctional habits and their relationship with anxiety and Big Five personality traits in the young adult population of Karachi. Methodology: This observational, cross-sectional study used convenience sampling to collect data from dental institutes and non-medical populations in Karachi. Participants completed an online and paper-based questionnaire that included demographic details, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to assess anxiety levels, a section on oral parafunctional habits, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) to measure personality traits. Data analysis was performed using Pearson’s Chi-Square and Binary Logistic Regression. Results: A total of 360 participants (266 females and 94 males) were included in the study. Lip biting was most common among unemployed females aged 18-25 (78%). A significant association was found between female gender, occupation, and oral parafunctional habits (p = 0.022). Mild anxiety was linked to oral parafunctional habits, and nail biting was associated with the agreeableness personality trait (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Oral parafunctional habits are highly prevalent among young adults in Karachi, with significant association of these habits with anxiety, and certain personality traits. Unemployed females, particularly those aged 18-25, showed a higher prevalence, highlighting the importance of addressing these habits in this population.

Water Volume and 3D Topographic Analysis of Hub Dam, Karachi, Using Remote Sensing and Global Bathymetry Data

Background: Karachi one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world, the city faces severe water scarcity and aggravated by climate change, excessive groundwater extraction in dense urban areas and inefficient water distribution systems. The Hub Dam, along with the Keenjhar Lake, is the source of water for Karachi's population as well as for the industrial and urban agricultural sectors. It is therefore important to have current information on the dam's storage capacity, its topographic features and the hydrological dynamics of its catchment area, which remains poorly understood to date. Objectives: This study's primary objectives are (1) to assess the hydrography of Hub Dam using global bathymetric and remote sensing data and (2) to create a detailed 3D model of the dam to facilitate analysis of its hydrological features. (3) Also generate data-driven insights to guide improvements in Karachi’s urban water management policies. Methods: The methodology integrates global bathymetric data with remote sensing and Google Earth Engine (GEE) for analysing Hub Dam’s hydrological and topographic characteristics. Data processing and visualization were conducted in Google Colab by python codes. This process enabling an efficient workflow for handling and analysing large datasets. Results: Hub Dam 3D model is developed. The approaches is enhancing visualization of the dam's water volume and terrain features to support detailed hydrological analysis. 3D volumetric analysis estimates with total water volume at approximately 79.954 · 106 m3. It was found that currently, the Hub Dam reservoir has enough water to fulfil Karachi needs for 503 days, a critical reserve for urban planning, resource management. Using a topographic analysis that includes surrounding slopes and watershed features, key elements affecting dam performance were identified. This result helps to adjust the filling of the dam with water. The Hub Dam's ability to store water was confirmed through a preliminary volume assessment. Conclusion: The study successfully achieved its objectives. The results obtained highlight the importance of adaptive well informed strategies for sustaining well managed water resources in response to environmental pressures. The current study further advance rational water management by integrating remote sensing and data-driven methodologies into this area of knowledge. That is, the effectiveness of Using Remote Sensing and Global Bathymetry Data has been repeatedly proven by other studies in different areas of knowledge. However, in the current study, this scientific approach has successfully demonstrated the efficient and rapid acquisition of accurate, up-to-date information on reservoir capacity and hydrological characteristics, which opens up new opportunities for efficient water management.

Key predictors of fertility: Exploring the role of Vitamin-D.

The relationship of Vitamin-D (VD) with Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is recognized. This study was conducted to determine whether VD is a predictor of fertility and investigate its relationship with female reproductive hormones and markers of ovarian reserve in female population of Karachi. A cross-sectional study was performed from July 2020 to June 2022 at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) with recruitment of 135 fertile and infertile subjects. VD, AMH, FSH and LH levels were estimated by 'Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA)'. By applying binary logistic regression, variables with p-value < 0.25 in univariate analysis were used for multivariate regression model and adjusted odds ratios were computed. In multivariate analysis, significance was p-value ≤ 0.05. VD deficiency was observed in all infertile female subjects. In univariate regression analysis, FSH, LH, LH/FSH ratio and VD levels turned out to be significant. The Multivariate analysis represented that for every one ng/mL increase in VD level, the odds of fertility were expected to be 50.154 times higher with p-value < 0.001. The positive correlation of VD with FSH was significant. VD deficiency was prevalent in all infertile female subjects. VD levels were strong predictor of fertility in the study population. The significant association of VD with FSH explained the indirect effect of VD on follicular development and ovarian functions however no relationship of VD with ovarian reserve was exhibited.

