ObjectivesWe describe the characteristics of injecting drug users (IDU) in Pakistan in 2006 and 2011, and assess the heterogeneity of IDU characteristics across different cities and years as well as factors associated with HIV infection.MethodsCross-sectional, integrated behavioural-biological surveys of IDU were conducted in 10 cities across Pakistan in 2006 and 2011. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to describe the differences in HIV prevalence and risk behaviours between cities and over time.ResultsLarge increases in HIV prevalence among injection drug users in Pakistan were observed, with overall HIV prevalence increasing from 16.2% in 2006 to 31.0% in 2011; an increase in HIV prevalence was also seen in all geographic areas except one. There was an increase in risk behaviours between 2006 and 2011, anecdotally related to a reduction in the availability of services for IDU. In 2011, larger proportions of IDU reported injecting several times a day and using professional injectors, and fewer reported always using clean syringes. An increase in the proportion living on the street was also observed and this was associated with HIV infection. Cities differ in terms of HIV prevalence, risk profiles, and healthcare seeking behaviours.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of HIV among injection drug users in Pakistan and considerable potential for further transmission through risk behaviours. HIV prevention programs may be improved through geographic targeting of services within a city and for involving groups that interact with IDU (such as pharmacy staff and professional injectors) in harm reduction initiatives.

BackgroundWe sought to describe the characteristics and operational dynamics of male sex workers (MSW) and hijra sex workers (HSWs) in 11 cities across Pakistan in 2011.MethodsWe report descriptive statistics of self-reported sexual behaviour data from cross-sectional mapping and biological and behavioural surveys conducted among 1431 MSWs and 1415 HSWs in four cities across Pakistan in 2011.ResultsWhile Karachi had the largest numbers of MSWs and HSWs, Quetta had the largest relative population sizes, with 3.6 MSWs per 1000 male adults and 3.3 HSWs per 1000 male adults. There was considerable variability in the proportion of HSWs who operate through deras, ranging from 2.2% in Peshawar to 62.7% in Karachi. The number of HSWs per guru varies by city, from 1.5 in Quetta to 16.5 HSWs per guru in Karachi. Among HSWs, the use of mobile phones for solicitation ranged from 37.6% in Quetta to 83% in Peshawar and among MSWs the use of mobile phones ranged from 27% in Karachi to 52% in Quetta. In Quetta, a large proportion of HSWs (41%) find clients through gurus. Client volume tended to be higher among HSWs and among both MSWs and HSWs in Quetta and Peshawar. Condom use with clients was most consistent in Quetta, with 31% of MSWs and 41% of HSWs reporting always using condoms with clients. Peshawar had the greatest proportion reporting never using condoms.ConclusionsThere is considerable geographic heterogeneity in the characteristics and operational dynamics of MSWs and HSWs across Pakistan.

OBJECTIVETo determine the frequency of different risk factors leading to Acute Respiratory Infections among children under two yearsTo determine the most susceptible age group and to compare frequency of disease in both gendersMETHODOLOGYStudy design was cross sectional observational. Duration of the study was three months (September – November 2014. Study was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar namely Khyber Teaching hospital & Hayatabad Medical Complex. A total of 200 children under 2 years of age who were attending outpatient department of two tertiary hospitals of Peshawar were studied. After getting consent from parents of children, data was collected from parents. A semi structured questionnaire was used as study tool. Pilot study was conducted prior to the actual study to check the feasibility of questionnaire. Children with acute respiratory tract infections were included in the study while immune compromised and children with other serious systemic diseases were excluded from the study Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs.RESULTSFrequency of acute respiratory infections was common among males (65%) as compare to female children under two year of age. The most susceptible age group was found to be less than 06 months (46%), then is 7-12 months (33%). Environmental risk factors found to be involved in cases of ARI were poverty (73.5%), rural residency with poor cross ventilation in houses (poor or no cross ventilation 66%), no or partial immunization was 35% with malnutrition of sick children 76% may contribute to development of illness more quickly than other children. Illiteracy among mothers (78%) and 39% among fathersCONCLUSIONSARI is more common in infants less than 6 months of age and males are more affected as compared to female children. Poor socioeconomic status, Illiteracy, poor or no cross ventilation in houses, poor immunization status and malnutrition are the key risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the illness seeking behavior and self-medication among students of private medical college in Peshawar.METHODOLOGY:This study was a cross sectional descriptive study. It was conducted from September till December 2018. Study setting was a private medical college of Peshawar. A total of 250 students were recruited after taking well informed consent. Sampling technique was stratified sampling, from every academic year proportional number of students was selected for the study. Pilot study to check feasibility of questionnaire was done on 10% sample size. Data was collected from students by face-to-face interviews. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21. RESULTS:The study data regarding illness-seeking behaviors among medical students showed that 162 (64.8%) out of 250 practiced self-medication. The common illness was fever, headache and sore throat. Students used pain-killers and antibiotics without getting consultation. CONCLUSION:Self-medication is common among medical students of all five professional years in medical college of Gandhara University Peshawar. Regarding illness seeking behaviors most of the students preferred self-medication as most of the time medicines are available without prescription in the medical stores. However, still some percentage of students prefers to consult doctors or pharmacist before taking any medicine for their illness.KEYWORDS: Illness, Behavior, Self-Medication, Medical Students, Headache

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of risk factors regarding stroke amid diagnosed patients in public sector hospitals of Peshawar. METHODOLOGY: The study design was cross sectional. Duration of the study was from May till August 2018. It was conducted in two public sector hospitals of Peshawar (Khyber Teaching Hospital and Lady Reading Hospital). A total of 300 patients participated after taking informed consent. Convenient sampling technique was used. Data was entered in excel sheets and then imported for analysis in SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Study results showed that 62% patients were males and 38% were females. Males age distribution less than 40 years were 24% and more than 41 years were 76%. Similarly, females were 21% and 79% respectively. Major medical risk factors found were hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The environmental risk factors were physical inactivity, smoking and obesity. The less common risk factors were alcohol and oral contraceptive use. CONCLUSION: The identified medical risk factors in the study can be improved and modified by regular check-ups and drug compliance. However, the environmental factors including physical inactivity, smoking and obesity can be reversed by acquiring healthy lifestyles.  KEYWORDS: Stroke, Hypertension, Obese, Diabetes, Smoking