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The impact of passive screen time on early childhood speech and language development: parental perspectives and behavioral correlates
No full textExcessive and early exposure to digital screens has raised growing concerns about its implications for children’s speech and language development. This study investigated the associations between passive screen exposure and speech and language delays in children aged 5–8 years, focusing on behavioral and clinical risk factors such as screen-use duration, content type, contextual usage, parental awareness, and screen-time mediation strategies. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 203 parent‒child dyads via a structured questionnaire. Most children were exposed to screens before age two, with more than 57% exceeding two hours of daily screen time. Social media and entertainment content were the most frequently consumed, while only 47.3% engaged with educational content. Parental mediation practices were inconsistent, and only 28.6% reported frequent supervision. Language delay severity was high, with 62.1% classified as having severe delays. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between average daily screen time and language delay status (p = 0.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that greater screen time increased the odds of delay (AOR = 2.67, p < 0.001), whereas greater parental awareness [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.45, p = 0.002], educational content consumption (AOR = 0.40, p = 0.041), and active mediation (AOR = 0.35, p = 0.048) were protective. A modest but significant negative correlation was observed between parental awareness and language delay severity (r = -0.183, p = 0.009). This study revealed that excessive and early screen exposure is strongly linked to speech and language delays in children aged 5–8 years, whereas greater parental awareness, a preference for educational content, and engaged mediation practices are associated with reduced risk. These findings emphasize the pivotal role of parents in shaping digital environments and highlight the need for early, targeted interventions to enhance parental digital engagement, promote content supervision, and guide balanced screen use. Public health efforts and pediatric counseling should collaboratively support families in promoting healthy language development amid evolving digital habits
Maternal awareness and misconceptions about genetic disorders: a cross-sectional study among mothers of affected children at PIMS Hospital, Islamabad
No full textGenetic disorders impose a considerable health burden in low- and middle-income countries, where high consanguinity rates, limited access to services, and low health literacy intensify their impact. This study assessed awareness, knowledge, and misconceptions about genetic disorders among mothers of affected children at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, and examined associated sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to May 2025 among 100 mothers of children with confirmed genetic disorders via a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The mean participant age was 31.13 ± 6.06 years; 36% were illiterate, and 52% resided in urban areas. While 78% had heard of genetic disorders, only 18% knew of local genetic testing or counseling services, and 24% had received information from healthcare providers. Good awareness was seen in 16% and poor awareness in 78% of the participants; good knowledge was found in 25%, while 66% had poor knowledge. Misconceptions persisted, with 21% attributing genetic disorders to bad luck or punishment and 16% believing they were contagious; 38% demonstrated good understanding, and 46% demonstrated poor understanding. Education and socioeconomic class were significantly associated with awareness (p = 0.011, p = 0.001), knowledge (p < 0.001, p = 0.002), and beliefs (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), whereas age and residence were not significantly associated. The findings highlight a gap between general awareness and functional understanding, emphasizing the need for targeted, literacy-sensitive interventions to improve maternal genetic health literacy and support informed healthcare decision-making
Understanding the value, perceptions, and challenges of research among pharmacy undergraduates in Jamshoro, Sindh
No full textPharmacy education is evolving worldwide to meet the changing role of pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care services. Engagement in undergraduate research helps students develop analytical and critical thinking skills that are crucial for their future careers. It is essential to equip pharmacy students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and motivation to engage in research and apply innovative findings to clinical practice. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the value of research among undergraduate pharmacy students and to understand their perceptions of its importance and challenges. The study was conducted over three months and involved 384 students from two different public sector universities in Jamshoro, Sindh. A convenient sampling technique was used, and data were collected from fourth- and final-year students at the targeted universities. The results of the study revealed that 53.39% of the participants were male and 46.61% were female. A total of 78.65% were between the ages of 21 and 23 years, with 54.69% from urban areas and 39.06% from rural areas. Of the 384 students, 96% considered research valuable, while 85% disagreed with the notion that research is theoretical and has no benefit for the common person. Moreover, 67% of the students considered publishing in a peer-reviewed journal to be a good source of recognition. Regarding the benefits of research, 41% of students strongly agreed that it boosts their professional profile, while 37% strongly agreed that it helps in a pharmacy career. This study revealed that undergraduate students generally possess a good level of knowledge and understanding of research and recognize its future advantages. Moreover, many students expressed a strong interest in participating in undergraduate research projects, although they also identified challenges such as the need for supervision and resources. These findings suggest that there is potential for increased research engagement among students if the research environment is enhanced. Therefore, there is a need for academicians and policymakers to consider ways to support and improve the research opportunities and infrastructure for undergraduate students in universities
