International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS)
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Impact of Sodium Fluctuations on Prognosis in Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study
Full text linkBACKGROUND: In hospitalized patients, electrolyte alterations have a significant impact in patient outcomes particularly dysnatremias. Hyponatremia and hypernatremia are the two main sodium disturbances, which have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, the particular influence of sodium variations during hospitalization in mortality risk remains an area less studied and therefore less understood. Our study seeks to investigate the relationship between sodium fluctuations and mortality in hospitalized patients at Mexicali General Hospital, Mexico.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center, observational study at a secondary care hospital in Mexicali, Mexico, from January 1, 2023, to May 31, 2023. The study included adult patients with normonatremia at admission (serum sodium levels between 135-145 mmol/L), with minimum hospitalization time of 48 hours and at least two sodium measurements. Patients with chronic kidney disease, tuberculosis, or pregnancy were excluded. Dysnatremia was defined as serum sodium levels outside the 135-145 mmol/L range during hospitalization. The primary outcome was to establish a relationship between the sodium fluctuation and mortality among all the patients that were hospitalized; while secondary outcomes demographic characteristics and a multivariable analysis to assess how these variables influenced the outcome Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Fisher\u27s exact test, unpaired t-tests, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and multivariate analysis using the Cox Proportional Hazard Model.
RESULTS: We had 284 patients from which 117 (41.2%) developed dysnatremia, with the highest incidence occurring in the intensive care unit (73.3%) and internal medicine services (50.4%). A total of 58 patients (20.4%) died during hospitalization, and among those, 36 (62.1%) had developed dysnatremia, with hypernatremia being more common. The odds ratio for mortality among dysnatremic patients was 2.7 (95% CI: 1.5-4.8, p=0.0009). Patients who developed hyponatremia had a mean length of stay of 12.28 days compared to 9.12 days for eunatremic patients. although, mixed dysnatremia was associated with the longest hospital stay (22.33 days). Patients with greater sodium fluctuations had a higher mortality risk, with a mean sodium variation difference of 7.01 mEq/L (95% CI: 4.99-9.03, p<0.0001) between survivors and non-survivors. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and serum creatinine at admission were significant predictors of mortality, with each year of age increasing the risk of death by 1.35% (p=0.027) and each 0.1 mg/dL increase in creatinine raising the risk by 1.16% (p=0.008).
CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing sodium levels in hospitalized patients. Fluctuations in serum sodium levels during hospitalization are associated with increased mortality risk, particularly greater levels than 145 mmol/l and those in intensive care and internal medicine settings. Strategies aimed at the importance of closely monitoring and managing sodium levels improve outcomes in-hospital stay. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions to stabilize sodium levels and further explore the mechanisms linking sodium dysregulation to mortality
Prevalence Of Diabetes Mellitus And Its Associated Factors Among Tuberculosis Cases in Taluk Tuberculosis Unit, India - A Hospital-based : Exploratory Cross-sectional Study
Full text linkBACKGROUND: As per WHO global reports, one in each third person of the current world population is infected with tuberculosis, asymptomatically. NTEP data states that 25,52,000Tuberculosis cases were reported in 2023. Out of total, 81,331cases were notified from the state of Karnataka. Whereas 9.3% of the Indian population are known cases of diabetes mellitus. Both the diseases behave as a duplex, interacting with each other. Diabetes mellitus weakens cell mediated immunity by dysfunctioning T-cells as well as macrophages. On the other hand, tuberculosis-like chronic morbidities are associated with reactionary hyperglycemia due to accelerated counter-regulatory stress hormones productions. Amalgamation of epidemics of a communicable and non-communicable disease is turning out to be a matter of concern for all. Hence, such exploratory study becomes crucial to determine the severity.
METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study includes Tuberculosis diagnosed cases visiting hospital amalgamated to medical college in North Karnataka, India belonging to Taluk TB Unit. Sample size for proportion was calculated to be 116, to cover desired objectives at 5%absolute precision at 95%confidence level. Written Informed consent was obtained from the study cases. All those cases who were seriously ill or were pregnant or denying the consent were excluded. Predesigned and pretested proforma were used for obtaining socio-demographic details of subjects.Modified BG Prasad classification was implicated to classify socioeconomic-status. Patients were confirmed diagnosed with tuberculosis by the latest CBNAAT report. Using WHO criteria, cases were classified into non-diabetic, prediabetic and diabetic on the basis of post-prandial blood sugar using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.
RESULTS: As per the study, 63.3% of tuberculosis cases were sputum positive and non-diabetic, whereas 9.2% were sputum positive and diabetic. Among sputum negative cases, 15% were non-diabetic and 3.3% diabetic. In the pulmonary tuberculosis category, 75.8% were non-diabetic and 10.8% were diabetic; in extra-pulmonary category, 2.5% were non-diabetic and 1.6% were diabetic. In aspects of socioeconomic-status, among non-diabetic, 30.8% were belonging to Class I & 5% to Class V; among prediabetic cases, 4.2% belonged to Class V and 0.8% to Class I; whereas 10% from Class V and 0.8% from Class III compromised diabetic population. Using BMI as criteria, 50.8% among non-diabetic, 1.6% among diabetic were underweight; whereas normal BMI, 25.8% were non-diabetic and 4.2% were diabetic; while among overweight, 6.7% were diabetic and 0.8% were prediabetic. Eventually, 12.5% of studied tuberculosis cases were diabetic, 9.2% were prediabetic and 78.3% were non-diabetic.
CONCLUSION: At the end of the study, it was found that the prevalence of diabetes among studied tuberculosis cases was 12.5%, against the national prevalence(7.7%) as per latest NTEP reports. Moreover, among diabetic tuberculosis cases the majority were: sputum positive(9.2%), pulmonary tuberculosis(10.8%), belonged to Class V(10.0%) of socioeconomic-status, and overweight(6.7%). Consequently, tuberculosis has been found significantly related to diabetes mellitus and its associated factors, as depicted by the study\u27s result
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anemia Among Conflict-Affected Populations in Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly in conflict-affected regions, where poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and displacement exacerbate its prevalence. Political tension between the leading military force in the nation, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began on April 15, 2023, is currently ongoing mainly in Khartoum State. Despite the impact of the conflict on the region, there is a lack of data regarding the nutritional status of the residents. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of anemia in populations affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among residents of Khartoum State at a regional hospital in Sudan between May 12 and July 26, 2024. We included 323 participants selected through a systematic random sampling method. We used a modified validated standard questionnaire to collect demographic information. We reviewed medical records to gather the participant\u27s chronic and infectious disease history. We collected blood samples for laboratory assessments, including hemoglobin, serum iron, and vitamin B12 levels. The study also considered socio-economic status, dietary intake, and healthcare access. We analyzed the data using SPSS version 26.0. We used descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence and severity of anemia, and logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of anemia among the study population. A p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Out of the 323 participants in the study, 57.9% (95% CI: 52.7%-63.1%) were anemic, with 24.8% having mild anemia, 27.9% moderate, and 5.3% severe. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.4 g/dL (SD: 1.8). Anemia was significantly more prevalent among internally displaced persons (IDPs), accounting for 35.6%, with a strong association between displacement status and anemia (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7-4.2). Socio-economic factors had an important role in the prevalence of anemia, with low income being a significant predictor (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.9-5.1). Participants with inadequate caloric intake (43.3%) were also more likely to be anemic (OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.6-4.0). Furthermore, chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (9.3%) and diabetes (14%) were associated with higher odds of anemia (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 2.1-9.6 for chronic kidney disease). Infectious diseases, particularly malaria (12.4%), also increased the risk of anemia (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-5.2). Nutritional deficiencies were prevalent, with 60.4% having low serum iron levels and 18.6% deficient in vitamin B12. Malnutrition was another factor, with 23.2% being underweight and 17% being severely malnourished. Access to healthcare was limited; 44.9% of participants reported no access to iron supplements, and 10.8% had received blood transfusions due to anemia.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights that anemia is prevalent among Khartoum residents during the conflict in Sudan, with socio-economic deprivation, malnutrition, chronic and infectious diseases, and limited healthcare access being key contributors. Addressing the anemia situation in Sudan requires collaborative efforts from healthcare providers, government agencies, and international organizations to implement effective interventions that reduce the burden of anemia and improve the overall health of populations
Comparative Effectiveness of Sequential Hygiene Education Interventions among Primary School Students in Thailand: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Infectious diseases remain a significant global health challenge, particularly in light of recent pandemics. Effective hygiene education is crucial in mitigating the spread of these diseases, especially among school-aged children. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two sequential hygiene education interventions—classroom teaching followed by animated videos (C2T) versus animated videos followed by classroom teaching (T2C)—in improving hygiene-related knowledge and practices among primary school students in Thailand.
