Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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Cardiovascular responses to pleasure-based versus task-based screen engagement: An experimental crossover study.
Get PDFBackground:Digital screen use is pervasive, yet different engagement modes, relaxing versus task-focused, may have distinct acute cardiovascular and emotional effects. Comparative within-subject data are limited.
Aim:To compare cardiovascular and affective responses to pleasure-based versus task-based screen engagement in healthy young adults.
Materials and Methods:This experimental crossover study was conducted on Sixty-three healthy regular screen users (18–35 years) who completed two randomized conditions in a single 60-minute session: pleasure-based viewing (entertaining videos) and task-based engagement (cognitive tasks). Each protocol included a 10-minute seated baseline, 15-minute first condition, 10-minute washout, and 15-minute second condition. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded continuously, and blood pressure (BP) was measured pre- and post-condition. Subjective stress and enjoyment (VAS 0–10) and affect (PANAS) were assessed after each condition. Paired t-tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results:Participants (32 males, 31 females; mean age 24.1 ± 3.9 years; BMI 23.4 ± 3.1 kg/m²) reported a mean daily screen time of 4.8 ± 1.3 hours. HR increased from 74.3 ± 7.8 bpm during pleasure-based viewing to 82.9 ± 8.5 bpm during task-based engagement (p < 0.001). Systolic/diastolic BP rose from 115.6 ± 8.1/74.9 ± 6.4 mmHg to 121.8 ± 8.9/78.7 ± 6.9 mmHg (all p < 0.001). HRV indices showed reduced SDNN and RMSSD and a higher LF/HF ratio during task-based use, indicating sympathetic predominance. VAS stress was higher (5.8 ± 1.7 vs 2.3 ± 1.3) and enjoyment lower (5.1 ± 1.5 vs 7.9 ± 1.1), with decreased positive and increased negative affect (all p < 0.001).
Conclusion:Task-based screen engagement produces greater cardiovascular activation and a less favourable emotional profile than pleasure-based viewing in healthy young adults.
Recommendations:Digital work schedules should limit prolonged, uninterrupted task-based screen use, incorporate short breaks, and promote screen hygiene
Role of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Clinicopathological and Molecular Study from a Tertiary Centre in India
No full textBackground
High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) drives a distinct subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with favorable prognosis. Indian data show lower and heterogeneous hrHPV prevalence compared with Western cohorts.
Objective
To determine hrHPV prevalence and its clinicopathological and molecular correlates in OPSCC.
Design & Setting
Retrospective study, Department of Pathology, Nalanda Medical College & Hospital, Patna, India.
Methods
Consecutive primary OPSCC resections/biopsies (January 2020–December 2023) were reviewed. p16 IHC (block positivity ≥70% strong nuclear/cytoplasmic) screened for HPV-driven disease. hrHPV DNA was assessed by PCR on FFPE (targeting HPV16/18/31/33/35/45/52/58). Discordant p16+/DNA– cases underwent RNA in-situ hybridization for E6/E7 when blocks permitted. Clinicopathologic features and treatment details were recorded.
Results
n=180 OPSCC: median age 56; 86% male; 58% smokers/chewers. Overall hrHPV-positivity 52.2% (p16+/DNA+). HPV16 predominated (88% of HPV+); HPV18 (7%); others (5%). Tonsillar and base-of-tongue subsites showed highest positivity (Fig 1). HPV+ tumors presented with smaller primaries but higher nodal stage, were non/low tobacco exposure more often, and showed non-keratinizing morphology. Two-year PFS was superior in HPV+ vs HPV– (HR 0.58; p=0.03).
Conclusion
Over half of OPSCCs at our centre were hrHPV-driven, chiefly HPV16. Integrating p16 with targeted hrHPV testing provides robust classification and prognostic stratification in Indian practice
NON-ADHERENCE TO ANTI-DIABETIC MEDICATIONS AMONG DIABETES PATIENTS ATTENDING DIABETES CLINIC AT KISENYI HEALTH CENTER IV, KAMPALA DISTRICT, A Cross-Sectional STUDY.
