FREQUENCY OF TIBIA VARA AMONG OBESE ADOLESCENTS: DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background of the study: Tibia Vara is defined as a growth abnormality which leads to Varus malalignment of the lower limb. It is caused by excessive loading on the medial part of proximal tibia. Progressive Tibia Vara can result in a bowleg deformity which is most noticeable in posteromedial part of upper tibial physis. Other than that, it gives rise to in toeing of feet and lateral knee thrust, altering the normal biomechanics of an individual. This study aim to determine the frequency of Tibia Vara among obese adolescents (13-18years). Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using non probability convenient sampling. Total 214 obese adolescents of age range 13 to 18 years were recruited from different parks and schools of Lahore. Adolescents with BMI less than 30 and with history of fracture or dislocation in the lower limb were excluded from the study. Manual goniometer was used to assess tibia vara in obese adolescent which had an intra-rater reliability of 0.75. Results: Out of 214 obese adolescents, 128 were male and 86 were female. The percentage of Tibia Vara in this population was found to be 38% (n= 82). Whereas; on the basis of gender, male participants presenting with Tibia vara was found to be 26% (n= 56) and the percentage of females reported with Tibia vara was only 12% (n= 26). Conclusion: Tibia vara had been reported in 38% of the obese adolescents in Lahore, Pakistan. Whereas, on the basis of gender most frequently tibia vara was reported among male participants.

An Analysis of the Causes of Failure in the English Subject in Government High Schools for Boys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The aim of this research study was to analyze the causes of failure in the English subject in Government High Schools for Boys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. English language is occupying a global position with multidimensional role in the fields of science, business and education. So it has great significance in the present era. However, students’ academic results at the secondary level in Government Schools are not promising as compared to other compulsory subjects. The failure rate of students in English subject was found far high (35.95%), compared to Urdu (2.2%) and Pak Studies (3.6%). The major objectives were to investigate the failure ratio in the English subject, identify the causes of failure in the English subject, analyze the causes of English language skills’ deficiency of students and give suggestions to control the failure rate in English.The population consisted of all Government High Schools for Boys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The targeted population included six districts namely, Bannu, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Dir Lower and Swat. Using stratified sampling technique, the sample included 345 principals, 345 English teachers and 2270 10th class students. The sample size was taken as per Krejcie and Morgan table. The primary data were collected through three different questionnaires which were administered to principals, English subject teachers and students of 10th class. Secondary data were gathered from authentic documents. The data collected were analyzed, tabulated and converted into percentages and chi-square through statistical package of social sciences (SPSS). Then the data were interpreted and discussed. Main findings of the study are that a majority of the English teachers are unqualified, technically ill- equipped and inexperienced. Language laboratories are not available in schools. Teachers use Grammar translation method where mother tongue is dominant. English teachers do not arrange such practical activities which can either improve language skills or give students an exposure to English language. Classrooms are overcrowded which hamper students’ performance in the English subject because there is a lack of teacher-student interaction and participation. Syllabus is found lengthy and time for the English period is not sufficient. Monthly or unit tests are not given to students. Principals do not supervise or supplement teachers vi and students regarding English language. All these related factors lead to academic failure of secondary school students. The Study recommends remedial measures which include, selection of English teachers with relevant qualification be made. They should be given in-service training in order to raise their standard of teaching. Language laboratories should be established in schools and teachers should be trained for their correct usage. Direct method of teaching in English should be adopted to give students better exposure to English language. Creative and literary activities should be arranged for students. Principals should supervise, regularly, the performance of students in the English subject and they may also guide the teachers concerned. Parent-teacher coordination is needed to make sure students’ performance in the English subject.