Informatics Publishing Limited

Abstract

Diarrhea remains a major cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age in countries with low socioeconomic status. The aim of this research is to identify the major causes of diarrhea and to evaluate attitude and knowledge regarding the management of diarrhea of mothers of children less than five years of age living at an urban area in Karachi, Pakistan. The study results reveal that the major cause of diarrhea is lack of awareness about the prevention and proper management among mothers of children under of five years of age, due to which children are facing many complication. It is recommended that there is need to focus on strategies that decrease the risks of diarrhea which includes the early recognition of signs of dehydration, knowledge about oral rehydration solution and enhance maternal knowledge. These interventions could be spread by using mass media. 

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Abstract

Children one of the important aspects of parents’ life is at risk of many preventable diseases. Effective school health program could utilize to improve the health of children. In Pakistan the health promotion and prevention of children are most often neglected part. In Pakistan least capita is invests in the health and education. WHO promotes school health program as a strategic means to prevent important health risks. School is the place which could play a significant role to promote in health promotion and preventive measures. About one fifth of the population of Pakistan is going to school. Punjab Health Sector Reforms Program has developed School Health Program to promote health through screening of students and capacity building of teachers. This program also dedicates attention on school children as ‘change agent’ in their community. The Focusing Resources on Effective School Health framework is another strategy for developing a cost-effective school health, hygiene, and nutrition program in a more child-friendly and health-promoting school. In conclusion, to promote child health there is a need to strengthen school health promotion programs. Government has to work in various ways to promote school health services to promote healthy environment.

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Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the pervasive health problems that affect the quality of female adolescence’s life globally. Dysmenorrhea is experienced in the first years of reproductive life. There is numbers of socio-cultural factors due to which young adolescents don’t seek medical help affecting their social lives.

Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, perceptions of female adolescent related to dysmenorrhea, effects and management of dysmenorrhea in the school going female adolescents of Karachi.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to explore this phenomenon was conducted in private and public schools of Karachi and included 337 school and college going female students aged between 12-19 years. The sample was selected through the stratified sampling method. Questionnaire about the perceptions and effects of dysmenorrhea was administered. Approval of study protocol was obtained from Ethical Review Committee Aga Khan University, Karachi.

Results: Dysmenorrhea was reported by 78%. Only 11% females used some home remedies. 27% females who suffered dysmenorrhea took analgesics and 73% did not opt for any analgesic. An association was found between the experience of dysmennhorea and self-imposed dietary restrictions, dysmenorrhea and analgesic and home remedies by the study participants. In our study 40% females reported a decline in academic performance and attendance during dysmenorrhea.

Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea in the female adolescent age group has a marked impact on their academic performance and social role. Therefore, it is important to create awareness among adolescent girls about the health management during dysmenorrhea.

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