Electrolyte imbalance monitoring following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: A Descriptive Case Series Study

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a widely performed procedure for managing urinary obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite its efficacy, TURP often results in postoperative electrolyte imbalances, which require careful monitoring and management to avoid complications. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by examining the prevalence and severity of these imbalances within the local population of Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This descriptive case series study was conducted in the Department of Urology at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) from September 12, 2018, to March 11, 2019. It included 200 patients aged 50 to 70 years undergoing TURP. The procedures were performed under spinal anesthesia with patients in the lithotomy position, the alterations in serum electrolyte levels were observed in each patient. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: This study included 200 patients aged 50-70 years (mean age: 60.32 years) undergoing TURP at SIUT. The mean BMI was 25.45 kg/m². Preoperative sodium levels averaged 136.52 mEq/L, decreasing to 133.15 mEq/L postoperatively. Preoperative potassium levels averaged 4.46 mEq/L, decreasing to 4.25 mEq/L postoperatively. Electrolyte derangement was observed in 49 patients (24.5%), with a significant mean sodium decrease of -9.75 mEq/L (p&lt;0.01) and potassium decrease of -0.48 mEq/L (p=0.003) in these patients. Conclusion: Electrolyte imbalances are common following transurethral resection of the prostate and timely, appropriate correction can prevent significant morbidity and mortality.

Mandibular analysis of Beta thalassemia patients from hematological institutes of Karachi Pakistan.

Objective: To study the mandibular changes in the β-thalassemia major patient. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Husaini Blood Bank and Institute of Hematological Diseases Karachi, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Department of Orthodontics, Baqai Dental College Baqai Medical University, Karachi. Period: January 2023-December 2023. Methods: 50 Orthopanthogram (OPG) radiographs of beta-thalassemia major patient were taken, analyzed and compared to check any variation from normal. Fifty diagnosed β-thalassemia major patients were voluntarily selected through convenience sampling. The study was carried out in collaboration of Husaini Institute of Blood Diseases Karachi, National institute of Oral Diseases Karachi Pakistan and, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and department of orthodontics Baqai Dental College Baqai Medical University. Results: 18 (36%) patient’s alteration of trabecular pattern are present and in 32 (64%) patient alteration of trabecular pattern absent. Similarly, in 16 (32%) patients have short spiky roots are present and 34 (68%) patients short spiky roots absent. Conclusion: Effect of anemia is not so profound in mandible of thalassemia patients from population of Karachi.

Dengue Reinfection and Co-infection: A Study of Incidence and Outcomes in Adults Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Aim: To determine the occurrence of re-infection and co-infection with dengue among the adult population in Karachi, Pakistan. In addition, to determine the frequency of various medical complications among dengue patients with or without co-infection and reinfection. And to identify possible risk factors associated with dengue reinfection. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between January 2022 and August 2022. Methodology: A total of 500 adult patients aged 18 years or above; admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of dengue were included in the study. Information was collected regarding clinical and demographic data using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The current study reported an incidence of 3.8% for dengue re-infection and an incidence of 19% for co-infection among adult dengue patients. The most common clinical symptoms were fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain while bleeding, acute kidney injury, and nosocomial infection were the most common complications with a proportion of 10.6% (n=53), 7.8% (n=39) and 4.2% (n=21). The study could not find any statistical association between the socio-demographic factors and disease-related characteristics. Conclusion: This study determines a low incidence proportion of dengue re-infection and co-infection among adult patients admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of dengue infection at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Bleeding, nosocomial infection, and acute kidney injury were identified as the most frequent medical complications among hospitalized dengue patients. The study did not show any statistically significant risk factors associated with dengue re-infection. Large scale multi-center studies are warranted with sufficient sample size and objective assessment methods to determine the incidence of dengue re-infection and co-infection as well as for the identification of risk factors associated with dengue re-infection among the adult population of Pakistan.

