International Journal of Pharmacy & Integrated Health Sciences
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DRUG UTILIZATION REVIEW OF FLUOROQUINOLONES AMONG THE OUT-PATIENTS IN A PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITAL, PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: The increase in antibiotic resistance is a challenging threat to the healthcare system. Irrational drug use, polypharmacy and the current epidemic of bacterial resistance is attributed to the over use of anti-microbial drugs. Objectives: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the utilization pattern of fluoroquinolones, to find significant difference between defined daily dose and prescribed daily dose of such antibiotics. Methodology: Quantitative observational, retrospective study was performed to measure the use of antibiotics, specifically Fluoroquinolones in the northern region of Punjab, Gujranwala District, Pakistan. Total 300 patients were enrolled in this study. Data was collected from the patients of all age regardless of their gender, by prescription review. Results: Total 300 prescriptions were reviewed to evaluate the prescription pattern of fluoroquinolones in outpatients. Out of 300 prescriptions, the average number of drugs per prescription was 4.5, maximum number of drugs per prescription was 8 and minimum one drug was prescribed in 28 (9.3) prescriptions. The number of prescriptions that contains the drugs without generic names were 71 (23.7) and which contains one drug with generic names were 203 (67.7). Encounter with antibiotic and injection prescribed were 79.3% and 5.3%, respectively. The most commonly prescribed anti-biotic was ciprofloxacin followed by levofloxacin (maximum defined daily dose). Conclusion: In this study we observed the drug utilization review of fluoroquinolones antibiotics by evaluating the prescribing patterns among the outpatients. All the study drugs were prescribed by their brand names rather than generic names which is not a rational prescribing and utilization pattern, leading to the enforcement of antibiotic stewardship program
COVID-19 AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND PERCEPTION IN THE POPULATION OF PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: In 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was intensifying, and a handful of confirmed cases in Pakistani citizens were recorded in the initial phases of the disease. During the whole nation\u27s lockdown, this study evaluated Pakistanis\u27 comprehension of and reactions to COVID-19. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, awareness, and perception of the coronavirus among Pakistani citizens. This study will pay particular attention to Pakistan\u27s urban population. In order to boost the response to the COVID pandemic in Pakistan, the findings of this research will have an impact on the government\u27s communication strategy and community participation, with an emphasis on young people and healthcare professionals. Methodology: Between July 20 and November 30, 2022, a survey was performed online in Pakistan. A number of websites and social media platforms, including one that did not require any data, widely disseminated the survey. On the basis of the information, awareness, contact to as well as faith in databases, as well as community and broadcasting perspectives, descriptive statistics were considered. Evaluations were compared to projections for mature people in the country in 2020. Results: Out of 11,235 participants (100%) about 77.72% were free of COVID-19\u27s primary symptoms. More than 75% were properly informed about disease prevention. By educational level (p<0.001), work status (p<0.001), and nationality (p<0.001), there were significant differences. 21.86% of people said that they were at great threat of getting coronavirus. Conclusion: Strategic policy must be informed by an understanding of the information, attitudes, and behavior of those affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The findings immediately address communication needs and gaps while also aiding in the public\u27s comprehension of the coronavirus
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY, ALONE AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH CEFUROXIME
No full textIntroduction: Occurrence of multidrug resistant microorganism is the result of irrational use of antibiotics. Recently essential oil, an important constituent of therapeutic and scented plant has been explored for their antimicrobial activity. Objectives: In this study, antibacterial activities of rosemary essential oil (REO) alone and also in conjunction with beta lactam antibiotic cefuroxime (CXM) were assessed. The purity of REO was checked by gas chromatography / mass spectrophotometry method (GC-MS). Methodology: By agar well diffusion method for REO and its diluents with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tween 80, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against four Gram positive bacterial strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis and three Gram negative bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1:2,1:10, 1:20, 1:40 and 1:50). E. coli as bacterial and DMSO as solvent were used as a control. Results: Antimicrobial activity was found to be highest against Staphylococcus aureus with ZOI 17.56mm and the lowest against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with ZOI 5.53 mm. The combination of REO and CXM indicated synergistic effects against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis and antagonistic effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and indifferent effects against Bacillus subtilis and bacillus epidermidis based on fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) values. The t test was applied to FIC values that showed significant p value (< 0.5). Conclusion: In conclusion, the antibacterial activity of the REO and CXM was enhanced when administered in combination, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In future this study may lead the way to the development of new drug combinations and dosage forms for increased antimicrobial and a reduced resistance against common pathogens.
