Search

Objective: To observe the frequency and pattern of Psychiatric referrals by Emergency and In-patient Departments (IPD) of tertiary care public sector hospital of Karachi. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the referred cases of Emergency (ER) and In-patient Department (IPD) for Psychiatric consultation from December 2019 to May 2020. The available medical records and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria were used for assessment and the record register was maintained on regular basis for data collection. The Data was analyzed to compare the findings in both ER and IPD. Result: There was a total of 281 referrals recorded in the register during six months. Among those112 (39.9%) were made from ER while 169 (60.1%) were from IPD. Most of them were young (33.4±13.5 years) and were almost equally distributed in both genders [Male=141 (50.2%) and Female=140 (49.8%)]. Altered or disorganized behavior, 88 (31.3%) followed by unexplained somatic complaints, 36 (12.8%,) and past psychiatric history, 25 (8.9%) were the most frequent reason for a referral from IPD. Suicide and deliberate self-harm were more common in ER 12 (4.3%) than that in IPD 6 (2.1%). Conclusion: Overall the frequency of Psychiatric referrals was low in comparison to the patient population and most of those were from the inpatient department than the ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to assess the awareness regarding oral aphthous ulcers and its risk factors among BDS and MBBS students in private institute of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a private institute of Karachi Pakistan for the duration of six months. Medical and dental students of age more than 18 years of either gender were enrolled in the study using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Pre-designed proforma was used to collect data regarding demographics, history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and knowledge of oral aphthous ulcers and its risk factors. The knowledge score of 4 out of 6 was considered as adequate knowledge. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze data. RESULTS: Of 150 participants, the mean age was reported as 22.94±1.65 years (range: 21-25 years). In those 150 participants 46 were males (30.7%) and 104 were females (69.3%). Overall mean score of knowledge was 4.35±1.29. Wherein 73% had adequate knowledge regarding oral ulceration and its risk factors. The dental students had significantly higher proportion of adequate knowledge regarding oral ulceration than medical students [p=0.024]. CONCLUSION: Overall students had good knowledge of oral ulceration and its risk factors, wherein knowledge of dental students was better than medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency of drug detoxification treatment completers and non-completers admitted at a tertiary care public hospital at Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Psychiatry, Civil Hospital, Karachi. Period: 15th January 2018 to 15th June 2018. Material & Methods: Totals 124 cases of substance users of any type who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. History and thorough examinations carried out at ward. Results: Predominant age group was 26-35 years with majority of unemployed and brought for admission by family. Majority were using cannabinoids followed by opioids through smoking and snuffing form. Majority of them were admitted for first time and were taking substance for 1-5 years and every day. Out of 124 males 58.9% completed treatment while 41.1% did not complete treatment and left ward. Statistically age group, employment status, no of admissions, duration of use and frequency of use were significant. Conclusion: The study showed that there is a quite high and alarming ratio of patients who do not succeed to quite substance use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use psychoactive substances are on the rise in general population and even seen more among those who are involved in criminal activities. There are many reasons for such irrational use of psychoactive substances. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir prison, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Malir prison, Karachi. Period: 22nd April 2019 to 26th May 2019. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at district Malir prison, Karachi. All the cases who were imprisoned due to any reason and had history of psychoactive substance use were enrolled. Thorough history and examination was carried out. Ethical considerations were taken as per international guidelines. Results: Among all 490 male prisoners who used to take different type of psychoactive substance, majority were of age ranges of 21 to 35 years and 55% were married while 44% were single and 1% were divorced or separated. Out of 490 cases 453 (92%) were using different substances thorough routes other than injections while 37 (8%) were injection users. Majority of prisoners 252 (52%) were using Heroin while 86 (17%) were using Crystals, 74 (15%) Cannabis, 37 (8%) Synthetic substances, 24 (5%) Ice, 6 (1%) Opioid and 11 (2%) were using some other type of substance. The most common reason of substance use was peer pressure followed by fun and frustration. Conclusion: Substance use prevalence is high in prison. Existing services for the management of drug dependence are not meeting the global standard of evidence based comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the frequency and pattern of substance use during COVID-19 Study Design A descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration Department of Psychiatry, Dow Medical College, Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi and Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre (MATRC) Anti Narcotic Force, Karachi from December 16th 2020 to 15th April 2021. Methods Male patients of substance use disorders visiting on an out-patient basis were enrolled, and their status of COVID-19 was assessed and effect of COVID-19 disease on their substance use behaviour was recorded. Sample size was of 250 patients and non-probability consecutive type sampling was done. Ethical approval was sought before commencement of the study. Results The mean age of 250 participants was 28.2 +- 8.25 years. Out of total, 24 (9.6%) came out PCR positive as Covid-19, while 226 (90.4%) were negative for covid-19. When they were asked regarding the effect of COVID-19 on their substance taking behaviour, 138 (55.2%) were in the favour that the pandemic had increased their substance using habit while 112 (44.8%) replied that their substance using behaviour remained as usual and COVID-19 had not affected it. Statistically, COVID-19 status whether positive or negative was significantly related with type of substance use, as well as mode of substance use having a p-value of less than 0.05. While the effect of COVID-19 over the substance using behaviour was also significantly associated with having a pvalue of less than 0.05. Conclusion The Substance Use behavior was increased during COVID-19 in terms of usage, amount and mode of taking substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of various patterns of presentation among patients of Conversion Disorder. STUDY DESIGN Cross sectional Study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, JPMC, a tertiary care public sector health facility in Karachi. The study extended over a period of one year, from June 2013 to June 2014. SUBJECTS AND METHOD One hundred and fifty five already diagnosed cases of Conversion Disorder, including males and females, between 16 to 60 years of age were included in the study through consecutive purposive sampling. Patients with comorbid neurological disorders, mental retardation and history of substance use were excluded to control the confounding factors. Data was collected using semi-structured Performa and analyzed through SPSS version 17. RESULTS Out of total 155 cases, Conversion disorder is found to be most common amongst females in the age range of 16 to 25 years, unmarried, homemakers, and women with no formal education. Overall the pattern of presentation revealed highest prevalence of motor symptoms (62.6%), followed by convulsions (19.4%) and sensory symptoms (18.1%). Various patterns were affected significantly by the socio-demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS Demographic factor are found to have significant impact on the patterns of presentation. This gathered knowledge can be used for early diagnosis without going for unnecessary investigations thus preventing the waste of time, money, and unnecessary delaying of effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]