Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences

Nanopore Testing: A Paradigm Shift in Ovarian Cancer Screening

2024-04-01T18:04:45+00:00

Ovarian cancer is a fifth leading cause of cancer related mortality among women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 19,680 cases with ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in US women in 2024 and almost 12,740 women will lose their lives to ovarian cancer [1]. The currently used treatments involve chemotherapy and radiation with non-targeted therapies, drug resistance and undesirable side effects. These drawbacks have captivated the attention of scientists to discover some alternative strategies including Nanotechnology which is more convenient and target specific [2].

No screening tests are available for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer” and it usually remains undiagnosed until it reaches to an advanced stage. Scientists are working to explore non- invasive urine based test to make early detection possible.This urine based test along with family history, transvaginal ultrasound, and CA-125 blood tests will provide early-stage identification, diagnosis, and therapy for ovarian cancer, according to the researchers.

Patients with ovarian cancer have certain type of peptides in urine that are analysed by nanotechnology. A new approach “Nanopore sensing” in which nanopores that measures any change in electric current of molecules passing through it and these changes will show the properties of proteins. This technique helps in identifying the peptides related to ovarian cancerFurther studies are required to identify peptides linked to ovarian cancer, but the techniques are not very cost effective and simple. Thirteen peptides were found and examined by the researchers, including ones that came from leucine-rich a-2 glycoprotein, a recognised biomarker found in the urine of ovarian cancer patients.

Since the test is still in its early stages, more clinical trials will be needed to validate it and determine its efficacy in practical settings. The investigation of nanotechnology in medical diagnostics promises to usher in a new era of innovation by revolutionising not just the detection of ovarian cancer but also the entire field of disease diagnosis and treatment. Numerous people have hope as this approach includes the possibility of early ovarian cancer detection via a straightforward urine test. It emphasises to explore the scientific advancement with the aim of combating the deadliest cancer affecting women.

The Relationship between Social Media Addiction and Depression in Students of a Private College in Karachi

2024-04-01T18:04:26+00:00

In the last two decades, the use of social media has been increased in the world, the addiction of which can affect mental health of the users. Objective: To find out relationship between social media addiction and depression among nursing students at a private college in Karachi. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used at Horizon School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Karachi. A total of 85 students were approached using purposive sampling, via google forms. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions, Social Networking Addiction Scale and Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Study results showed that 64.7% of the students were in 19-25 years of age, 65.9% were female, 65.9% unmarried, most of them 36.5% were in last year of nursing degree. Moreover, 41.2% students have no addiction while 58.8% were addicted to social media, 20% students had no depression, 15.3% had mild to moderate and 64.7% students had severe depression. A moderate positive relationship was found between social media addiction and depression among nursing students with spearman correlation coefficient (ρ=0.533) and p value < 0.05. Conclusions: The study showed a moderate positive correlation between social media addiction and depression. Therefore, there is need of targeted interventions to prevent the nursing students from addiction of social media and subsequently from depression by holding educational seminars in schools and colleges.