No full textBackground
Non-adherence to anti-diabetic medications among diabetes patients poses significant challenges to effective diabetes management, yet many patients fail to take their medications consistently. This study aimed to identify socio-economic, individual, and health facility factors contributing to non-adherence to anti-diabetic medications among diabetes patients attending the diabetic clinic at Kisenyi Health Center IV.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, involving 30 diabetes patients selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, and analysis involved descriptive statistics to assess the influence of various factors on medication adherence, with results presented in the form of figures, tables, and pie charts.
Results
The study involved more males, 25 (83%), than females, 5 (17%), the majority of whom were aged between 31 to 45 years, and the least, 1(3%), were aged 61 and above. Findings indicated that socio-economic factors, including limited income (73%) and unemployment (80%), negatively affected adherence. Individual factors such as forgetfulness (57%) and concerns about side effects (80%) contributed to non-adherence. Health facility-related factors, including long waiting times (70%) and limited availability of follow-up appointments (80%), further discouraged adherence among patients. Additionally, 53% reported insufficient patient education programs, which negatively influenced adherence.
Conclusion
There was a complex interplay of socioeconomic, individual, and health facility-related factors contributing to this issue, including medium household income, proximity to the health facility, infrequent transportation problems, forgetfulness, and experiencing side effects that negatively affected adherence.
Recommendation
Enhanced patient education, improved patient-provider communication, and efficient clinic management practices to mitigate barriers to adherence and support diabetes management at Kisenyi Health Center IV
PREVALENCE, IDENTIFICATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING OF Acinetobacter baumannii COMPLEX & PSEUDOMONAS SPECIES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN THE EASTERN PART OF BIHAR.
Get PDFBackground
Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas species have emerged as significant pathogens in healthcare-associated infections, showing resistance to multiple antibiotics, which complicates treatment options. Both organisms exhibit inherent and acquired resistance, making infections difficult to manage.
Aim
The study aimed to isolate, identify, and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas species from clinical samples in a tertiary care center.
Materials & Methods
This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and September 2024 at a tertiary care center in Northern Bihar. A total of 60 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas species were identified using VITEK 2. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the MIC microbroth dilution technique.
Results
Out of 1058 clinical samples, 186 were positive for bacterial growth. Acinetobacter baumannii complex was isolated from 36 samples, and Pseudomonas species from 23. The sociodemographic results revealed that the majority of patients were in the 21-30 age group, with a higher prevalence of males (59.3%) compared to females (40.6%). The majority of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates (44.4%) were from sputum, followed by blood (30.5%). Resistance to multiple antibiotics, including piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem, was observed in Acinetobacter baumannii, with strains isolated from urine showing 100% resistance to several antibiotics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sputum samples showed sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem, while those from pus samples exhibited resistance to ceftazidime and imipenem.
Conclusion
Nitrofurantoin is an effective option for urinary tract infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, while piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem are recommended for empirical treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance patterns highlight the need for stringent infection control measures to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Recommendation
Enhanced infection control and cautious use of antibiotics are essential to combat multidrug-resistant infections in healthcare settings
Community perceptions of climate change and its impact on natural resources in Umlazi and surrounding areas: A cross-sectional case study.
Get PDFBackgroundClimate change is increasingly affecting vulnerable communities in South Africa, particularly those reliant on natural resources. Umlazi and the surrounding areas face challenges such as flooding, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Understanding community perceptions is essential for developing effective adaptation strategies and resource management plans.
MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods case study design was used. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires administered to 120 residents of Umlazi and neighbouring communities. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions with community leaders, youth, and environmental activists. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were thematically analysed.
ResultsOf the 120 participants, 65 (54%) were female and 55 (46%) male, aged 18 to 65 years (mean age = 34.8 years). The majority (72%) had resided in Umlazi for more than 10 years.
Quantitative findings showed that 82% of respondents observed significant climate changes over the past decade, with erratic rainfall (79%) and rising temperatures (68%) most frequently reported. Over 70% linked these changes to declining water quality, reduced agricultural yields, and biodiversity loss. Qualitative findings revealed three major themes: (1) Limited access to climate information: “We do not receive proper education on climate risks or what to do when disasters happen” (community leader); (2) Concerns over weak institutional response: “Local government promises support but we don’t see it on the ground” (youth representative); and (3) Desire for greater community involvement: “We want to form local committees to protect our resources” (environmental activist).
