SVĀSTHYA: Trends in General Medicine and Public Health
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Prevalence and associated risk factors of gout among patients at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar: A cross-sectional study
Get PDFHyperuricemia and gout represent significant global public health challenges with varying prevalence rates across populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for gout among patients at the Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January to March 2024 and involved 100 patients (57% female, 43% male) aged 18–65 years. Participants were recruited via systematic random sampling from the orthopedic department. Data collection included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, medical history, and serum uric acid levels, which were analyzed via the uricase enzymatic colorimetric method. 93% of the patients were between 21 and 60 years old, with 54% reporting a family history of gout. Notably, 95% of the participants presented elevated uric acid levels (>6.8 mg/dL in men, >6.0 mg/dL in women), with 40% falling within the 7.1–8.0 mg/dL range. The major comorbidities included hypertension (72%), thyroid problems (45%), and kidney disease (34%). Protein-rich diet consumption was reported by 84% of the participants, whereas alcohol consumption was reported by 17%. The general health assessment classified 65% of the participants as unhealthy. The findings indicate a greater prevalence of gout among females in this population, contradicting traditional patterns, along with significant associations with comorbidities and dietary factors. This study highlights the need for sex-specific screening protocols and comprehensive management approaches that address both primary gout symptoms and associated conditions. These results emphasize the importance of early intervention and lifestyle modification strategies in gout management within the South Asian. 
From silos to systems: Reimagining zoonotic neglected tropical disease management through the lens of one health
Get PDFZoonotic neglected tropical diseases (zNTDs) pose significant global public health challenges, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Traditional siloed approaches to zNTD management have proven inadequate for addressing the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental health factors. This review examined the limitations of fragmented strategies and explored the potential of integrated one-health approaches for more effective zNTD control. This narrative review covered publications from 2000 to 2023, sourced from databases including PubMed and Scopus, emphasizing studies that met inclusion criteria of peer-reviewed research focused on zNTDs through a One Health lens. A comprehensive analysis of the current literature and case studies was conducted to evaluate the multifaceted drivers of zoonotic pathogen spillover, assess the economic and health impacts of zNTDs, and identify successful implementation of the One Health strategy in endemic regions. This review highlights the inadequacies of siloed disease management approaches, which often lead to inefficient resource allocation and missed opportunities for synergistic intervention. Successful case studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the One Health strategy in improving disease surveillance, enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration, and achieving sustainable health outcomes. The potential of emerging technologies and innovations to support integrated approaches has also been explored. Transitioning from siloed to systemic approaches in zNTD management requires overcoming institutional barriers, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and implementing multitiered frameworks that operate at the local, national, and global levels. Investing in cross-sectoral capacity development and leveraging technological innovations are crucial for building a workforce capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by zNTDs. Adopting the One Health principle offers a promising path toward more comprehensive, efficient, and sustainable strategies for zNTD prevention
Honey as a wound dressing on superficial partial-thickness burn injury in a resource-limited setting: An EBCR at Ende General Hospital
Get PDFThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of honey and conventional SSD cream in accelerating burn wound healing, specifically in resource-limited healthcare settings. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases. Following systematic screening of titles and abstracts based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were selected for analysis, comprising four systematic reviews, one randomized controlled trial (RCT), and one cross-sectional study. The methodological quality of the selected studies was critically appraised using validated tools from the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford. The analysis included six studies: four systematic reviews, one randomized controlled trial (RCT), and one cross-sectional study. six studies: four systematic reviews, one randomized controlled trial (RCT), and one cross-sectional study. Quality assessment indicated that the systematic reviews and cross-sectional study demonstrated robust methodological quality. These high-quality studies consistently reported significant reductions in burn wound healing time when honey dressings were utilized. However, the included RCT failed to report effect measurements, limiting the interpretation and clinical significance of its findings. Honey has a faster healing effect on superficial thickness burns than SSD cream and is affordable. Therefore, honey can be used as an alternative wound dressing in areas with limited facilities
Impact of health education on footwear practices in reducing low back pain among patients in Rivers State, Nigeria
Get PDF Joint dysfunction and increased pressure on the spinal discs can also occur, leading to disc degeneration or herniation and further stressing the lower back. The study aimed to investigate the impact of health education on footwear practices in reducing low back pain among patients in Rivers State, Nigeria. Low back pain is a common issue that affects many individuals and can be influenced by various factors, including footwear choices. The study included a sample of 50 participants from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) consisting of 45 individuals with nonspecific low back pain and 5 patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Participants were selected using stratified and non-proportional sampling techniques from a population of 170 individuals at UPTH. The Health Education Impact on Footwear Practices and Low Back Pain Questionnaire (HEIFPLBPQ) was used as the main instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the collected data. The findings indicated that the health education intervention programme had a significant impact on both footwear practices and the reduction of low back pain among the patients. Participants gained knowledge about important factors such as body mass index, comfort/style, foot morphology, and affordability. Comfort/style was a priority for 40% of the participants, while 90% emphasized affordability in their footwear choices. The health education programme led to improvements in pain experiences, including decreased pain intensity and discomfort, as well as a reduction in pain exacerbation during ambulation. It was concluded that the health education programme resulted in notable improvements in pain experiences, including decreased pain intensity and discomfort, as well as a reduction in pain exacerbation during ambulation. It was recommended that to effectively address the needs of patients with low back pain, healthcare professionals and policymakers should customize health education interventions on footwear practices