Clinico-Pathogenic Pattern of Maxillofacial Cysts – A Dental Health Issue

2024-04-01T18:03:41+00:00

Maxillofacial cysts occur frequently and affect dental health. Though majority are asymptomatic, however they can result in disfigurement and affect dental health. Their frequency and clinical characteristics in the local context need to be addressed. Objective: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of maxillofacial cysts. Methods: A descriptive retrospective chart review of patients with maxillofacial cysts was conducted at Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Capital Hospital PGMI Islamabad. N= 58 cases of both genders and any age with maxillofacial cysts, who were diagnosed and operated from 1st January 2017 to 31st December, 2018 were studied. Age, gender, clinical features, surgical procedure performed and histological diagnosis were recorded. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS-23.0. Results: Study population revealed a mean age of 28.59+12.37 years and a male: female ratio of 1: 2.22. Dental abscesses were most common (14, 24.1%); followed by mucous retention (12, 20.7%); mucocoele (10, 17.2%); naso-alveolar and dental cysts 8 (13.8%) each; radicular, dentigerous and epidermal inclusion cyst 2 (3.4%) each. The commonest presentation was swelling [46(79.31%)] with right cheek [18(31%)] and left cheek [16(27.6%)] being commonest locations. Denker’s approach was adopted for 6 (10.3%) cases all being naso-alveolar cysts. Caldwell Luc’s approach was adopted for mucocoeles, dental cysts and all the cases of radicular and dentigerous cysts. Conclusions: Maxillofacial cysts are not uncommon, with dental cysts being the commonest cysts of odontogenic origin, mucocoele being commonest cyst of maxillary origin, naso-alveolar cysts arising from the nasolacrimal apparatus and dental abscess being commonest infective pathology.

Pre-operative Anemia as a Risk Factor of Morbidity and Mortality in Valvular Surgeries

2024-04-01T18:05:04+00:00

Pre-operative anemia can be a hindrance to speedy recovery and will increase blood transfusion intraoperative and post operatively. Objective: To find a correlation between preoperative anemia and the subsequent morbidity and mortality rates in patients undergoing valvular surgeries. Methods: A retrospective observational study, involving 493 valvular surgeries’ patients. All patients had the same anesthetic and surgical techniques. According to the WHO, anemia is a hemoglobin level < 13 g/dl for men and <12 g/dl for women. Clinical variables were compared using chi-square and independent t-test. Results: The patients received cardiac surgery for valvular heart disorders and had an average age of 42.2±14.1 years, with 60.9% being male. Most patients exhibited NYHA III (48.9%) and CCS III (36.5%) functional class symptoms. Highest comorbidity was hypertension (35.1%), followed by diabetes (14.4%) and dyslipidemia (6.5%). 43.2% were anemic and older than non-anemic individuals (P=0.02). Anemic people had a significantly greater incidence of HTN (P 0.02) and DM (P < 0.001). Both groups exhibited identical perfusion and cross-clamp periods (P=0.4 vs. P=0.3). Though not statistically significant (P=0.08), non-anemic patients needed more intraoperative blood or blood product transfusions. Patients with anemia have worse outcomes, including increased rates of in-hospital mortality (P=0.03), extended artificial breathing (P=0.04), and postoperative blood/product transfusion (P<0.001). 44.8% of anemic individuals needed RCC, 41.9% FFP, and 41.4% platelets. Conclusions: anemia is associated with the poorest post-operative results. There is conflicting information about the impact of preoperative anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, on valvular surgery.

Evaluation of Oral Health Status and Dietary Habits in School Children among age 12-14 years; A Cross-Sectional Study

2024-04-01T18:04:08+00:00

The prevalence of dental caries among Pakistani schoolchildren is rising. Current epidemiological statistics are required to determine treatment needs. These numbers are not presently accessible for elementary school students. Objectives: To assess the Oral health status of secondary school children 12 – 14 years through DMFT index and to determine the relationship between dietary habits and Dental caries of secondary school children aged 12 – 14 years via questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through interviews and clinical examinations in three Secondary schools of children based in Lahore. Number of participants were 398 children aged 12 to 14 years, encompassing both males and females. Oral health status and Dietary habits were evaluated through DMFT Index and Self-administered WHO Approved Questionnaire. Correlation of Demographic variables and Dietary habits of participants with High DMFT was observed. Results: The DMFT percentage was found to be 76% among 398 participants, indicating a significant burden of dental carries in our population. The Correlation between poor dietary habits and Dental caries was established through Chi square test. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was noted among Dental caries and high sugary intake. No significant relation was observed among other variables and Dental Caries. Conclusions: Unsatisfactory Oral health status and poor food habits among school- aged youngsters. It calls for urgent action to improve oral health status and promote healthier dietary choices, seeking to minimize tooth decay frequency while improving general dental hygiene.

