Frequency of Diseases among Flood Affected Individuals at Relief Camps of Karachi Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of diseases among flood affected individuals and facilities available at relief camps of Karachi Pakistan

Study Design:  A cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine, Sindh Medical College, DUHS, Karachi from July 2010 to Nov. 2010.

Materials and Methods:  A cross sectional study was conducted and data was collected by using a structured questionnaire. A sample size of 300  flood affected individuals were drawn by using convenient sampling methods from four different flood camps located in Karachi.

Results: Out of the 300 cases studied 46.0% had malaria, 90.5% of malarial patients admitted that they did not use mosquito repellents or nettings to protect themselves. About 27.3 % suffered from diarrhea and 26.7% had skin infections. Adequate water supply was supplied to 66.7% of the patients.

Conclusion: This study concluded that malaria had higher frequency at relief camps of Karachi followed by diarrhea and skin infections.