Forthcoming Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024): December 2024

Note: The DOI will be available online after the issue is published.

1. Factors Affecting Career Choices Among Medical Students of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad

Dr. Sadaqat Ullah Rehmat: Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
Dr. Sadam Hussain: Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
Dr. Fawad Ahmad:Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
 
https://doi.org/10.62497/IRABCS.2024.36
 
Keywords: career choices, medical students, future speciality, motivate, training

Abstract

Background: Choosing a medical specialty can be either a daunting and confusing experience for some medical students and junior doctors or a foregone conclusion to others. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors influencing career choices among medical students in Ayub Medical College (AMC) Abbottabad, KPK, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive type cross sectional study carried out at AMC Abbottabad for a period of 8 months from 1st March, 2022 to 31st October, 2022 on 100 students. Study population was Medical students of AMC Abbottabad. A questionnaire was developed for data collection. The data was analyzed through computer using SPSS version 20.0. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables.

Results: In this study students from all classes from first to final year MBBS were included. Out of 100 students, 52 (52%) were males and 48(48%) were females. In this study we assessed that about 30% medical students were unsure about their future specialty decision , 29% students have broad area decision , 23% students have specific area decided upon while 12% students currently considering two broad areas. Moreover 41% students have not yet decided their future broad area for specialty, 35% students decided during their clinical years (3rd,4th and final year), 12% students had decided during their pre-clinical years (1st and 2nd year) and 12 % students had decided prior to medical college. According to our study, the most important factor which influence career choice among medical students is personal interest 49%, followed by lifestyle 15% , future job opportunities 14% , 7% influence from a mentor, 5 % previous positive clerkship experience and 4% have other personal reasons.

Conclusion: A variety of factors appeared to inspire medical students in AMC Abbottabad to choose a future career choice. When identified, these factors can be used by mentors of medical students and directors of residency training programs to motivate students to choose specialties that are limited in the country and therefore better serve the national community. 

 

2. Exploring Risk Factors and Assessing the Effectiveness of Intravenous Iron Sucrose versus Oral Ferrous Fumarate for Pregnancy-Related Anemia

Rabbia Allah Rakha: Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan

Haleema Tahir: Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3544-392X

Aftab Ahmad: Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0684-6676

Muhammad Yasin: Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Kohat University of Science and Technology KUST, Kohat 26000, KP Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.62497/IRABCS.2024.58

Keywords: Pregnancy-related anemia, Oral ferrous fumarate, Risk factors, Intravenous iron sucrose.

Abstract

Background: Anemia associated to pregnancy, which is defined by low hemoglobin levels or inadequate red blood cells, is a serious worldwide health issue that affects the prognosis of both mothers and fetuses. Due to food habits, healthcare access issues, and socioeconomic differences, anemia during pregnancy is very common in Pakistan.

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify risk variables linked to anemia in expectant mothers and assess the effectiveness of intravenous iron sucrose against oral ferrous fumarate in the management of iron deficient anemia during pregnancy.

Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaqat Memorial Hospital, Kohat, Pakistan. 120 pregnant women made up the final cohort, which was split evenly between Group B (intravenous) and Group A (oral). Group B had intravenous iron sucrose therapy, whereas Group A got oral ferrous fumarate. Serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were assessed during the course of the 4-week follow-up assessments. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, which showed continuous variables as mean and standard deviation and categorical data as frequency and percentage. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered noteworthy.

Results: Group A's mean hemoglobin rose from 86.49 g/dL to 102.97 g/dL (T-Value: 4.45, P-Value: 0.017), and serum ferritin increased from 8.19 ng/ml to 56.62 ng/ml (T-Value: 11.05, P-Value: 0.029). Similarly, Group B showed significant improvements, with hemoglobin increasing from 82.87 g/dL to 118.41 g/dL (T-Value: 5.26, P-Value: 0.001) and serum ferritin surging from 9.84 ng/ml to 109.85 ng/ml (T-Value: 7.37, P-Value: 0.001). Significant risk factors identified included poor nutrition (51.67%, n=62), multi-parity (59.17%, n=71), lack of antenatal care (67.50%, n=81), and lower socio-economic status (57.50%, n=69).

Conclusion: Intravenous iron sucrose is more effective than oral ferrous fumarate in increasing maternal iron stores, with a notable advantage in terms of fewer side effects.

 

3. Implementation of the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) Scan as a Diagnostic Adjunct in the Training for Medicine, Surgery and Anesthesia Residents

Dr. Aiman Balouch: Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat, Pakistan
Dr. Tanzeel Omer: Armed Forces institute of Radiological Imaging (AFIRI), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Dr. Usama Ali: Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr. Ambreen Farooq: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan

https://doi.org/10.62497/IRABCS.2024.57

Keywords: blunt trauma, hemorrhage, FAST scan, emergency training, ultrasound skills, clinical audit.

Abstract

Introduction: Hemorrhages in most cases are caused by blunt trauma and are the leading factors in cause of death in people below forty five years of age. The diagnostic performance for distinguishing IPFF from other causes of acute abdominal pain is improved by the FAST scan, a noninvasive ultrasound-based method. This audit of participants aimed at assessing their current attitude towards this skill and to provide training to the anaesthesia, medicine, and surgery trainees on the utilization of this skill during emergency circumstances.

Methods: The study focused on the local clinical audit that provided an opportunity to create training resources for trainees on non-invasive processes. To evaluate the various aspects of FAST scan skills, 14 trainees from different specialties completed a survey. The next step involved the proposal of how to enhance on these skills, this entailed practical training under the supervision of radiologists. Finally, self ratings were obtained from the trainees in the post-training questionnaire in terms of their confidence levels using an eleven point Likert scale.

Results: A majority of the participants were the post-graduate trainees in anesthesiology, medicine and surgery. Initially, there were differing opinions on the advantages and limitations of FAST scan. Confidence levels notably rose after training, particularly in probe selection, adjusting image quality, and interpreting various perspectives and quadrants. Locating the left upper quadrant posed a challenge. The confidence interval for performing emergency scans was 50% for both moderate and high confidence levels.

Conclusion: This project emphasizes the significance of recognizing vital structures and identifying free fluid in both trauma and non-trauma patients. Initially, there was a lack of formal training in Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma, but trainees' confidence gradually increased from moderate to high levels. This progress sets the stage for formal training in this essential skill, promoting involvement in clinical audits and research projects to boost expertise, ultimately boosting confidence to conduct scans during emergencies.