Association between Parenting Style and Language Development in Children

2024-04-01T18:04:35+00:00

Parenting style plays important role in the development of the children from birth to five years of age including language development as well. Hence, parents can play important role in the development of their children because their quality of time matters. Objective: To determine the association between parenting style and language development and to identify the type of parenting style mostly use by the parents. Methods: This cross-sectional study, with a sample of n=384 parents, was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamabad from 1st August, 2022 to 31st January, 2023. Parents of typical children of both genders, aged birth to 36 months were included. Basic demographical sheet, Parenting style questionnaire and Receptive Expressive Emergent Language (REEL)3rd edition were used for data collection. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis. Point-Biserial Correlation was used to determine correlation between the parenting style and language development and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results indicate significant (p<0.001) relationship between parenting style and language development of children. The correlation of parenting style was low with receptive language but high with expressive language. The results also indicate that parents used different parenting styles with majority 225(58.6%) using authoritative parenting style and least 12(3.1%) used permissive parenting style. Conclusions: Study concludes that parenting styles have great impact on language development of children. Different types of parenting style are being used among which authoritative parenting style is the most and permissive being the least common.

Comparison Between Efficacy of Serial Glycolic Acid Peel with Modified Kligman’s Regimen Vs Modified Kligman’s Regimen Alone in Epidermal Melasma

2024-04-01T18:04:55+00:00

The background of melasma involves its psychological impact and multifactorial etiology, encompassing genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Management strategies include sun protection and targeted treatments like glycolic acid peels and the modified Kligman's regimen to mitigate hyperpigmentation. Objective: To compare the clinical outcome specifically in terms of MASI score in epidermal melasma patients treated with the Modified Kligman's regimen alone versus combined with 35% Glycolic acid peels. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 90 patients of epidermal melasma (with MASI score over 10) aged 18-55 years, visiting out-patient Dermatology department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan were enrolled via non-probability consecutive sampling. The patients were divided into two groups (group A and group B), each having 45 patients. Patients in group A received the Modified Kligman's regimen (hydroquinone 4%, 0.05% tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%), and those in group B received serial 35% Glycolic acid peels plus Modified Kligman's regimen over 3 months. Outcomes were measured at 4, 8, and 12-weeks post-treatment in terms of the MASI score. Results: Most of the patients i: e.75.5 % in group B showed moderate clinical improvement while most of the patients in group A i: e. 53.3% observed only mild improvement. In terms of the mean MASI score improvement, the Group B patients exhibited a significantly greater reduction from baseline compared to the Group A (8.91±2.42 vs. 7.05±4.05, p=0.010). Conclusions: The combination of Glycolic acid peels plus Modified Kligman's regimen is relatively more efficacious as compared to Modified Kligman's regimen alone.

Frequency of Dengue and Malaria Co-Infection in Patients Admitted in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore

2024-04-01T18:03:59+00:00

Prevalence of malaria and dengue infection coexistence is increasing during endemic periods although causing quite similar symptoms and signs, the treatment of these two illnesses is different. Any suspicion of malaria in disease-endemic areas must be excluded with microscopy and/or rapid antigen test. Objective: To find out the incidence of co-infection of dengue and malaria based on clinical and hematological parameters in patients presenting with acute febrile illness. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Medicine Unit of Jinnah hospital, Lahore from October - December 2022. 140 diagnosed as dengue fever by Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) and IgM were included in the study. All the cases were subject to a thorough medical examination i.e. complete battery summary of temperature together with the serology of Dengue, X-ray of the chest, abdominal ultrasound scan, renal function test (RFT), liver function test (LFT), malarial parasite slide, complete blood count with peripheral smear etc. Accordingly, the treatment was given to them with follow-up medical evaluation including detailed investigations. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version. 27.0 and presented as frequency and percentages. Chi square test was used to assess statistical significance with P < .05. Results: Mean age of respondent was 35.5 + 15.6 years. Co-infection rate with malaria and severe disease along with prolong duration fever and persistent thrombocytopenia among subjects was15.0%. Conclusions: Majority of co infected individuals were having severe disease, with subsequent development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and sepsis, responding well to anti-malarial treatments

