International journal of health sciences
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Climate change and public health in underdeveloped countries of Latin America: Impacts, inequalities, and challenges for health systems
Full text linkClimate change constitutes one of the greatest global threats to public health in the 21st century, due to its capacity to alter the social, environmental, and biological determinants of human health. This phenomenon intensifies existing risks and generates new health challenges, especially in developing countries where health systems have significant structural gaps. In Latin America and the Caribbean, regions characterized by social inequalities, fragile health systems, and high exposure to extreme weather events, the impact on public health is particularly pronounced. The objective was to analyze how climate change affects public health in the region, deepening pre-existing inequalities and challenging health systems to respond effectively and equitably. The findings indicate that climate change represents a multifaceted challenge to public health in developing countries in Latin America and other parts of the world
Intersection of medicalization and reproductive autonomy: Challenging the barriers faced by women with disabilities
Full text linkThis paper explores the medicalization of disability and its detrimental effects on the reproductive autonomy of women with disabilities. Medicalization frames disability as a medical condition that requires intervention, often leading to the assumption that disabled individuals are incapable of making informed reproductive decisions. Drawing on case studies of women with disabilities, including those with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and psychiatric conditions, the paper highlights how medicalized views result in coercive reproductive practices such as forced sterilization, limited access to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and the pathologization of pregnancy. These practices are rooted in harmful stereotypes about disabled women’s ability to parent and a lack of understanding within healthcare systems. By analyzing these issues, the paper critiques how medicalization reinforces discriminatory attitudes and institutional barriers, restricting disabled women’s Reproductive rights. It calls for a shift toward a rights-based, inclusive approach to reproductive healthcare that upholds the autonomy of women with disabilities, advocating for policy reforms to ensure informed consent, equitable access to reproductive services, and the dismantling of medicalized frameworks that undermine disabled women’s reproductive agency
Effect of allopurinol and other xanthine oxidase inhibitors on oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2015–2025)
Full text linkBackground: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and neuropathology. Accumulating evidence implicates oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a major enzymatic source of reactive oxygen species in purine metabolism. XO inhibitors (e.g., allopurinol, febuxostat, topiroxostat) reduce XO-derived radicals and may thus ameliorate oxidative damage in the brain. We aimed to systematically review preclinical and clinical studies from 2015–2025 examining whether XO inhibition reduces oxidative stress markers, improves cognitive outcomes, or lowers dementia risk in AD. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2015–2025) using keywords combining “Alzheimer OR dementia” with “xanthine oxidase OR allopurinol OR febuxostat OR topiroxostat” and “oxidative stress OR cognitive OR dementia incidence”. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies on AD or related dementia assessing XO inhibitor effects on oxidative stress biomarkers, cognitive performance, or dementia incidence. We included both preclinical (animal in vitro experiments and in vivo models) and clinical (observational or interventional) studies. Screening, data extraction, and bias assessments (SYRCLE for animal studies, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies, Cochrane tools for trials) were performed by two independent reviewers (blinded as XX and YY). A PRISMA flow diagram was constructed to map study selection.
Effectiveness of Hands-on skill training programmes for the prevention and management of pneumonia in under-five children: A systematic review
Full text linkBackground: Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in low- and middle-income countries, including India. Strengthening the knowledge and competencies of primary caregivers through structured skill-based training may contribute significantly to reducing this burden. Objective: To systematically review and synthesise the available evidence on the effectiveness of hands-on skill training programmes for primary caregivers in preventing and managing pneumonia in under-five children, with special reference to community-based interventions in Delhi NCR. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar) was conducted for studies published between 2005 and 2024. Keywords included “pneumonia,” “under-five children,” “primary caregivers,” “skill training,” “knowledge,” “competency,” and “India.” Studies were screened, appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and data were synthesised narratively. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that structured hands-on training significantly improves caregivers’ knowledge of pneumonia symptoms, early care-seeking, and home-based management practices. Programmes with practical demonstrations, peer learning, and follow-up support showed higher effectiveness compared to didactic sessions alone. Conclusion: Hands-on skill training programmes are effective in enhancing the knowledge and competencies of primary caregivers regarding pneumonia prevention and management in under-five children. 
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’s incidence in children and adolescents worldwide: A comprehensive review of meta-analyses
Full text linkBackground: According to newly available epidemiological data, hundreds of primary research as well as dozens of systematic evaluations and meta-analyses have looked into the prevalence of ADHD in kids and teenagers. A thorough synthesis of the data from these systematic reviews and meta-analyses is what this umbrella review aims to provide. Objective: To comprehensively synthesize and evaluate existing evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the global prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, using an umbrella review approach. Methods: We conducted a thorough search of PubMed, Web of Science, PsychINFO, and Scopus to locate relevant research. PROSPERO had the study preregistered. Using a Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), the studies' quality was evaluated. Using an invariance variance weighted random-effect meta-analysis, the prevalence estimates from the included studies were combined. Result: 3,277,590 participants from 13 meta-analytic systematic reviews (588 primary investigations) were analyzed. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents was 8.0% (95% CI 6.0–10%). Boys had a prevalence estimate twice as high (10%) as girls (5%). The inattentive type (ADHD-I) was the most prevalent subtype. 
Knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and consequences of bullying among high school students aged (15-20) in Shekhan District
Full text linkBeing linked to both short-term and long-term physical, emotional, and psychological injury, bullying is a serious public health concern. It entails persistent, deliberate hostility from people or organizations targeting peers who might find it difficult to defend themselves. The purpose of this study was to evaluate high school students' attitudes, awareness, and knowledge about bullying. Specific goals included assessing students' comprehension of bullying's definition, forms, and traits; assessing their awareness of preventative techniques and their readiness to use them; and assessing their comprehension of the negative effects bullying has on both victims and offenders. In Shekhan district, 278 randomly chosen high school students between the ages of 15 and 20 participated in a cross-sectional study. Stratified random sampling based on arithmetic law was used to choose the participants. A structured, self-created questionnaire was used to gather data starting on January 20, 2025. Five student researchers conducted the procedure during school visits from October 2024 to May 2025. Most participants were female (51.8%) and between the ages of 15 and 17. The types and effects of bullying were typically well understood by the students. But certain misunderstandings remained, especially about the roles of victims and bullies
Effectiveness of multimedia educational program on knowledge of primary school teachers regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers: A quasi-experimental study
Full text linkBackground: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children, often undetected during preschool years. Teachers play a pivotal role in early detection and management, yet knowledge gaps remain. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a multimedia educational program in enhancing primary school teachers’ knowledge regarding ADHD in preschoolers. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was conducted among 120 teachers (60 experimental, 60 control) in Gurugram, Haryana. Knowledge was assessed using a validated structured questionnaire. The intervention included PowerPoint presentations, animated videos, flashcards, and discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The experimental group showed a significant improvement in mean knowledge scores from 15.2 (42.2%) pre-test to 26.6 (73.9%) post-test (p<0.001). The control group showed no significant change (14.7 to 13.9). Teacher knowledge was significantly associated with education level and prior awareness of ADHD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Multimedia educational programs significantly enhance teachers’ knowledge on ADHD and should be implemented widely for early detection and management of ADHD in preschoolers
Functional impairment and disability in euthymic Libyan adults with bipolar disorder: A cross-sectional study
Full text linkBackground: Bipolar disorder is a primary contributor to global disability. A critical gap exists between symptomatic remission and functional recovery, with many patients experiencing persistent impairment even during euthymia. However, empirical data from North African populations, particularly Libya, remain scarce. This study aimed to quantify the extent of this issue in a Libyan clinical sample. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of functional impairment and disability in euthymic Libyan patients with BPD and to identify associated socio-demographic and clinical correlates. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 outpatients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of BPD were recruited from three psychiatric clinics in Libya. Euthymia was confirmed using cutoff scores of ≤7 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and ≤6 on the Young Mania Rating Scale. Functional impairment was evaluated using the Functioning Assessment Short Test, and disability was measured with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Associations were analysed using Chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The sample comprised 100 participants (97% with Bipolar I Disorder). Despite being in remission, only 44.0% exhibited normal functioning, while 35.0% had mild, 18.0% moderate, and 3.0% severe functional impairment.
Genetic alterations of CYP17A1 in the occurrence of colorectal cancer in Senegal
Full text linkA cancer is said to be hormone-dependent when hormones influence the carcinogenesis process. Studies suggest a possible protective effect of hormone treatment in colorectal cancer. Given the hormone treatment, a thorough study of CYP17A1 is necessary. This study aims to assess the penetrance of CYP17A1 in the development of colorectal cancer. This study involved 24 colorectal cancer patients and 24 controls. For each sample, DNA extraction was performed, followed by CYP17A1 gene amplification and Sanger sequencing. The nature and position of mutations were identified using Mutation Surveyor version 5.1.2. DnaSP version 5.10, MEGA version 7.014, and the Arlequin program version 3.1 were used to highlight the parameters of variability, differentiation, and demogenetic evolution of the study population. The results revealed heterozygous mutations in the CYP17A1 gene and a substitution at the c.-34T>C promoter region. The absence of nonsynonymous mutations was revealed by very low genetic variability in the cancer population compared with controls. There was also little genetic differentiation and distance between the two populations. The frequent c.-34T>C mutation suggests that this polymorphism may modulate the transcriptional activity of CYP17A1 and consequently the hormones under this gene's control, and therefore colorectal tumor growth
Effectiveness of simvastatin with antibiotics compared to other material on clinical and radiographic outcomes following non-surgical endodontic treatment
Full text linkPostoperative endodontics complications can influence the patient's quality of life. One method of lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) therapy combines simvastatin with metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline, which are used for primary teeth. This review assesses the clinical and radiographic effects of combining simvastatin with antibiotics compared with other materials on pediatric patients. The study protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with registration number CRD42024552895. The following electronic databases were utilized to search Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs): MEDLINE(PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and OVID up to and including July 2024. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate the potential for bias in randomized clinical studies. In the initial search through electronic databases and registers, 1368,764 studies were found, and 8 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Six out of 8 studies showed that combining simvastatin with antibiotics was effective clinically and radiographically following non-surgical endodontic treatment compared to other treatment modalities. This review suggests that combining simvastatin with antibiotics may be effective clinically and radiographically following non-surgical endodontic treatment. However, further studies are needed to confirm the potential of that combination in non-surgical endodontic management