Pattern of morbidity among elders attending general practice: health needs assessment of geriatric patients in Oman

The main purpose of this study was to identify specific problems and pattern of morbidities that is common in the elderly. A cross sectional study surveying the health status and needs of targeted population was conducted in selected primary health care (PHC) outpatient settings. All consenting individuals aged 60 years and above who visited the selected PHC clinics were interviewed. Information was collected using face-to-face interviews based on a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. A total of 185 people were evaluated in this study. About 75% of participants were age 60-70 years. Overall, male predominance was noted with 137 (74.1%) males and among all participant’s 80% were married. The mean BMI was 26.47±4.98 kg/m2 and mean waist circumference was 90.16±12.97 cm. The prevalence of smoking, DM, HTN, dyslipidaemia and history of IHD among participants were 7.6%, 37.8%, 49.7%, 27.6% and 8.1%, respectively and males showed a significantly higher prevalence than females in smoking and HTN (p<0.05). Hypertension was common comorbid ailment with 29.2% of stage I and 19.5% of stage II hypertension among 60-70 age groups. The majority of the participants were taking shower; using toilet, feeding and get dressed independently, 88.6%, 87.6%, 87% and 87.6% respectively. These findings provide important information on high prevalence of overweight, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and dyslipidaemia among elders. The other common morbidities were impaired vision, walking difficulty, and hearing problems. The activity of daily living (bathing dressing toileting feeding) is preserved in most of older people

Comparison of Takaful & Non-Takaful Insurance Companies of Pakistan Under Pre, During & Post Economic Crisis 2008

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of profitability of Takaful Insurance and Non-Takaful Insurance companies under the tenure of pre, during, and post-financial crisis. The stimulus of this study was the absence of research on this topic. The profitability is measured using Return on Assets whereas macro-economic variables i.e. GDP and Inflation and industry-specific variables i.e. Liquidity, Leverage, and Size are used as independent variables. Panel regression results indicated that macro-economic variables had an insignificant impact on the profitability of the Insurance sector under all three phases, whereas industry-specific variables have a miscellaneous impact on profitability. Takaful insurance companies have better liquidity management than the Non-Takaful insurance companies under post-economic crisis tenure too as they get better returns in terms of profitability. It is concluded that insurance companies’ sectors i.e. Takaful-insurance companies and Non-Takaful Insurance companies should emphasize their internal or industry-specific indicators for their stability.JEL Classification: H8, F0, L1, M2How to Cite:AsadUllah, M., Hassan, M., & Siddiqui, Z. A. (2021). Comparison of Takaful and Non-Takaful Insurance Companies of Pakistan: Under Pre, During, and Post Economic Crisis 2008 . Etikonomi, 20(1), 201 – 212. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i117325

Resistant clubfoot deformities managed by Ilizarov distraction histogenesis

Background: Resistant clubfoot deformities of the foot and ankle remain a difficult problem even for the most experienced surgeon. We report a series of neglected resistant clubfoot deformities treated by limited surgery and Ilizarov distraction histogenesis. Materials and Methods: Twenty one patients with 27 feet having resistant clubfoot deformities were managed by Ilizarov distraction histogenesis from April 2005 to May 2008. The mean age was 12 years (range 8-20 years). A limited soft tissue dissection like percutaneous Achilles sheath tenotomy and plantar fasciotomy were done. Progressive correction of the deformities was achieved through the standard and simple Ilizarov frame construct setting. After removal of Ilizarov frame, a short leg walking cast was used for an additional 6 weeks, followed by an ankle foot orthrosis for 3 months. Results: The mean followup period was 18.7 months (range 20-36 months). The mean duration of fixator application was 3.6 months (range 3-5 months). At the time of removal of the fixator, a plantigrade foot was achieved in 25 feet and gait was improved in all patients. There was residual varus hind foot deformity in two patients. Out of 27 feet, 3 (11.11%) were rated as excellent, 17 (62.96%) as good, 5 (18.51%) as fair, and 2 (7.40%) as poor according to Reinkerand Carpenter scale. Excellent and good results (74.07%) were considered satisfactory, while fair and poor results (25.92%) were considered unsatisfactory. Conclusion: The short term clinical and functional results of resistant clubfoot deformities with Ilizarov′s external fixator is promising and apparently a good option