Knowledge of Nurses Regarding Cardiac Arrhythmias in Tertiary Care Hospital

2024-04-01T18:04:17+00:00

An arrhythmia is a disorder in which the heart beats irregularly, too slow, or too fast, an arrhythmia can be harmless to life-threatening. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of nurses working in tertiary care hospital regarding cardiac arrhythmias of inpatients. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from a random sample of 132 staff nurses from various clinical areas of public and private hospitals through structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: The findings from this study show that the knowledge level of nurses regarding cardiac arrhythmias can be categorized into two groups: poor and good. From the total 132 nurses, 53 (40.2%) had poor and 79 (59.8%) had good level of knowledge regarding the information of the nurses on cardiac arrhythmias. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended that continuous education and training programs should be implemented to keep nurses updated with the latest evidence-based practices in the care of patients with cardiac arrhythmias. This will ensure that they can provide safe and high-quality care to patients.

Synthesis, Characterization and Drug Release Study of Novel Guided Tissue Regeneration Membranes Containing Drug Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

2024-04-01T18:05:15+00:00

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which can cause the destruction of the supporting tissues of the tooth leading to tooth loss. The guided tissue regeneration is considered as a gold standard for its treatment but the re-infection of surgical site limits its overall success. Objective: To synthesize novel monolayer guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane containing drug loaded chitosan nanoparticles and to evaluate the drug release from the synthesized GTR membranes. Methods: The chitosan nanoparticles containing ciprofloxacin were synthesized by the ionotropic gelation method and these synthesized nanoparticles were added into chitosan GTR membrane fabricated by the freeze gelation method. For comparison GTR membrane was prepared as a control by freeze gelation method in which the drug was added directly. The prepared membranes were characterized by the SEM and FTIR. The drug release was measured from the membrane samples in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days. Results: The GTR membrane containing the ciprofloxacin loaded chitosan nanoparticles showed fast drug release as compared to the membrane in which the ciprofloxacin was added directly. Conclusions: The inclusion of antibiotic loaded chitosan nanoparticles can increase the drug release from GTR membrane.

Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and its Association with Chronic Constipation, Chronic Cough, Urinary Tract Infections, and Parity during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

2024-04-01T18:03:50+00:00

Urinary incontinence (UI) refers to involuntary urine leakage. It can affect anyone, although it is more common among pregnant women. Incontinence is classified into three types: Stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence. Objective: To was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its association with chronic constipation, chronic cough, urinary tract infection, and parity during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the twin cities of Pakistan between April 2022 and September 2022. The data were recruited from 184 pregnant women aged between 18-45 years, who were in their third trimester. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data as well as assessments of parity, chronic cough, chronic constipation, and urinary tract infections. QUID was used to determine the kind of urine incontinence, and the ICIQ-UI-SF was employed to record the frequency and severity of the condition. Results: The average age of the participants was 27.8±4.7. Out of 184 participants, 91 had urine incontinence, with 52 (27.8%) having stress urinary incontinence and 39 (21.3%) having urge urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence symptoms were severe (N=36, 19.1%) in most subjects and moderate (N=26, 14.2%) in others. Chronic cough and parity had a significant relationship with urine incontinence (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results imply that urinary incontinence was moderately prevalent. Urge urine incontinence was less common than stress incontinence. Multiparity and chronic cough were strongly associated with UI.

