Smoking remains a major player in morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is a matter of immense public health importance as single leading cause of preventable deaths. The aim of this study was to assess smoking practices that prevail across Pakistan & Attitude of people towards this issue. We conducted an extensive search on major databases as well as search of bibliography of published literature for studies assessing Attitudes and Practices of tobacco smoking that prevail across Pakistan. Data from available studies was abstracted and utilized in preparation of this manuscript. After screening of 613 articles, we were able to identify 22 studies matching our criteria for inclusion.Majority of studies reported adolescence as time of initiation. Average national prevalence was 21.6%. A significant portion of smokers comprised of females. The prevalence of smoking in healthcare professionals ranged from 32 – 37%. Passive smoking was a major contributor of tobacco exposure. Prevalence of ‘Shisha’ use was 33%. Smoking continues to be a major Public Health issue in Pakistan. The prevalence in healthcare professionals and adolescents is alarming. Adequate measures need to be taken to ensure its control.

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Objectives: (1)To assess the common presenting features of urolithiasis. (2) To assess the role of Ultrasonography in its evaluation. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Khyber X rays, Khyber Medical Centre, Peshawar. Period: March 2010 to June 2010. Material and Methods: Data from patients presenting with urolithiasis for an ultrasound examination was analyzed for presenting complaints and ultrasound findings according to objectives of the study. Results: A total of 210 cases of urolithiasis were analyzed. The age wise categorization included pediatric population (9.5%), adult population (82.4%) and geriatric population (8.1%). Pain was the most common presenting complaint in all three age groups. Kidney was the most common site for renal calculi followed by ureter, bladder and urethra in descending order. Accompanying dysuria was present in 20% cases. Mild hydronephrosis was noted in 44.8%. Statistically significant difference was present between ultrasound findings in geriatric population and overall results. Conclusions: Urolithiasis continues to be a major cause of morbidity among population of all age groups. Overall trend of Ultrasonographic findings was applicable to pediatric and adult population. There has been significant difference of ultrasound findings among geriatric population from normal trend.

Objectives: To assess common presenting complaints and the role of ultrasound in evaluating neck masses in pediatric andadult population. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Khyber X-Ray, 7 Khyber Medical Centre, Dabgari Gardens, Peshawar. Period: July 2011to December 2011. Material and Methods: Data from patients presenting for evaluation of a neck mass was analyzed for presentingcomplaints and ultrasound findings according to objectives of the study. Results: In total 105 cases were included in the study. The mean ageof patients was 36.8 years with a male to female ratio of 1:2.1. The age wise categorization included pediatric population (10.5%) adultpopulation (89.5%). Both painful and painless neck swellings were common presenting complaints in pediatric population with cervicallymphadenopathy being the most common ultrasound finding. Among Adult males painless neck swelling was the most common presentingcomplaint with cervical lymphadenopathy followed by Multinodular goiter being most common ultrasound findings. Most common presentingcomplaint in Adult females was painless neck swelling with Multinodular goiter being most common ultrasound finding. Conclusions: NeckMasses are commonly encountered in all age groups especially pediatric population and adult females, Ultrasound is a useful and safemodality in evaluation of neck masses.

Objectives: To assess common presenting features of children with abdominalpain and to determine role of High frequency & Doppler Ultrasound in evaluation of thesepatients. Material and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted from August 2012 toDecember 2012. Data from patients presenting for evaluation of abdominal pain was analyzed forpresenting complaints and ultrasound findings according to objectives of the study. Results: Intotal 262 cases were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 6.3 years with a male tofemale ratio of 1.47:1. Dysuria followed by Diarrhoea and vomiting were most commonassociated complaints, Urological pathologies were most common ultrasound findings uponevaluation of patients. Conclusions: Abdominal pain is a frequent presenting feature inpeadiatric population, Urological pathologies were most common examination findings.Ultrasound is a useful and safe modality in evaluation of abdominal pain in children.