A comparative analysis of antihypertensive drugs for hypertension and gestational hypertension among women in tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan
No full textHypertension, characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure, poses severe risks, such as heart damage, artery hardening, and reduced blood and oxygen flow to the heart, which can also lead to kidney damage and stroke. Antihypertensive therapy for pregnant women differs from that for nonpregnant women because most antihypertensive medications used for nonpregnant hypertensive women are contraindicated for pregnant hypertensive patients. This study aimed to compare therapeutic regimens for treating hypertension between pregnant and nonpregnant women in various healthcare facilities. This cross-sectional study was conducted at several tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, recruiting 500 pregnant or nonpregnant female patients aged 18-55 years with hypertension. The data were collected through structured interviews and medical records reviews. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data, with significance set at p < 0.05. A significant difference in area of residence was observed, with 83.2% of nonpregnant women residing in urban areas compared to 52.4% of pregnant women residing in urban areas. A systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg was observed in 82.8% of pregnant women, compared to 51.2% of nonpregnant women (p < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure between 80-99 mmHg was observed in 84.4% of pregnant women and 76.8% of nonpregnant women (p < 0.001). CVDs were more prevalent among nonpregnant women (38.8%), while anemia was more common in pregnant women (25.6%). Pregnant women were primarily prescribed methyldopa (58%), labetalol (56%), and amlodipine (40.4%), whereas nonpregnant women were more frequently prescribed valsartan (39.2%), metoprolol (28.8%), nebivolol (28%), and a combination of furosemide and spironolactone (24%). This study highlighted significant differences in comorbid conditions and antihypertensive treatment regimens between pregnant and nonpregnant women, emphasizing the need for tailored hypertension management approaches. Moreover, safer antihypertensive agents were prescribed to both groups, considering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug categories and the observed comorbid conditions
A comparison of clinical and patient-reported treatment outcomes in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals with and without cirrhosis: a prospective cohort study
No full textManaging patients with chronic hepatitis C and progressive liver conditions poses significant challenges for healthcare professionals. This research sought to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes and patient-reported treatment experiences of individuals with chronic hepatitis C, differentiating between those with and without cirrhosis, all of whom were receiving standard direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. This prospective cohort study enrolled outpatients who were diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and who were recruited from a major public tertiary care hospital. The participants received a standard 12-week antiviral regimen consisting of 400 mg of sofosbuvir (SOF) and 60 mg of daclatasvir (DCV) once daily, with or without ribavirin (RBV) at a dose of 400 mg taken two to three times daily. The primary outcome was the cure rate, which was defined as an undetectable viral load at the end of the 12-week treatment period. The secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which were measured via the EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Levels (EQ-5D-3 L) questionnaire, and work productivity loss, which was assessed via the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. A total of 300 participants were assessed, comprising 150 cirrhotic and 150 noncirrhotic patients. Group B (cirrhosis) had a greater proportion of treatment-experienced patients and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (48 ± 22 vs. 131 ± 165, p < 0.001), along with significantly lower platelet counts (p = 0.024). An end-of-treatment response (ETR) was observed in 92.7% of patients without cirrhosis, compared to a significantly lower rate of 52.7% in those with cirrhosis (p < 0.001). A significant increase in HRQoL was noted in both groups across all the EQ-5D-3 L domains (p < 0.001); however, patients with cirrhosis experienced relatively smaller improvements in the areas of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. A small subset of noncirrhotic patients showed no improvement in mobility (−0.59 ± 0.62). Regarding work productivity, both groups experienced substantial reductions in overall impairment (43.0% in noncirrhotic patients, 32.3% in cirrhotic patients), absenteeism, and activity limitations (p < 0.001). However, presenteeism increased slightly in both groups, suggesting a return to work with residual functional limitations. The study concluded that SOF-based regimens were highly effective in noncirrhotic patients, who showed greater improvements in virological response, quality of life, and work productivity. In contrast, cirrhotic patients demonstrated lower treatment response rates and smaller gains in patient-reported outcomes despite receiving similar therapies