Computational Approaches To Design Multi Epitope-Based Vaccine Designing of Dengue virus -2 Enveloped Protein For Dengue Virus

2024-04-05T10:03:29+00:00

Dengue Fever (DF) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is a global concern. A successful vaccine for dengue should induce both neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity. However, no vaccine currently exists for DF. A multi-epitope vaccine offers a promising strategy for preventing such infections. Objective: To create a dengue virus-2 strain multi-epitope vaccine that is safe, non-allergic, and stimulates a strong immune response. Methods: Leveraging in silico tools, we retrieved and analyzed Dengue virus-2 protein sequences, determining antigenicity using VaxiJen version 2.0 and assessing allergenicity using AllerTop. T-cell epitopes were identified via Immune Epitope Database (IEBD) server for Major Histocompatibility Complex -I (MHC-I) and Major Histocompatibility Complex -II (MHC-II) binding and B-cell epitopes were anticipated through IEBD Linear Epitope Prediction Tool v2.0. Analysis of population coverage estimated the prevalence of MHC alleles interacting with the identified epitopes. A multi-epitope vaccine construct integrated adjuvants, universal linkers, and epitopes, evaluated for physicochemical properties, toxicity, secondary, and tertiary structures. Results: Antigenicity analysis identified highly antigenic Dengue virus-2 protein sequences with low allergenicity. T-cell epitopes revealed multiple epitopes with diverse MHC-I and MHC-II affinity, encompassing conserved regions for potential universal vaccine development. Nine non-toxic, non-allergenic B-cell epitopes were identified. Population coverage analysis demonstrated over 71% prevalence of MHCs binding to identified epitopes across diverse populations. Physicochemical assessments revealed favorable characteristics, including immunogenicity and stability. Tertiary structure prediction illustrated the vaccine's 3D arrangement, validated through Ramachandran plots, exhibiting high-quality protein structure. Conclusions: This multieiptope based vaccine is more immunogenic but further in-vitro and in-vivo study is required for its clinical use

Effects of Articulated & Static Ankle Foot Orthotics on Gait Kinematics: Foot Drop Patients Perspective

2024-04-01T18:03:31+00:00

Foot drop is a common occurrence following stroke. Ankle foot orthotics (AFO) are used to correct drop foot deformity with several AFOs available to choose from. Literature suggests research on the impact of articulated AFO on gait. Objective: To determine the impact of static/ rigid and articulated AFO on gait kinematics in foot drop cases. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 unilateral drop foot cases from the PIPOS Rehabilitation Services Program from September 2019 to February 2020. The sample included both genders aged 2-15 years. Gait Lab data were used to compare the results while wearing static AFO and articulated AFO and analyzed using SPSS version 21. T-test was used to see difference between groups with p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: Articulated AFO is significantly (p<0.001) better than rigid AFO in terms of step length, stride time, and cadence. Articulated AFO is significantly better at initial contact (p<0.001), mid stance (Hip p=0.006, Knee & ankle p<0.001) and terminal stance (p<0.001) than rigid AFO. For Initial Swing, there was a significant (p<0001) difference between AFOs for extension at knee and ankle joint. At mid-swing articulated AFO provided significantly (p<0.001) better flexion at hip and knee joint. At terminal swing articulated AFO provided significantly (p<0.001) better flexion at the hip and required extension at the knee. Conclusions: This study identified Articulated AFO was superior to rigid AFO in improving functional mobility and gait consistency & lowering the risk of falling. Articulated AFOs were significantly better in terms of step length, stride time, and cadence.