PREVALENCE OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH BMI IN GIRLS (AGED 18-25 YEARS) OF RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD
No full textBackground: Dysmenorrhea can be defined as painful uterine cramps that occur along with menses that affects about a fraction of menstruating women worldwide. Dysmenorrhea usually starts during or right after menarche. Dysmenorrhea can be divided into either; Primary (pain without cause/reason) or Secondary dysmenorrhea (pelvic pain with a cause/disease), both of them are involved in painful menstrual cramps. In addition to this, symptoms such as nausea, headache, irritability and absenteeism from work and education are often reported. Objectives: This research was conducted with an aim to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and to find a relation between BMI and Primary Dysmenorrhea among girls. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional study with 351 female participants in total was performed through convenience sampling in Islamabad/Rawalpindi with a specifically designed questionnaire with slight modifications from November 2022 to January 2023. Statistics were applied using the IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results: Our research revealed a significant (p = 0.039) association between BMI and the occurrence of Primary Dysmenorrhea. Through statistical comparisons, it was found that mild and severe dysmenorrhea symptoms were more prevalent among study participants who were underweight and those who were obese. The p-values for these comparisons were 0.000 and 0.028, respectively, indicating that underweight subjects are more likely to experience dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: Results show that the incidence of dysmenorrhea is higher in girls of age 18-25 years because of the abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI), which indicates that greater number of population have poor nutritional status and inadequate dietary habits
EDITORIAL: ADVANCING HEALTHCARE THROUGH PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, CLINICAL PHARMACY, AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
No full textIt is with immense pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest greetings to you as we embark on a new journey with the latest issue of the International Journal of Pharmacy and Integrated Health Sciences (IJPIHS). This edition holds special significance as it focuses on the critical fields of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacy, and Drug Delivery Systems, showcasing their profound impact on healthcare applications.
Pharmaceutical Sciences, as a multidisciplinary field, plays a pivotal role in advancing medicine and improving patient outcomes. The relentless pursuit of knowledge in this domain has led to transformative breakthroughs in drug discovery, development, and delivery, positively influencing global healthcare. In this issue, we present a diverse array of research articles, reviews, and perspectives that highlight cutting-edge advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. The journey from the laboratory to the clinic is a long and intricate one, requiring unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts from researchers, pharmacists, clinicians, and regulatory agencies. The rich tapestry of contributions in this issue is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the scientific community. The valuable insights and experiences shared by clinical pharmacy practitioners in this issue underscore the indispensable role they play in promoting safe, effective, and personalized pharmacotherapy. From nanotechnology-based carriers to targeted delivery strategies, advancements in drug delivery have redefined the possibilities of treatment modalities, enhanced therapeutic efficiency and minimized adverse effects.
The tireless efforts of researchers in Pharmaceutical Sciences have paved the way for novel drug candidates and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the close collaboration between researchers and clinical pharmacists ensures that these discoveries are translated into real-world clinical practice, benefiting patients across the globe. As we explore the myriad aspects of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacy, and Drug Delivery Systems in this issue, it is essential to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. From addressing drug resistance and medication errors to ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge treatments, our collective responsibility is to surmount these hurdles and strive for the betterment of healthcare worldwide.
As Editor in Chief of IJPIHS, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and editorial team members for their unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity. Your dedication to staying informed and sharing knowledge is the driving force behind our pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, I encourage all readers to immerse themselves in the enriching content of this issue, fostering curiosity and inspiring new ideas in the fields of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Integrated Health Sciences. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey
PATHOLOGY TEACHING LEARNING METHODS – STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION AND FEEDBACK
No full textBackground: Pathology is a key subject at the pre-clinical stage of medical training which needs regular feedback. The clinical years of medical students start from 3rd year MBBS, where importance of pathogenesis of disease is taught that enable the students to appreciate medicine with better conception. Monitoring the teaching and learning methods of the facilitators is necessary for departmental quality improvement. Objectives: The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the student’s feedback in form of questionnaire about pathology teaching followed in the college in Lahore Medical & Dental College from 2021 to Dec 2021. Methodology: 345 students participated in the study and filled a structured pre-validated feedback questionnaire regarding the didactic lecture method of teaching being followed at pathology department Lahore Medical and Dental College. Questionnaire included set of questions on teaching and learning methods. Descriptive statistics were used in the form of frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyze the data. Results: 33.3% students found pathology subject interesting, 47.5% clinically helpful, and 27.5% considered General Pathology to be a difficult subject. Conclusion: Taking feedbacks from the students is one of the accepted and reliable methods of assessment. Majority of the students were satisfied with the present teaching learning method. Introduction of integrated teaching and case based and group-based discussion was favored by majority of the students. Regular feedback will improve our future teaching strategy
EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND LIVER, MANIFESTATIONS, PROGNOSIS, MECHANISMS, TREATMENT, AND CHALLENGES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
No full textBackground: The first case of coronavirus was found in December 2019 in Wuhan a city in China since then it has severe impact all over the world. The typical signs and symptoms of coronavirus patients consist of cough, fever, lethargy, and shortness of breath (SOB). Objectives: The current review contains summarized and complete information on the effect of coronavirus on GIT, Liver and its manifestations, prognosis, mechanisms, treatment, and challenges. Methodology: The data was collected via an electronic search of numerous scientific sources including Google scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. Results: The main complaints in COVID-19 positive patients are linked to the respiratory system but many patients also complained of gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and in some cases, anorexia, increased acidity, and bloating. The mechanisms of GI damage in corona-virus patients are direct virus-mediated cytotoxic damage in the intestinal epithelium, dysregulation of the RAAS in the intestinal epithelium, malabsorption of tryptophan in the intestinal epithelium. Various scientific studies also report that COVID-19 patients had abnormal levels of ALT and AST suggesting a possible liver injury. The possible mechanisms of liver damage in corona-virus patients are direct hepatic infection by corona-virus, cytokine storm, and drug-induced damage. The prognosis is poor in both GI and liver abnormalities in corona-virus patients. According to some studies, patients with considerable liver injury should be treated with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and jaundice-decreasing agents. Natural plants and herbs can be used in coronavirus patients with GI and liver abnormalities. However, further research is necessary in this area for a complete assessment of the effect of coronavirus infection on GI and liver abnormalities and appropriate testing of therapeutic agents used against these abnormalities. Conclusion: In a nutshell, our results conclude that both gastrointestinal symptoms and liver damage are not unusual in patients with coronavirus infection. Severe coronavirus patients had a greater risk of developing gastrointestinal symptoms and liver damage
DEVELOPMENT OF COST-EFFECTIVE AND NUTRITIOUS SNACK BAR FROM LOCALLY AVAILABLE INGREDIENTS
No full textBackground: The development of ready-to-eat meal replacement bars that provide health benefits, such as low-calorie content and increased levels of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, is essential given current consumer trends. Objectives: This project aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a snack bar made with local ingredients. This study aimed to manufacture a snack bar nutritionally enriched with local ingredients such as "roasted black chickpeas", nuts, and underutilized seeds. Methodology: It was an Experimental study. The proximate analysis of the snack bar was performed. At least 30 snack bars were formed, and their sensory qualities were subsequently evaluated by the 40 members of an expert panel using 9 points hedonic scale. Results: The weight of the sample is 40 g and proximate analysis was done. The samples\u27 nutrient content and sensory properties were assessed. According to the proximate analysis report, the snack bar has a dry matter of 83.42%, moisture of 16.58%, crude protein of 16.65%, a crude fiber of 11.72%, ether extract of 31.27%, ash of 3.03%, and nitrogen free extract 37.34%. Conclusion: In conclusion, snack bars can easily be enriched with roasted chickpeas. The proximate analysis of the bar indicated that it was rich in macronutrients. The cost analysis of the bar revealed that by using local ingredients inexpensive healthy snack bars can be produced
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND EATING BEHAVIORS OF YOUNG ADULTS IN PAKISTAN
No full textBackground: Healthy eating habits play a key role in developing and sustaining a sound body. Over the past decade, the eating behaviors of people have changed under the influence of a variety of factors. Social media is argued to be one of the strong factors to alter food choices and dietary patterns, especially among young adults. Objectives: This study is aimed at exploring the impact of using social media on the eating behavior of young adults in Pakistan. Methodology: This study utilized a structured online questionnaire that inquired about demographic information in the initial step and then questions related to social media usage and eating habits were asked. Altogether 250 participants, including both males and females participated in this study, with the age ranging from 16 to 30 years. Results: To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, as well as exploratory factor analysis, were employed. The results display that 98% of the participants use social media for social networking, and 37% of them sometimes purchase food online. 19 items showed no significant correlation; however, only three items had P value < 0.05, depicting a significant association between Facebook and YouTube usage and eating behaviors. Conclusion: Overall in this study a significant relationship between Facebook and YouTube usage and increased fast food consumption, snaking while surfing and diet regulation according to information on social media was observed. However as only three (item 9, item 12, and item 16) out of 22 items showed a significant relationship between Facebook and YouTube usage and eating behaviors; therefore, there is no sufficient evidence to conclude the impact of using social media on the eating behavior of study participants
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ASTHMA: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, TREATMENT AND ROLE OF GENETICS
No full textBackground: To date, several studies conducted to assess the role of genetics in the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma. Objectives: However, the findings were not consistent and remain uncertain. Thus, it is the need of the hour to assess the recent literature, observe limitations and finally propose future research directions in this field. Methodology: The relevant literature published in the English language was retrieved by using different electronic databases including Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Results: Leukotriene modifiers, β-adrenergic receptor agonists, and inhaled corticosteroids are the three most important classes. Data suggested that the heterogeneity in the treatment response among asthma patients is partly due to genetic factors. Conclusion: Large-scale genetic investigations can be improved by using the high throughput technologies that could have promising potential for personalized treatment of asthma, which in turn will minimize side effects, better therapeutic outcomes, and finally lead to more cost-effective care