A new prognostic scoring system for perforation peritonitis secondary to duodenal ulcers.

Objective: To identify prognostic factors for perforated duodenal ulcers and to devise and assess a new scoring system.

Methods: The observational prospective study was conducted at the Mayo Hospital, Lahore in two phases: from March 2010 to September 2011; and from October 2011 to July 2012. It included patients with duodenal ulcer perforation who were observed for identifying factors predicting 30-day prognosis.

Cigarette smoking and medical students at King Edward Medical University, Lahore (Pakistan).

Objectives: To observe the frequency of cigarette smoking in medical students of King Edward Medical University and to determine associated variables.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted and data was collected through a self administered questionnaire from students at King Edward Medical University. Information about demographic characteristics, smoking status in family, number of cigarettes smoked/day, influence for starting it and use of nicotine replacement therapy was obtained.

Cigarette smoking and health care professionals at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

Objectives: To observe the frequency of cigarette smoking in doctors and paramedics and study various variables associated with it.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was given to randomly selected 250 Doctors and 250 Paramedics at Mayo Hospital in 2009. Information about demographic characteristics, smoking status in family, number of cigarettes smoked per day, influence for starting smoking, reason for continuation of smoking and use of nicotine replacement therapy was obtained.