Shift in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern from Delta to Omicron was associated with reduced hospitalizations, increased risk of breakthrough infections but lesser disease severity

BackgroundCOVID-19 epidemiology changed with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). Pakistan administered mostly inactivated vaccines. We investigated the association between VOC and breakthrough infections in a mixed-vaccination-status population of Karachi. MethodsWe investigated SARS-CoV-2 VOC tested in 392 respiratory specimens collected between May and December 2021. Data for age, sex, hospital admission, vaccinations, together with CT values of the diagnostic PCR test were analyzed. ResultsThe median age of COVID-19 cases tested was 40 (27−57) years and 43.4% were female. Delta variants were most common (56.4%) followed by Alpha (15.9%), Omicron (12.2%), Beta/Gamma (11.3%), and others (4.3%). Eighteen percent of cases were hospitalized whereby, predominant VOC were Beta/Gamma (40.8%), Alpha (35.2%) and Delta (22.5%). Overall, 55.4% of individuals were fully vaccinated, 7.4% were partially vaccinated and 37.2% were unvaccinated. Most (74.6%) inpatients were unvaccinated. Vaccines comprised inactivated (85.34%), single-shot vector (8.62%), two-shot vector (3.02%) and mRNA (3.02%) types. Omicron variants showed lower viral loads as compared to Alpha, Beta/Gamma, and Delta (p = 0.017). The risk of infection with Delta and Omicron variants was higher, 8 weeks after vaccination. The majority of those with breakthrough infections after receiving inactivated vaccines acquired COVID-19 within 4 months of vaccination. ConclusionOur data highlights the shifting of VOC from Delta to Omicron during 2021 and that COVID-19 vaccinations reduced both hospitalizations and viral transmission. It informs on the increased risk of breakthrough infection within 8 weeks of vaccination, indicating the need for booster vaccinations.

Tackling the Silent Thief of Sight: Assessing Glaucoma Awareness, Knowledge, and Risk of Prevalence in Karachi

Background: The objective of the study was to assess understanding of glaucoma awareness and knowledge, alongside the prevalence of glaucoma and associated risk factors among the general population of Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey-based study determined a sample size of 384 using a z-test score at a 95% confidence interval with a margin of error of 0.05. Data were collected via questionnaire over approximately six months. Basic statistical techniques, including frequency and percentage calculations using MS Excel version 2016, were employed for data analysis. Results: Five hundred individuals participated in the survey. Glaucoma awareness was noted in 56% of respondents, with 9.6% having a confirmed diagnosis of glaucoma. Higher education, positive family history of glaucoma, and previous eye tests were significantly associated with glaucoma awareness. Media served as the primary source of glaucoma information. Higher education correlated with better glaucoma understanding, while increasing age, exposure to high-intensity light, and associated disorders were linked to a higher glaucoma prevalence. Conclusion: Glaucoma, a common eye ailment, can lead to blindness. Training medical personnel to identify symptoms and expanding public knowledge and treatment options are crucial to reducing its occurrence. Raising awareness and providing free medical care to the underprivileged can significantly enhance quality of life.

Evaluation of oral health among people with multimorbidity in the marginalized population of Karachi, Pakistan: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundOral health is linked to physical and mental well-being. Oral disease is common among poor and socioeconomically disadvantaged people in developing and industrialized countries. ObjectivesThis study assessed the oral health disease burden among people with multimorbidity in marginalized populations. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted across 16 locations in the slums of Karachi, Pakistan, to assess oral health disease problems among adults aged 18 to 70 with comorbidity or multimorbidity. The questionnaire covered the socioethnic, demographic, and disease status of people with oral health status. Data analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. ResultsOf the 16 designated slum locations, 870 individuals were considered for oral health screening. Gingivitis was highly prevalent, 29% among slum dwellers with multimorbidity of diabetes, hepatitis, and hypertension. Dandasa was widely used as a tooth-cleansing agent in 35% of the study population. By contrast, 45.4% of people showed unsatisfactory oral hygiene conditions. Pathan ethnicity showed the highest prevalence (i.e., 29.8% of dental problems with disease multimorbidity in 26.8% of Baldia Town residents of Karachi). Of the 870 individuals, the highest frequency of dental problems was found in the age group of 18–38 years (28–42.9%) and among female participants (53.8%). ConclusionThere is an urgent need for the global enhancement of public health programs, specifically focusing on implementing effective strategies to prevent oral illnesses, promote oral health, and address other chronic diseases in basic healthcare settings. Enhancing oral health poses significant difficulties, especially in less developed nations.