METHODS: A total of 2,188 students from six primary schools were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the C2T (n=1,100) or T2C (n=1,088) intervention groups. Knowledge assessments were conducted at three points: before the interventions (pre-test), after the first intervention (post-test 1), and after the second intervention (post-test 2). Classroom teaching covered a comprehensive set of 15 hygiene-related questions (Q1-Q15), while the animated videos focused on four key concepts (Q1, Q4, Q7, and Q10). The interventions were evaluated based on the improvement in test scores, with statistical significance determined using p-values.
RESULTS: Both interventions led to significant improvements in students’ hygiene knowledge from pre-test to post-test 1 and post-test 2 (p < 0.001). The T2C group showed a larger initial improvement from pre-test to post-test 1 (mean change = 0.87, 95% CI [0.82, 0.93]), compared to the C2T group (mean change = 0.66, 95% CI [0.60, 0.71]). However, from pre-test to post-test 2, the C2T group exhibited a slightly greater overall improvement (mean change = 0.42, 95% CI [0.37, 0.48]) compared to the T2C group (mean change = 0.31, 95% CI [0.25, 0.37]). These results suggest that while the T2C approach is more effective in the short term, the C2T approach may lead to better long-term retention of knowledge.
CONCLUSIONS: Both educational sequences effectively enhanced hygiene knowledge among primary school students, with each approach offering unique advantages. The T2C method provides a stronger immediate impact, while the C2T method supports sustained learning. These findings highlight the importance of considering the sequence of educational interventions to maximize their effectiveness in promoting hygiene practices
Community Approaches to Combat Dengue Transmission in Morelia, Michoacan
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Around the world, it has been shown that many countries know a diversity of community strategies techniques approaches to combat Dengue Transmission. Due to a lack of awareness and use of dengue prevention measures, there is no indication of people in Mexico experiencing a decline in the virus\u27s ability to spread.
METHODS: Data were collected through surveys conducted on Google Forms, where participants were asked about their personal physical, chemical, and household protection measures. The study sample and population selection are ‘non-probabilistic or targeted. It included people aged 18 years and older who live in the Primo Tapia Poniente neighborhood of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. Exclusion criteria were applied, such as the death of the patient, refusal to give informed consent, no longer willing to participate, lack of communication or, moving.
RESULTS: Prevalence of the use of household protection tools Comparing knowledge with usage in Table 1 shows that 69% use three or more tools, and 20% use two. According to the surveys, 69% of the people knew at least one household protection tool against dengue and accepted the fumigation service. In comparison, 30% of the people knew at least one household protection tool against dengue but did not accept the fumigation service. Prevalence of actions or use of personal protection tools From the whole sample, 28% use two or more personal protection tools, followed by mosquito repellent (17%), but 55% do not use it. 30% of participants do not use any personal protection tools.