Interplay of Sleep Quality, Insomnia and Quality of Life in Individuals Undergoing Hemodialysis

2024-04-04T18:03:40+00:00

Insomnia is the most commonly occurring disorder of sleep experienced by individuals with chronic kidney disease. It is associated with physical and psychological health issues specifically the ones on hemodialysis. Objectives: Insomnia is the most commonly occurring disorder of sleep experienced by individuals undergoing hemodialysis. It is associated with physical and psychological health issues and could reduce the quality of life of these patients. The aim of the current study is to find out the frequency of insomnia as well as to examine the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in individuals on hemodialysis. Methods: It was a cross sectional study and non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the sample of patients undergoing hemodialysis from a dialysis center of Lahore. The sample consisted of both men and women (N=100) with age range 40 and above (M=51.40, SD=7.25). Insomnia, general sleep scale and quality of life scale were used to collect data from the participants. Results: Insomnia was found to be prevalent in 6% of the patients. QOL was significantly poor in individuals with insomnia and poor sleep quality as compared to the ones with better sleep. Older age, increasing duration of hemodialysis and poor sleep quality were significant predictors of quality of life in our sample. Conclusions: Insomnia and/or poor quality sleep have a detrimental effect on patients’ quality of life in kidney disease. These findings can provide basis for awareness campaigns and health promotion programs aimed at timely diagnosis and management of insomnia and improvement in sleep quality as well as quality of life in individuals undergoing hemodialysis.

Distress Tolerance and Mental Health Problems among University Students

2024-04-04T18:03:50+00:00

Academic stress is one of the major reasons which influence students’ mental health. Tolerance significantly contributes to managing academic pressure, a sense of competence, and parental and social expectations while lacking causes mental health issues. Objective: To explore the relationship between distress tolerance and mental health problems among university students. Methods: 500 students from different universities of Faisalabad. The age range of the participants covered the years 20 to 40. The sample was taken using a purposive sampling technique. The following measures were used to assess the findings i.e. demographic form, distress tolerance scale, depression, anxiety and stress scale were used to explore the relationship between distress tolerance and mental health problems among university students. Results: Findings indicate a significant relationship between distress tolerance and depression (r = -.182, P < 0.01), distress tolerance and anxiety (r = -.243, P < 0.01), and distress tolerance and stress (-.252, P < 0.01) among university students. Conclusions: It is concluded that the level of tolerance significantly helps to overcome daily life stressors, anxieties, and depressive symptoms among the students.

Evaluation of In-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of methyl 2-(5-butyl-6-thioxo-1, 3, 5-thiadiazinan-3yl), butanoate

2024-04-05T18:03:43+00:00

Inflammation is the body's way of fending off damage. Nonetheless, continuous and increasing inflammation may lead to the development of some chronic illnesses. It is still needed to evaluate new and safe anti-inflammatory therapies because existing medications have major side effects. Objective: To examine a novel compound's anti-inflammatory properties of methyl 2-(5-butyl-6-thioxo-1, 3, 5-thiadiazinan-3yl), butanoate (MBTTB) in albino mice models. Method: To test the anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, carrageenan-induced paw edema in albino mice of both sexes was utilized, and inflammation was measured by using Digital Plethysmometer. After extraction of carrageenan induced paw edematous, tissue level of inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-ĸβ, and cox2 was ascertained by Western Blot analysis. Result: Based on in-vivo anti-inflammatory effects, compound MBTTB was shown to exhibit a maximum percentage inhibition of 16.7% after 1 hour, which is comparable to the standard drugs 12.8%. Following three hours, compound MBTTB showed the highest percentage inhibition of 23.2%, while the standard was 14.5%. Compound MBTTB showed the highest percentage inhibition after five hours (26.2 %), while the standard was 15.4%. The expression of many mediators' proteins, including TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-ĸβ, and COX-2, was ascertained. The computational analysis was carried out to forecast the level of decline of various mediators, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, (TNF) Interleukin-1β, NF-ĸβ, and COX-2. Conclusion: When considered as a whole, our current research indicates that MBTTB is a viable option for preventing inflammation in mice that has been caused by carrageenan in edematous paw.

