Advancing Age as a Risk Factor for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death in developed and developing countries. Age is an important non-modifiable risk factor for acute myocardial infarction. Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the relationship of advancing age with the risk of acute myocardial infarction. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 after getting approval from Institutional Review board of University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Written informed consent and thorough history was taken from the study participants. Group 1 included 45 AMI patients aged 20-60 years. Group 2 included 45 healthy individuals aged 20-60 years. Independent sample t test and chi-square tests were applied for analysis of data. Results: Mean age was significantly higher in AMI patients (50.52±7.31) as compared to healthy controls (30.67±7.20). The risk of AMI increases with advancing age (p<0.001, OR= 2.78). Conclusions: Advancing age is an important risk factor for acute myocardial infarction.

School Practices to Reduce Student Absenteeism: A Case of a Boys Public Secondary School in District Tando Allahyar, Sindh

Students’ absenteeism from their schools has been a big issue in Sindh Province. There are various studies done on students’ drop out from elementary school level. The reason found for these drop-outs was students’ constant absenteeism from school. This study was conducted to explore the school practices to reduce the students’ absenteeism. A qualitative case study was conducted in a government Islamia Boys’ School (Pseudonym) of District Tando Allahyar, Sindh. Research participants were selected from different stakeholder groups. Altogether, data were collected from nine participants including: One head teacher, four teachers, four students, and two parents. Data collection tools for this research were semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document analysis. Findings of the study revealed the good practices of stakeholders that control students’ absence from the school, which include, collaboration among stakeholders, teacher empowerment, engaging and interactive teaching and learning and co-curricular activities in the school. The study also revealed the challenges that are faced by the school in controlling the absenteeism. Because of poverty some parents prefer their children to generate income rather than sending them schools or support their mothers in taking care of their younger sibling and let their mothers work. Lack of resources in school also makes some students stay at home. The study put forward the suggestions that school should have basic facilities so that students can comfortably carry out their classroom activities and also there should be strong means and channels of communications between parents and the school.