CONCLUSION: Increasing dengue prevention and having a population more equipped to manage the dengue season is crucial, as this research has shown that the community uses more informed preventive measures
Aortic Aneurysm Inflammatory Cell Detection with Deep Learning methods
Full text linkINTRODUCTION: In digital pathology, neural networks such as the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Residual Neural Network (ResNet) are becoming increasingly prevalent for the analysis of tissue structure. However, their application remains constrained. MLP networks connect layers sequentially, whereas ResNet introduces blocks that span across layers, thereby enabling faster learning and rendering it suitable for complex tasks. In the context of aortic aneurysm progression, the number and location of acute and chronic inflammatory cells are of critical importance, as these cells and the enzymes they release have the potential to weaken the vascular wall and promote aneurysm growth. This highlights the necessity for a more detailed study of vascular inflammation through digital image analysis, given that the current pathology literature offers limited insights into this area.
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the number of inflammatory cells in the aortic wall using MLP and ResNet50 methods and to compare these results with data obtained from traditional immunohistochemical methods.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected a total of 13 digitalized hematoxylin-eosin stained histological sections of aortic aneurysm surgical samples from the archives of the Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research at Semmelweis University from the years 2023-2024. Automated nucleus recognition was performed on 10 slides using the Biological Image Analysis program (BIAS, Single-Cell Technologies Ltd., Szeged, Hungary), and a training image database containing 10,781 elements was created. The cells were classified into 5 categories. In the remaining 3 cases, the proportions of neutrophil and plasma cells were calculated relative to the number of identified nuclei using MLP and ResNet methods. Immunohistochemical labeling was performed using the CD138 antibody for plasma cells and Myeloperoxidase labeling for neutrophil granulocytes. The number of labeled cells was determined using the 3DHistech (Budapest, Hungary) Quantcenter Nuclearquant module. Finally, the cell type ratios determined by Quantcenter were compared with those determined by MLP and ResNet50. The ANOVA method was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: The average proportion of plasma cells was 17.17% (n=3, SD= ± 11.56%) according to the MLP method, 13.54% (n=3, SD= ± 9.54%) according to the ResNet method, and 8.09% (n=3, SD= ± 5.08%) according to immunohistochemistry. There was no significant difference between the methods.The average proportion of neutrophils was 7.97% (n=3, SD= ± 1.64%) according to the MLP method, 6.53% (n=3, SD= ± 1.7%) according to the ResNet method, and 5.02% (n=3, SD= ± 2.02%) according to immunohistochemistry. There was no significant difference between the methods.
CONCLUSIONS: In the histological sections of aortic aneurysms we examined, the cell recognition method performed using MLP and ResNet50 produced similar results to the IH method in identifying neutrophils and plasma cells. Based on these findings, digital image analysis may be suitable for the accurate recognition of cells with characteristic structures visible in HE-stained sections
Assessment Of The Impact Of Alcohol Intake On Cognition – A Cohort Study: Alcoho; and cognition
No full textBACKGROUND: Alcohol is one of the most consumed psychoactive substances in the world. The deleterious impact of alcoholism is a major public health issue worldwide due to its consequential long-term, social and economic damage. Besides these socioeconomic effects, alcoholism also results in various degrees of physiological aberrations that lead to abnormalities in cognitive and behavioral functions. In India, it is estimated that approximately 75 million people consume alcohol. Evaluation of the impact of alcohol consumption on cognition becomes the need of the hour due to the interference of cognitive decline with daily function and independence.
AIMS: To evaluate cognition ability in alcoholics with a prolonged history of alcohol intake using blinded Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and to compare cognition between alcoholics and non-alcoholics.
METHODS: The study includes 30 alcoholic males without any comorbidities (experiment), attending the outpatient department and 30 healthy appropriate non-alcoholics (control) within the age group of 18-45 years of age. Assessment of alcohol intake is done using Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire and cognitive assessment was performed using blinded Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to make it feasible for illiterates. The data was collected and entered into MS-EXCEL sheet and independent sample t test was applied for tests of statistical significance (p-value < 0.001 will be considered as significant). RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects in the experimental group is 40.5±8.5 yrs and that of control group is 39.6±9.82 yrs. In the study, 23.3% were light drinkers, 40% were moderate and 36.6% were light drinkers. The study has shown statistically significant correlation between experimental (12.5±3.95) and control (18.9±2.71) groups. (p<0.001). Our results included a crucial finding that alcohol consumption has significant impact on cognitive decline.
CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that long-term alcohol consumption has a detrimental influence on cognition. Studies of the cognitive repercussions of alcohol ingesting with the aid of using the usage of the actual international countrywide represented database are scarce within the literature. Higher information on the variations within the effect of alcohol use on cognitive impairment in older adults may also offer precious facts on their care. Conflicting results among various studies could be because of differences in tools used to evaluate cognitive dysfunction; the definitions of the quantity and pattern of alcohol drinking, smoking status, educational and occupational attainment, comorbidities, and psychotropic drug use
Understanding the Role of Inflammation in ALS-FTSD: A systematic Review and Meta-analysis Investigating the Relationship between Inflammation and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Spectrum Disorder.
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BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, severely debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. More than 50% of those affected also exhibit characteristic frontotemporal dementia (FTD) symptoms. Therefore, it is now widely recognised as a spectrum disorder encapsulating both motor and cognitive deficits, termed Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis frontotemporal spectrum disorder (ALS-FTSD). While the pathophysiology is poorly understood, a growing body of literature demonstrates the involvement of inflammation in ALS-FTSD. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the role of inflammation in ALS-FTSD and answer the question of whether interventions targeting inflammation will improve survival and motor outcomes through multiple biochemical pathways across the genetic and pathological spectrum of ALS-FTSD.
METHODS: Three databases, (1) PubMed, (2) Ovid-Medline, and (3) Ovid-Embase, were searched using predetermined search terms. After Screening, 1,302 papers underwent data extraction and categorisation. These informed our choice to investigate in-depth, drug intervention studies targeting inflammation in relatively understudied preclinical genetic mouse models of ALS-FTSD. Of 53 potential papers identified, nine were meta-analysed quantitatively, yielding four interventions targeting inflammatory pathways which reported survival, and 12 interventions reporting rotarod latency to fall, a commonly reported motor phenotype.
RESULTS: Following an overview of the current state of the research field, a specific focus of quantitative and qualitative analysis was determined. It was found that the SOD1 genetic mouse model are overrepresented and given that a published meta-analysis has already been carried out looking into therapeutic interventions on several physiological targets, including inflammation. It was decided to focus on the relatively understudied but incredibly clinically relevant TDP-43, C9orf72, and FUS mouse models for meta-analysis, which are more representative of human pathology than SOD1. Meta-analysis of the overall effect of inflammation-targeted interventions on survival in ALS-FTSD mouse models produced a hazard ratio of 1.42 (95%CI 1.08 to 1.86), with a Z-score of 2.52 (p=0.01), demonstrating inflammation-targeted interventions have a statistically significant positive effect on survival in ALS-FTSD mouse models. Meta-analysis of the overall effect of inflammation-targeted interventions on motor function in ALS-FTSD mouse models produced a standardised mean difference of 2.96 (95%CI 1.88 to 4.04), with a Z-score of 5.38 (p<0.00001), demonstrating that inflammation-targeted interventions have a statistically significant positive effect on motor function in ALS-FTSD mouse models.
CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that interventions which decrease inflammation have significant positive effects on both survival and motor symptoms compared to controls in mouse ALS-FTSD model studies. This evidence demonstrates that inflammation is a crucial driver of the ALS-FTSD disease process although further investigation is required to fully characterise the nature of their mechanisms, side effects, and efficacy in human disease. Moving forward, the most challenging aspect of future research will be bridging the translation gap between preclinical studies and effective human therapeutics. This review suggests that interventions targeting inflammation are a promising avenue for future therapeutic research and development
Prevalence And Patterns Of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduates In A Nigerian University
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for any harmful act against a person\u27s will based on socially ascribed differences between males and females. It can manifest as various forms of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional violence. These forms of GBV are not mutually exclusive, as multiple types can happen simultaneously and reinforce each other. Various factors encourage the perpetuation of GBV, including traditional attitudes towards women, race, social class, and sexuality. Staying far away from family, early life experiences of divorce, and parental violence are also familial factors that predispose to GBV. Violence survivors and their families suffer greatly from the impacts of GBV, which has major health, social and economic ramifications. AIM: To assess the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates and respondents\u27 knowledge of its effects.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 413 students in 7 faculties at the University of Calabar, Nigeria, chosen using a multi-stage sampling technique. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and respondents\u27 knowledge of its effects. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for Windows. The significance level was set at a p-value less than or equal to 0.05. Relationships were tested using inferential statistical techniques (chi-square) appropriate for categorical variables. We employed multivariate analysis to assess the relationship between GBV and various potential contributing factors, account for multiple variables simultaneously, and identify significant predictors.
RESULTS: The response rate for the study was 100%, and the overall prevalence of GBV among participants was 80 (19.4%), with emotional violence being the most prevalent experienced by the victims (18.6%). The prevalence of GBV was slightly higher in males than in females, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Other variables such as age, marital status and year of study were also not significantly associated with GBV (p>0.05). Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications. The Multivariate Regression Analysis also identified the second year of schooling as a significant predictor of Gender-Based Violence, as students in their second year exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing GBV compared to their peers (p= <0.027), with a Confidence Interval of 1.18 to 15.09.
CONCLUSION: The study showed that Gender-based violence is a problem in Nigeria, affecting both genders. The results challenge entrenched gender stereotypes and suggest the need to develop inclusive policies and programs that support both male and female victims. These findings emphasize the importance of an inclusive approach, including heightened awareness and education, support services like mental health care and legal assistance, and addressing factors that promote violence among both sexes, including cultural and social norms, to ensure all victims receive the necessary support and protection. The university authority should also implement precise and clear-cut sanctions and penalties against GBV. Our findings\u27 lack of statistical significance also underscores the need for further research with larger sample sizes to understand male GBV better and ensure robust, evidence-based interventions
Lived Experiences of Patients Following Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis in an Impoverished region in Pakistan‒A Qualitative Study
Full text linkBACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 19 million deaths in 2020 alone. Ischemic heart disease being the leading cause of CVD-related health impairment worldwide impacts an individual\u27s social, physical, economic, and psychological well-being significantly. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, inflation, and literacy rates can impact individual experiences of Myocardial infarction (MI). Given the limited awareness and facilities in smaller regions of Pakistan, this study aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals following MI, in a district general hospital in Pakistan covering a large geographical area.
METHODS: The study was conducted in a one-to-one interview fashion at a cardiology outpatient clinic in a remote region of Punjab, where people from all over Pakistan attend. To help guide the interviews, a questionnaire was designed. Interview questions were asked using a funnelled approach–starting with a general subject and progressing to more focused inquiries. The questionnaire consisted of six open-ended questions, followed by additional questions, specifically structured to elicit detailed responses regarding patients\u27 experiences post-MI diagnosis. For data analysis, each statement was carefully coded, and sub-themes were identified using similar coded statements. Then, after a thorough assessment of data integrity, pertinent themes were identified to create distinct themes, which were then combined into groups. These themes were classified into physical, psychological and social impacts.
RESULTS: 51 patients (34 men, 17 women) aged 37-86 years were interviewed. Analysis of interviews revealed both positive and negative biopsychosocial effects following diagnosis and treatment. Table 1 illustrates the major themes identified. Physically, participants reported improved chest symptoms and a partial return to routine activities but also reduced physical activity and weakness. Psychologically, experiences ranged from increased lifestyle modification to anxiety and persistent low mood. Lifestyle changes like dietary modifications and exercise were common, but negative impacts included loss of employment and reduced social contact.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study highlight the multifaceted impact of MI and underscore the need for comprehensive care plans by healthcare professionals in developing countries like Pakistan, delineating the need to incorporate physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and social engagement. Further research should delve deeper into these changes to formulate optimal post-MI care