Knowledge of Family Planning among Nursing Students at a Private Institute Karachi

2024-04-08T18:04:30+00:00

Family planning (FP) is defined as the whole effort made by a couple to prevent pregnancy and to create some space among their children. FP helps in avoiding undesirable pregnancies thus promote maternal and child health. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of FP among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used at Horizon School of Nursing with a total of 80 students selected through purposive sampling technique. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Results: Study results showed that 45% of the students were in age group 20-30 years, 61.2% were female and if we talk about spouse education status all of them were literate, most of the respondent's monthly income was between 30,000-50,000 PKR, 47.5% were having no children, 40% having 1-2 children, 50% of them wished to have 1-2 children, most of them (48.8%) had 1-2 years interval between their children, majority of the respondents (88.8%) had heard of FP, the source of information regarding FP mostly (56.2%) were hospitals, availability of FP services known by respondents were private hospitals (83.8%) and methods of FP known by the students mostly (42.5%) were condoms. Conclusions: The study showed that only 42.5% of the students knew the condom method of FP, 23.7% withdrawal methods, 20% oral contraceptive pills, and a very low percentage of other methods of FP which need to be enhanced by conducting seminars and other awareness programs in nursing schools and colleges.

Dialysis in Critically Ill Patients with Hypokalemia: A Challenge to Beat by Adjusting Potassium Bath in Dialysate

2024-03-08T16:09:28+00:00

Acute renal injury (ARI) is common in critically ill patients and frequently makes renal replacement therapy necessary. Low serum potassium level is associated with arrhythmias and mortality in critically ill patients. Adjusting dialysate fluid potassium to higher level helps preventing post hemodialysis hypokalemia. Objective: To establish role of high potassium dialysate in management of hypokalemia in critically ill patients undergoing renal replacement therapy for ARI. Methods: We did a pilot study and performed a cohort on critically ill patients who developed acute renal injury and required renal replacement therapy for acute indications. We designed two groups each consisting 50 patients. Control group underwent hemodialysis with conventional dialysate. For interventional group, we added potassium bath of 3.0meq/l. Pre and post hemodialysis serum potassium levels were measured results mentioned in the form of bar chart. Results: For intervention group mean pre and post hemodialysis serum potassium levels were 3.43±0.36mg/dl and 4.45±5.00mg/dl respectively with no statistically significant difference in pre and post hemodialysis potassium (p=0.156). While, for control group mean pre and post hemodialysis serum potassium levels were 3.69±0.38mg/dl and 2.97±0.29mg/dl respectively. Difference in pre-post mean serum potassium in control group was statistically significant (p<0.001). Furthermore, three patients in control group developed atrial fibrillation in which hypokalemia was confirmed by laboratory testing. Conclusions: Acute dialysis in critical care on hypokalemic patients can be performed safely by adjusting potassium bath in dialysate.

Unveiling the Factors Behind Delayed Introduction of Complementary Feeding and its Impact on Infant Nutrition: A Case Study in Peshawar, Pakistan

2024-03-23T15:06:25+00:00

Timely introduction of complementary feeding (CF) is essential for the health and development of infants. However, delayed initiation of CF can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth. Despite the presence of global guidelines, adherence to recommended feeding practices, particularly in initiating CF late, remains prevalent in developing regions. Objective: To examine the reasons for delayed CF in Peshawar, as well as its impact on infant health. Methods: A Retrospective case-control study was conducted with 800 mothers at the Hyderabad Medical Complex (HMC) vaccination center in Peshawar between July and October, 2022. Infants aged 6-12 months were categorized based on timely or late CF introduction. Late initiation of CF defined as, introduction of CF beyond 30 weeks. Regression analysis was employed to scrutinize parental background and psychological elements in the study. Results: Results of Multivariate logistic regression revealed that house hold income, maternal education level, low Antenatal Care (ANC) visits, maternal belief about CF and maternal drug addiction were significant (p<0.05) factors that responsible for late starting of CF. Particularly late initiation of CF poorly effects Infant nutrition status. Conclusions: This study highlights the requirements for targeted population to advance CF practices in Peshawar. Such intervention promises to improve child health in the region, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to address this concern