Nephritic syndrome and acute kidney injury following poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in pediatric patients: A case report
Get PDFAcute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by an abrupt decrease in glomerular filtration rate, manifesting as an increase in serum creatinine or oliguria. Nephritic syndrome, a manifestation of glomerulonephritis, presents with hematuria, hypertension, decreased urine output, and edema. This case report discusses an 11-year-old Asian boy who presented with decreased urination, shortness of breath, hypertension, and bilateral leg edema. Urinalysis revealed hematuria, proteinuria, and dysmorphic erythrocytes, while serum creatinine was elevated with a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The patient had a positive ASTO test, indicating poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis as the underlying cause of nephritic syndrome and AKI. Although most cases of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in children have a favorable outcome, some cases can develop into a serious, life-threatening condition that requires careful attention. This case highlights the importance of early detection and management of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis to prevent progression to nephritic syndrome and AKI, especially in resource-limited settings. Modest examination modalities can facilitate early detection and faster patient management, particularly in developing countries, to reduce the risk of mortality associated with severe AKI in pediatric patients
Antibacterial activity of Apis mellifera bees honey, garlic extracts and their combinations against Salmonella in Wolayta Sodo, Southern Ethiopia
Get PDFThe global emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating the development of alternative antimicrobial agents. Although natural substances, such as honey and garlic, have shown promise in combating various pathogens, their efficacy against Salmonella, particularly in combination, remains understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Apis mellifera honey, garlic extracts, and their combination against Salmonella in Wolayta Sodo, southern Ethiopia. Aqueous honey and garlic extracts were prepared at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 g/100 mL. Antibacterial activity against Salmonella was assessed via the agar well diffusion method to measure zones of inhibition. The efficacies of honey, garlic, and their combinations were compared at different concentrations. All the data were statistically analyzed via one-way ANOVA, with a probability of 0.05 and a 95% significance level, via SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL version 21.0. Honey exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against Salmonella, with inhibition zones ranging from 13.67 mm to 26.33 mm across all concentrations. Garlic extracts showed moderate efficacy, producing inhibition zones between 12.00 mm and 15.67 mm. Unexpectedly, the combination of honey and garlic did not have synergistic effects and consistently underperformed compared with honey alone. The antibacterial activity of all the treatments was concentration dependent, with the highest efficacy observed at 100 g/100 mL (P<0.001). This study provides evidence of the potent antibacterial activity of Apis mellifera honey against Salmonella, which surpasses that of garlic extracts alone or in combination. These findings highlight the potential of honey as a natural antimicrobial agent, particularly at high concentrations
Front and Back Matter for Volume 1 Issue 2, September 2024
No full textVolume 1, Issue 2, September 2024 This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 12 authors affiliated with 11 affiliations from our countries including Indonesia (Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Medistra Indonesia, Universitas Hindu Indonesia, Indonesian Society of Epidemiologists, One Health Laboratory Network, Universitas Hang Tuah, Universitas Padjadjaran), Australia (Monash University), Ethiopia (Jimma University, Jigjiga University), and Pakistan (University of Management and Technology Lahore). 
Integration of immunization and health care services on the nutritional status of children 6-59 months of age in flood-affected areas of South Punjab
Get PDFChild malnutrition remains a serious public health problem in many parts of the developing world, particularly in South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The situation is exacerbated by natural disasters, particularly floods, which increase the risk of infectious diseases and worsen the nutrition crisis in vulnerable areas. In Pakistan, the 2018 National Nutrition Survey showed high levels of stunting, underweight and wasting among children under the age of five. This study aimed to determine whether integration of immunization and health services can improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in flood-affected areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining a cross-sectional observational study with structured interviews. A sample of 384 children aged 6-59 months was selected through convenience sampling in flood-affected areas. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with families, focusing on maternal feeding practices and factors affecting child nutritional status. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 25, including frequency distributions for categorical variables and Pearson correlations to determine the association between upper arm circumference (MUAC) and nutritional status, weight, and height. Results showed significant correlations between MUAC and child nutritional status (p=0.035), MUAC and child weight (p=<0.001), and MUAC and child height (p=<0.001). Of the total 384 participants, 60.68% had MUAC more than 12.5 cm, while 39.32% had MUAC less than 12.5 cm. This study confirms the importance of integrating health and immunization services in addressing child malnutrition in disaster-prone areas. Findings show that factors such as parents' socioeconomic status, occupation, education and living environment are significantly related to children's nutritional status