ConclusionCommunities in Umlazi are aware of climate change impacts but face constraints in adaptive capacity due to limited information, infrastructure gaps, and weak institutional support.
RecommendationLocalized climate education, sustainable resource management, and community-led adaptation initiatives should be prioritized through partnerships between universities, local government, and civil society
LEISHMAN GIEMSA COCKTAIL, A CYTOLOGICAL STAINING COMPARABLE TO PAPANICOLAOU STAIN FOR ORAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS – A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
Get PDFBackground:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common tumor in the head and neck region. Exfoliative cytology in the form of scrape cytology is a valuable aid for screening oral lesions.
Aim:
The study aims to evaluate and compare Pap, MGG, and LG cocktail staining in exfoliated cells of oral malignancy.
Material & methods:
This prospective study was conducted in the department of Pathology at Hitech Medical College, Rourkela, over a period of two years. According to conventional staining protocols, one air-dried smear was stained with MGG, and the other with LG cocktail, and the third with Papanicolaou stain. The stained slides were examined independently by two pathologists, and the results were recorded. Biopsy results were also compared with the cyst diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done.
Result:
The study evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of Pap, MGG, and LG cocktail stains in exfoliated cells of oral malignancy, specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Among the 103 suspected cases, 92 were diagnosed as SCC, with a 100% correlation between cyst diagnosis and histological results for SCC cases. The LG cocktail stain demonstrated the highest specificity at 95%, followed by Pap (93.7%) and MGG (93.2%). Sensitivity was similar across all stains, with LG cocktail slightly outperforming Pap and MGG. MGG showed the highest negative predictive value at 84.7%, indicating its superior ability to rule out malignancy.
Conclusion:
LG Cocktail staining is a simple, cost-effective, less time-consuming, one-step process and can be used for an oral cancer screening program. Most importantly, the LG cocktail staining technique was found to give results comparable to the Pap stain.
Recommendation:
It is recommended to use the LG cocktail stain for improved sensitivity and comparable specificity in diagnosing oral squamous cell carcinoma from exfoliated cells
Clinical and Bacteriological profile of Participants suspected with SBP in chronic liver disease coming in IGIMS Emergency, Patna
Get PDFBackground
Chronic liver disease (CLD) affects individuals of all ages, sexes, geographical locations, and ethnicities worldwide. Although the rate of progression and clinical course may vary, various etiological factors contribute to a similar clinicopathological pathophysiology in CLD.
Objectives
This study aimed to determine the bacterial profile, laboratory parameters, and clinical presentation of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and assess how these factors influence the outcomes of patients with CLD.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar, India, over a period of 18 months. A total of 160 patients were enrolled in the study. Case records of patients aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with SBP, were retrieved from the hospital's electronic database and included in the study.
Results
Relevant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were identified in ascitic fluid and blood samples. Total leukocyte count, creatinine, bicarbonate, and direct bilirubin levels were found to be significantly associated with patient outcomes, including discharge against medical advice (DAMA), mortality, and successful discharge (p-value < 0.001). Among the patients, 16 (10%) had a history of SBP, and approximately 120 (75%) had not received antibiotics in the previous three months.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable insights into the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and bacterial profile of SBP in CLD patients. These findings highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to SBP management and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the condition.
Recommendations
The results of our investigation highlight the need for further research on geographical variations in the bacterial profile and clinical presentation of SBP, as well as the development of early diagnostic techniques and appropriate treatment plans
Supervisory overload and its impact on postgraduate student success: A cross-sectional case study of selected institutions.
Get PDFBackgroundThis study examines the extent of supervisory overload and its impact on the academic experiences and completion outcomes of postgraduate students across selected South African universities.
MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative case study design was used. The study was conducted at two South African universities between February and April 2025. A purposive sample of 30 participants was selected: 20 master s-level postgraduate students (mean age: 28.4 years; 65% female) and 10 academic supervisors (mean age: 44.7 years; 60% male), all involved in research-based programs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews exploring supervisory capacity, feedback practices, student satisfaction, and institutional support. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s framework, with triangulation across participant groups to ensure credibility.