Investigating the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors amongst the general population of Karachi, Pakistan.

To assess the prevalence of halitosis among the general population of Karachi, and to identify factors contributing to its occurrence. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2022 in Karachi after approval from the ethics review board of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised the adult population of Karachi. Data was collected online using a questionnaire that was piloted before its link was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire evaluated the association of demographic features with self-perceived halitosis on the basis of which factors predictive of halitosis were determined. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Of a total of 342 subjects, 182(53%) were females and 160(47%) were males. There were 141(41$) subjects aged 18-25 years, and 166(48%) were graduates. Overall, 240(70%) subjects reported to have self-perceived halitosis. Age, monthly household income, niswar and tea consumption, irregular use of dental floss and tongue cleaning were associated with higher incidence of halitosis (p<0.05). Carrying water bottle while outside was associated with decreased halitosis (p=0.007). Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, sinusitis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and mental stress were associated with halitosis (p<0.05). Higher monthly household income and daily use of dental floss predicted lower odds of halitosis (p<0.05). Maintaining good oral hygiene and hydration reduced, while comorbid conditions increased the probability of halitosis.

Prevalence of Mental Disorders Among Patients with Multimorbidity Visiting Primary Care Settings in Slums of Karachi, Pakistan.

Anxiety and depression often exacerbate multimorbidity conditions, leading to increased disability rates among affected individuals. The study aimed to assess the mental health status of individuals with multimorbidity belonging to the marginalized population of Karachi, Pakistan. Specifically, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was investigated. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and June 2023 in 10 primary healthcare clinics located in 4 peri-urban areas of Karachi. A total of 9331 participants were included in the study. The Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. The data collected were analyzed using the statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4. Among the study participants, 2894 (31%) were men and 5534 (59.3%) were women. The prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety was 31% among men and 59.3% among women. The age group between 41 and 60 years exhibited the highest rates of moderate to severe anxiety, 19.3% as evaluated by GAD-7 and 34.6% by PHQ-9. The Pathan ethnic group had the highest prevalence of anxiety (11%) and depression (28.3%) in the neighborhoods. Unemployed participants showed moderate to severe anxiety in 21.3% of the cases and moderate to severe depression in 25.5% of the cases. The study revealed a significant cooccurrence of anxiety and depression among individuals with multimorbidity in the marginalized population of Karachi, Pakistan. Furthermore, the presence of anxiety symptoms in multimorbidity patients with depression indicates a more unfavorable health state. It is essential to explore the implementation of screening measures and therapeutic interventions for comorbid anxiety and depression in this population to improve clinical outcomes.

Frequency of Physical Activity in Acute or Chronic Smoker among General Population of Karachi - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This research aims to evaluate the frequency of physical activity among acute or chronic smokers in Karachi's general population, recognizing the reciprocal influence between smoking and physical activity on overall health. Assessing exercise frequency among smokers is crucial, considering the commonly observed association between smoking and declining bodily functions, making it pivotal for comprehensive health assessment. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey involved 316 healthy adults aged 15-69 years, utilizing convenience sampling is used for diverse demographic representation. Data on demographic details, smoking status, and physical activity levels were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The subsequent analysis, conducted using SPSS version 0.22, aimed to scrutinize the impact of smoking on participants' physical activity. Results: Among the participants, a majority (76.9%) held jobs with varying physical activity levels. For transportation, nearly all employed modes showed varying physical activity intensities, with 59.8% reporting low, 25.3% moderate, and 14.9% vigorous activity levels. Engagement in household chores and family care displayed diverse physical activity levels: 66.5% reported low, 24.1% moderate, and 9.1% vigorous activities. Similar trends were observed for house maintenance and family care, with 69.0% reporting low, 14.6% moderate, and 16.5% vigorous activities. Conclusion: The study indicates that smokers participate in physical activity less frequently, underscoring the need for heightened attention to their exercise habits. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring health strategies for smokers and examining lifestyle factors influencing their physical well-being. Keywords: Physical Activity, METs, Smoking, Well-being.

