Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Diagnostic Radiology Among Clinical Year Medical Students.

Background Nowadays, radiology is considered one of the most important disciplines of medicine as it guides physicians to reach the proper diagnosis by using many types of medical imaging modalities, such as x-ray radiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These modalities are used to create dynamic images of different parts of the human body, which are being used to accurately diagnose and follow up on a variety of medical conditions. Moreover, in recent decades, radiology has experienced substantial growth and transformation, establishing itself not just in diagnostics but also in the domain of medical interventions, which includes the increasingly recognized discipline of interventional radiology. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) in Makkah from October 2022 to April 2023. The population size of medical students from the fourth to sixth year at Umm Al-Qura University is about 820 students. Results The total number of participants was 359, but two did not fill out properly. Hence, data was analyzed for (n=357), whereas more than half of them were female, 195 (54.6%). About 133 (37%) of the students were in their sixth year, while 106 (29%) were in their fourth year. Regarding their grade point average (GPA), 209 (58%) had >3.5, and 119 (33%) had 3.0-3.5. The maximum number of females 77 (57.9%) students were in the sixth year. Regarding knowledge, 291 (81.5%) had heard about interventional radiology before, while 66 (18.5%) had never heard about interventional radiology before. Moreover, 270 (75.6%) believe that the years in radiology residency are the same as other specialties. Regarding perceived knowledge about radiology, 183 (51.3%) said it is adequate. Conclusion This study showed that medical students at Umm Al-Qura University have a positive attitude towards radiology. However, the majority of the students do not have adequate knowledge regarding radiology as well as radiation hazards. We can improve this by increasing radiology experience in our institutions. Also, courses should be designed and incorporated into the curriculum to increase the knowledge of medical students about ionizing radiation.

Frequency of hearing loss among textile industry workers of weaving unit in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of hearing loss among textile industry workers of weaving department. To record the noise level in the weaving sections and to compare it with the international standards. To determine the awareness about the effects of noise on hearing amongst the workers and the protective measures adopted by them. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at weaving department of five renowned textile industries of Karachi. The study included 248 workers exposed to noise, through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Equivalent sound pressure level Leq was measured with the help of a Class-1 type digital sound level meter. Hearing status of the workers was assessed through questionnaire and clinical tests (WHISPER, RINNE'S and WEBER). RESULT: Results showed that noise level was in range of 88.4-104 dB(A). The questionnaire results showed that: (i) 92.7% of the workers were aware that high noise level cause speech interference. (ii) 57.2% were unaware about the effect of noise on health. (iii) 54.8% used ear protection devices. (iv) 22.5% did not respond well to whisper test while 16.9% were found to have defective hearing on the basis of Rinne's test and 17.4% through Weber's test. It was observed that hearing loss was significantly associated with working experience of more than 10 years (25%) and overtime (28.8%). CONCLUSION: The results of study establish the fact that noise level is more than acceptable limit of 85 dB(A) for 8 hours exposure stipulated by OSHA.There is an immediate need to develop and implement noise regulations in Pakistan.

The October 2005 earthquake in Northern Pakistan: patterns of injuries in victims brought to the Emergency Relief Hospital, Doraha, Mansehra.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of injuries of earthquake victims is important to plan relief efforts. This cross-sectional study was conducted following the 08 October 2005 earthquake in Northern Pakistan to determine the pattern of injuries sustained and their relationship with age and gender in order to identify the medical needs in an earthquake-affected zone. METHODS: The study was conducted between 13 October and 23 October 2005 at the Emergency Relief Hospital, Doraha, Mansehra. From the 1,700 patients registered in the hospital, 310 were sampled randomly for the study. Demography and details of the patients' injuries were noted by history and physical examination. Twelve cases were omitted due to incomplete data. RESULTS: Of the cases, 54% were female. Children less than or equal to 10 years old formed the largest age group. Isolated bone injuries were present in 41%, soft tissue injuries in 36%, and mixed injuries in 23% of the patients. The most common bone injury was lower limb fracture (52%), while the most common non-bone injury was non-infected, soft tissue wounds on the limbs (33%). Among patients with soft tissue injuries, gangrenous wounds were present in 9%, and grossly infected wounds in 30% (20% on limbs and 10% on rest of the body). CONCLUSIONS: The population injured during the earthquake showed a higher proportion of females and children less than or equal to 10 years old, and lower limb bone injuries. The data highlight the need to address orthopedic, pediatric, and women's health issues, and for logistic arrangement of relevant diagnostic and therapeutic facilities at the initial stages of relief activities after earthquakes.

Prevalence of refractive error in school children of Karachi.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of refractive error and the eye morbidity in the school children and the associated factors. METHODS: One thousand students were selected from different schools of Karachi adopting two stage sampling technique. List of schools was obtained from Board of Secondary Education and 20 schools were randomly selected from the list in the five districts of Karachi during that period. Fifty students from each school were then selected adopting simple random technique. RESULT: A total of 1000 children from 20 schools were selected. However 940 were examined. The prevalence of refractive error was 8.9%. Mean age of the students was 9.49 +/- 2.5. Dominant ethnic group was Urdu speaking. Only 10.9% children were ever checked for their ophthalmic examination. Refractive error was associated with female sex but no association was found with class, age, ethnicity, parental education and other risk factors. About 1% students were color blind. Lack of association with increasing class may be due to poor educational training at Public sector schools. CONCLUSION: An increased prevalence of refractive error was found in this study. There is a need of periodical eye examination, preferably while entering and leaving the school.

Frequency of two canals in maxillary second premolar tooth.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of two canals in relation to age and gender as well as role of shift cone angle radiographic technique in maxillary second premolar tooth. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted in Operative Department (Endodontic Department), Hamdard University Dental Hospital, Karachi, from January 2004 to February 2005. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were selected for the study, based on non-probability purposive sampling technique. Twenty patients were dropped out of the study and the data was analyzed for 100 patients. All patients were examined clinically as well as radiographically. Then the canals were opened to further confirm and treat the tooth. The findings were noted on a performa and then cross-tabbed for the significant difference. RESULTS: One hundred patients {43 males (43%) and 57 females (57%)} whose mean age was 36.2 (SD +/- 7.3} were treated. Forty (40) years was the age limit for dividing the patients into two groups. Out of 43 males, 27 (63%) were below 40 years and out of 57 females, 38 (67%) were below 40 years. Statistical analysis with Chi-square revealed no significant difference. Out of 43 males, 27 (63%) had two canals and out of 57 females, 30 (53%) had two canals with no significant difference between the two groups. Results of parallel X-ray were cross tabbed with shift cone angle technique and the difference was highly significant (Chi-square value 9.61 and p-value 0.002). CONCLUSION: Frequency of two canals was high is not age or gender dependant. Shift cone angle technique should be used as radiographic support for the clinical examination to identify the number of canals. The second canal became apparent with shift cone technique in 78% cases where additional periapical radiographs with shift cone angle technique were taken.