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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship among dispositional optimism, psychological resilience, coping strategies and quality of life (QoL) among burn survivors. To find out the impact of dispositional optimism and coping on QoL among burn survivors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Burn Unit of Pakistan Institute of Medical sciences (PIMS) Islamabad, Pakistan. Two hundred and thirty post-burn survivors, ranging in age from 18 to 64 years were selected using purposive sampling technique. Dispositional optimism scale, psychological resilience scale, QoL scale and coping strategies scales were used to measure variables. RESULTS: Out of 230 patients 123 (53.5%) were males and 107 (46.5%) were females. About 54.3% (n=125) were married. Majority (n=126; 54.8%) had flame burn. Duration of burns was up to two months in 70.9% (n=163) cases. Results revealed highly significant positive correlations between psychological resilience and dispositional optimism (r=0.807), problem-focused coping (r=0.724) and supportive coping (r=0.598) but significantly negative correlation with emotion focused coping (r= -0.559) while emotion focused coping is negatively correlated with mental QoL (r=-0.378) and supportive coping (r=-0.138). Multiple regression analysis revealed that dispositional optimism, problemfocused and supportive coping have significant impact upon the QoL (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A significant positive relationship come out among dispositional optimism, psychological resilience and QoL in burns survivors. Dispositional optimism and coping strategies like "problem-focused" and "supportive coping" have an impact on QoL, and it could enhance the QoL in burn survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and complications of bolus versus continuous tube feeding in pre-term newborns <1500 grams. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Neonatology Department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from Nov 2014 to Mar 2016. Methodology: A total of 60 pre-terms; <34 weeks meeting the inclusion criteria, were included in the study and grouped according to birth weight; group A between 1000 to 1250 grams, and group B between 1250 to 1500 grams. Newborns from each group were randomly selected for bolus feeds given intermittently after every 2 hours, and continuous feed given with infusion pump. All infants were maintained in closed incubators until they weighed approximately 1800 g and the neonatal staff followed standard nursery protocols other than for feeding. Results: There were 10 patients (9 in the bolus group and 1 in the continuous group) who did not reach the end point of 150 mL/Kg/day. One was transferred to another hospital before completing the protocol; 2 were diagnosed with congenital syphilis and Rubella syndrome; 1 switched to breast feeding due to parental concerns; 1 required the surgery for intestinal malrotation, and 5 died. The number of days to achieve full feeding calculated from the initiation of feeding was not significantly different between the groups. The main daily gastric residual volumes were significantly lower in the continuous group than in the bolus group, as was the total number of patients with feeding interruptions. Conclusion: Birth weight was inversely related to days to achieve full enteral feeding. The method of feeding was not associated with differences in outcome when similar energy intakes were provided and when guidelines for discontinuation of feedings are followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]