ResultsSeventy percent of students reported inconsistent or delayed feedback, primarily due to supervisory overload linked to teaching, administrative duties, and excessive supervision assignments. Sixty percent of supervisors acknowledged supervising 10 to 15 students simultaneously, exceeding recommended levels. This overload diminished mentorship quality and led to feelings of neglect among students. Participants also reported reduced meeting frequency, delays in research approvals, and a lack of personalised academic engagement. Emotional stress and reduced motivation were frequently cited by students. Institutional mechanisms to monitor and manage supervisory loads were found to be weak or inconsistently enforced across faculties.
ConclusionSupervisory overload negatively affects postgraduate success by limiting academic engagement and delaying research progression. Without effective workload management systems, supervisors remain overstretched, and students experience heightened frustration and academic delays.
RecommendationsUniversities should adopt clear supervisory workload caps and implement structured support systems to ensure equitable supervision and improve postgraduate outcomes
Paediatric asthma prevalence and environmental factors: A community-based cross-sectional study.
Get PDFBackground
Pediatric asthma is a critical public health issue with its origins in a complex array of environmental, socio-economic, and potentially genetic factors. Understanding these can aid in crafting targeted preventive measures and management strategies.
Aim and Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of pediatric asthma within a representative sample and investigate its associations with environmental conditions, socio-economic status, and familial health history, aiming to unravel the condition's multifaceted causes.
Materials and methods
This cross-sectional analysis involved 100 children and adolescents aged 0-18 years. Through interviews and medical record reviews, data were gathered on asthma diagnoses, environmental exposures, socio-economic status, physical activity, and family health history. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses identified key asthma predictors.
Results
The study found a 22% prevalence of asthma, highest among 6-12-year-olds (54.5%), and more common in males (59%). Critical environmental risk factors included poor indoor air quality (affecting 73% of asthmatic children), environmental tobacco smoke exposure (40%), and high outdoor air pollution (50%). Additionally, 68% of affected children came from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The most potent asthma predictor was poor indoor air quality (odds ratio = 4.5), alongside significant influences from tobacco smoke, outdoor pollution, sedentary lifestyles, and family asthma history.
Conclusions
The study found a prevalence of pediatric asthma at 22%, with the highest burden among school-aged children and males. Environmental and socio-economic factors such as poor indoor air quality, exposure to tobacco smoke, and lower socio-economic status were significantly associated with asthma. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce environmental exposures and improve health outcomes in children.
Recommendations
To reduce pediatric asthma prevalence, prioritize interventions targeting indoor air quality improvement, reduce exposure to tobacco smoke, address outdoor pollution, and promote physical activity, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged areas
Hepatic enzyme alterations as prognostic markers in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: A hospital-based prospective cohort study.
Get PDFBackgroundPerinatal asphyxia remains a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) being a major sequela. Liver injury is a common systemic complication, and hepatic enzymes may serve as potential biomarkers for the severity of hepatic encephalopathy (HIE).
Objectives: To assess the pattern of hepatic enzyme alterations in neonates with HIE and explore their prognostic value in stratifying disease severity.
MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled 100 term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. HIE staging was performed using the modified Sarnat and Sarnat criteria. Liver function tests, including serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were measured on Days 1 and 3. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, post-hoc comparisons, and Chi-square tests to evaluate associations with clinical outcomes.
ResultsAmong the neonates, 33% had HIE Stage I, 39% Stage II, and 28% Stage III. Serial measurements showed significant increases in SGOT, SGPT, and ALP from Day 1 to Day 3 across all HIE stages (p<0.001). Enzyme elevations were most marked in Stage III. Cut-off values for predicting Stage III HIE were SGOT >77.4 U/L, SGPT >90.4 U/L, and ALP >257.1 U/L. Seizure activity (p<0.001) and mode of resuscitation (p<0.001) showed statistically significant associations with HIE severity, while maternal risk factors (p=0.72), mode of delivery (p=0.64), and place of delivery (p=0.59) did not.
ConclusionSerial hepatic enzyme levels are reliable biochemical indicators for assessing the severity of HIE. Their prognostic relevance supports early stratification and targeted management in neonatal intensive care units.Recommendations
Regular monitoring of hepatic enzymes in neonates with perinatal asphyxia can aid early detection and management of HIE severity