Heartfelt Healers: Assessing Empathy Level of Medical Students toward Patient Management

Background: Empathy is a fundamental component in the medical field, essential for effective patient-centered care. It facilitates better patient outcomes, accurate diagnoses, and sound decision-making. Previous studies have indicated varying levels of empathy among medical students across different regions and cultures. Objective: This study aimed to assess the empathy levels among medical students towards patients, focusing on a specific student population in Karachi, Pakistan. It sought to compare these levels with existing data from various international contexts and to understand the implications for medical education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-student version (JSE-S) among 150 undergraduate medical students from various medical institutes in Karachi, Pakistan. The JSE-S scale, comprising 20 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, evaluates both positive and negatively worded items to determine empathy levels. Demographic data, including age, gender, cultural background, year of study, academic performance, and clinical exposure, were also collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, focusing on calculating frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Results: The overall mean empathy score was 98.7867, with positive items scoring a mean of 58.06 and negative items a mean of 40.77. These scores were slightly lower compared to studies from countries like China, Japan, Kuwait, Iran, and the United States but were similar to a regional study conducted in 2019 in Pakistan. Demographic analysis revealed a diverse cultural background with a balanced gender distribution and varied academic and clinical exposure. Conclusion: The study highlights a moderate level of empathy among medical students in Karachi, suggesting the need for enhanced empathy training in medical curricula. The findings advocate for the implementation of educational strategies, including workshops and courses on empathic behavior and ethics, to strengthen empathy in future medical practitioners.

Correlation of serum kisspeptin and leptin with non-obstructive azoospermia: A cross-sectional study in a subset of Karachi population.

To determine the association of serum kisspeptin, leptin, and other hormonal profile with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in infertile male subjects. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, and Ziauddin University, Karachi from March 2018 to March 2020. The duration of the study was two years. Serum samples of 106 azoospermic participants were taken. Division of the subjects was done on a histological basis into obstructive azoospermia (OA) n=36, NOA n=70 which were further divided into spermatid maturation arrest (SMA), n=41, and sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) n=29. Serum kisspeptin and leptin were measured by ELISA (Cloud-Clone Corp). The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (p<0.01), luteinizing hormone (LH) (p<0.01), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (p<0.01), and estradiol (p<0.01) was significantly high in the NOA group. However, kisspeptin was significantly decreased (p<0.01) in the NOA group. In the multivariate analysis after adjusting for other variables, the results showed that with the decrease in kisspeptin, the chances of being NOA were increased. Moreover, with the increase in Leptin, FSH, LH, and TSH the chances of being NOA were significantly enhanced. Serum kisspeptin, leptin, FSH, LH, TSH, and estradiol can be a potential marker for NOA in terms of better diagnosis, targeted therapeutic management, and the decision to proceed with surgical intervention.

Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of the atlanto-dental interval in a healthy Karachi population: a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study

Background: The atlantoaxial joint has a complex anatomical configuration and has a wide range of mobility. Traumatic, inflammatory, and neoplastic joint pathologies frequently affect this joint. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to evaluate the atlanto-dental intervals (ADI) in patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans of the neck and cervical spine in at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021, following approval from the hospital ethical review committee. Patients above the age of 15 who underwent CT scans were included, while individuals with a history of cervical trauma, infection, rheumatoid arthritis, or congenital anomalies, as well as those younger than 15 years old, were excluded. CT scans were performed using a multidetector scanner utilizing a standardized protocol. Sagittal and coronal images were reconstructed. ADI measurements, including anterior ADI (AADI), posterior ADI (PADI), and lateral ADI (LADI) on both sides, were determined using appropriate bone window settings. A radiologist with a minimum of 3 years of experience analyzed the CT scans. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.3±17.7 years (age range: 16–85 years). The mean AADI was 1.4±0.4 mm, with a range of 0.0–2.1 mm. The mean PADI was 19.1±1.9 mm, with a range of 13.8–24.6 mm. The mean left LADI measurement was 3.3±1.2 mm with a range of 1.2–10.0 mm, and the mean right LADI measurement was 3.2±1.1 mm with a range of 1.2–6.3 mm. Conclusion: Our study examined the ADI in patients who underwent CT scans of the neck and cervical spine in Karachi. The findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between ADI measurements, age, and sex. These results contribute to our understanding of the anatomical variations in this region, which may aid in the diagnosis and management of cervical spine disorders.

