Laboratory technicians in Pakistan lack awareness of good laboratory practices and biosafety measures, and also face a lack of resources.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine perceptions of hepatitis and make available an educational intervention session regarding the infection among roadside barbers and their clients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using convenience random sampling technique was conducted on all barbers and one each of their clients during January to June, 2011, in Karachi, Pakistan. After informed consent was taken and confidentiality ensured, respondents answered an anonymous questionnaire of closed-ended questions regarding hepatitis. The interview was followed by an educational intervention session. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: About 51% and 32% of the barbers and clients respectively had knowledge regarding hepatitis. Razors were recognized as agents for transmitting the infection by 12% and 42% of the barbers and clients respectively. Most (96%) barbers disinfected the razor before use and 49% of the clients confirmed that the razor was sterilized before shaving, while 79% insisted on new blade. Though 50% and 30% of the barbers and clients respectively knew that hepatitis is a preventable disease, only 2% and 7% of the respective barbers and clients were vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Reasons for not being vaccinated were non-awareness and cost of the HBV vaccine. Only half of the barbers and clients considered themselves to be at risk for hepatitis. Conclusions: In Karachi, barbers and clients have poor knowledge of hepatitis and the means of transmissions, as well as low vaccination rates against HBV infection. Hence barbers and their clients must be educated about hepatitis and its prevention.

Introduction: The current cohort study was conducted to determine the frequency and compare the mortality rate with associated characteristics among low birth weight and normal birth weight infants during the neonatal period at a tertiary healthcare facility, Karachi. Methodology: Close-ended structured questionnaires were used to collect information from the parents of 500 registered neonates at the time of birth. Follow-ups by phone on the 28th day of life were done to determine the mortality among low birth weight and normal birth weight babies during the neonatal period. Results: The neonatal mortality rate ranged from as low as 2.4% in the normal birth weight and 16.4% in the low birth weight categories to as high as 96% in the very low birth weight category. Respiratory distress syndrome (24.2%) and sepsis (18.2%) were reported as the leading causes of neonatal deaths. The babies' lengths of stay ranged from 2 to 24 hours, and around 90% of neonatal deaths were reported in the first seven days of life. More than 6% of neonates died at home, and 7.6% of the deceased babies did not visit any healthcare facility or doctor before their death. In the 12-15 hours before their deaths, 13.6% of the deceased babies had been unattended. Around 90% of the deceased babies were referred from a doctor or healthcare facility. Conclusions: The present estimates of neonatal mortality are very high among low birth weight and very low birth weight categories. Infectious diseases, including respiratory distress syndrome (24.2%) and sepsis (18.2%), were leading causes of neonatal deaths.