Functional independence among a geriatric population in Karachi, Pakistan: A cross sectional study.

Objective: To find out the frequency and associated factors of impaired IADLs (instrumental activities of daily living) among the geriatric population of Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Family Medicine and Outreach Centres, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. Period: Dec 2020 to Dec 2021. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 200 participants of either gender aged above 60 years were included. At the time of data collection, demographic information was noted along with impairment in specific IADLs and associated factors. Results: Total 200 participants were included in the study. Median age and body mass index was 70 (IQR= 65-73) years and 24.8 (IQR= 21.8-27.8) Kg/m2. Majority of study participants considered that their health status is better (n=92, 46%) whereas some considered it as not as good (n=33, 16.5%) and good (n=55, 27.5%). Few had no idea about their health status (n=20, 10%). The enrolled participants had comorbidity of hypertension (n=78, 39%), diabetes (n=53, 26.5%), ischemic heart diseases (n=10, 5%) and hypothyroid (n=15, 7.5%). Overall 85 (42.5%) study participants were found to be dependent with median IADL score of 6 (IQR= 4-7). Conclusion: Quite a significant proportion of the study participants were found to be dependent. Advancing age, gender predisposition, perceived weight loss and psychological distress were found to be associated with impairment in instrumental activities of daily living.

The hidden menace of smokeless tobacco in Pakistan: understanding the risks and possible solutions; a letter to the editor

The hidden menace of smokeless tobacco in Pakistan: understanding the risks and possible solutions; a letter to the editor

The quality of life of HIV positive Transgender and homosexual population in Karachi, Pakistan.

To study the demographics and the quality of life of Transgenders and men who have sex with men (MSM) infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A Cross sectional study conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the Indus Hospital Karachi. A 30 minutes interview was conducted among HIV positive homosexual participants. Out of 100 patients enrolled 58% were transgender, 39% uneducated, 76% not supported financially by family, 20% reported hospital misconduct, 50% were commercial sex workers and 64% had anxiety. Our results also showed that increasing patient knowledge does not guarantee safe sex habits (p-value=0.82). We found declining psycho-social wellbeing in this population. Education and family support may help establish a good standard of living in them. More studies are needed in the Pakistani transgender population in order to understand their needs better.

Frequency of Distal Caries of 2nd Molar with Mesio-Angular Impaction in Subset of Karachi Population

Frequency of Distal Caries of 2nd Molar with Mesio-Angular Impaction in Subset of Karachi Population

Knowledge and Awareness of Community People on Dengue Fever Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Pakistan has been suffering from epidemics of dengue infection in last two decades. One of the reasons of yearly high number of cases is due to lack of awareness and knowledge about prevention of dengue infection. The current study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of dengue infection common population of Karachi. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out over a period of three months. First section comprised of demographic characteristics of participants, section two comprised of 7- items about the knowledge of dengue infection, while section three comprised of 5- items related to awareness and perception of dengue infection among participants. Results: A total of 201 participants were enrolled in the study with mean age of 26.9 years. Female participants were more as compared to male participants. Most of the participants belonged to low- or middle-income socio-economic status and had no history of dengue infection in the past. Less than half (39.8%) participants responded correctly that dengue mosquito breed in stagnant clean water. Around three-fourth population think that the chances of bite of mosquito is more in night time or dusk as compared to correct option of dawn. Around 37.3% participants were unaware that there is no vaccine available for the prevention or treatment of dengue infection. Around 30% respondents responded that antibiotics can be used for the treatment of dengue infection. Conclusion: The level of knowledge in the current study was observed to low as compared to the previous studies. The level of awareness and knowledge among common population needs to be improved among common population Keywords: Dengue, Knowledge, Awareness, Mosquito, Perception