Indigenous men's perspectives on long-acting reversible contraceptives: a qualitative study of relationship dynamics and infidelity fears
No full textAnnually, approximately 74 million women worldwide face unintended pregnancies, which are particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), notably Africa. Effective contraception is crucial for mitigating the substantial risks to maternal and child health posed by unintended pregnancies. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) play a pivotal role in addressing these risks by facilitating pregnancy spacing and reducing maternal mortality rates. However, challenges persist in their global adoption, particularly in regions such as Uganda, where inadequate male partner support contributes to low usage rates, thereby exacerbating the associated health risks. The objective of this study was to examine how women's use of LARCs affects relationship stability and fears of infidelity among rural Ugandan men in Nyamweru subcounty, Rubanda District, to develop strategies for increasing LARC use. This qualitative study focused on understanding the perspectives of indigenous Bakiga men in the Nyamweru subcounty, Rubanda, Uganda, regarding LARCs. Fifteen participants were purposefully selected from areas characterized by low LARC usage, high fertility rates, and elevated maternal mortality. In-depth focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with men aged 20 – 49 aimed to explore their perceptions of and beliefs about LARCs. Data saturation guided sample size determination to ensure comprehensive exploration of the perceptions. Analysis revealed prevalent misconceptions among indigenous Bakiga men regarding LARCs, including beliefs that their use makes women more attractive to other men and increases the likelihood of extramarital affairs and relationship breakups. These misconceptions reflect men's insecurities about their partners' contraceptive choices. Dispelling misconceptions and addressing insecurities surrounding LARCs among indigenous men are essential for improving the support and acceptability of LARCs by women. Tailored interventions, such as behavior change communication, proper health education, and counseling on LARCs, are crucial for fostering acceptance among men and advancing reproductive health outcomes
The financial burden of knee osteoarthritis patients: a study of healthcare costs and expenses
No full textKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disease among the elderly population that results in joint degeneration, leading to reduced mobility and challenging daily living. Patients can choose from various treatment options depending on the stage of joint degeneration. In developing countries such as Pakistan, it is crucial to comprehend the financial burden borne by patients and their families due to this condition's high prevalence. Therefore, this exploratory study aimed to assess the financial burden of knee OA patients seeking healthcare services by analyzing the healthcare costs and expenses incurred by them. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 112 knee OA patients undergoing any treatment modality from public and private hospitals in Lahore. A semistructured questionnaire collected patients' sociodemographic information and overall out-of-pocket health expenditures. Descriptive statistics and the Mann‒Whitney U test were utilized for data analysis. The patients' mean age was 53.69 ± 11.73 years, with 10.26 ± 4.83 years of education. Stage III knee OA was the most common diagnosis (30.36%), followed by stage IV (28.57%), stage II (22.32%), and stage I (18.75%). The direct medical cost was significantly higher [United States dollars (USD) 2,590.97] among patients who underwent surgery than among those who opted for alternative treatment procedures (USD 192.10) (p = 0.001). Similarly, the indirect medical cost was significantly higher (USD 371.75) among patients who underwent surgery than among those who chose other treatment options (USD 23.66) (p = 0.001). The overall cost of illness was 6.02 times higher among patients who had surgery (USD 3,050.93) than among those who opted for other treatment modalities (USD 507.19) (p = 0.001). The study’s findings provide insights into the financial burden borne by knee OA patients' families, emphasizing the need for policymakers to intervene. By understanding the costs of illness borne by patients and their families, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to alleviate the financial burden and improve access to healthcare services for knee OA patients
Herbal cosmetics products and formulations on the market, from past to present: an opinion
No full textBeauty and elegance are universally sought-after attributes that transcend gender boundaries, particularly in today’s society where both men and women are increasingly conscious of their appearance. The escalating demand for products containing organic herbs to enhance attractiveness and youthfulness reflects this trend and speaks to a deeper cultural shift toward natural and sustainable beauty solutions. Herbal cosmetics, defined as products that incorporate at least one herbal component, such as oils or extracts, not only offer benefits that enhance appearance but also provide protective, healing, and conditioning properties. Commonly found in a variety of forms, such as cleansers, shampoos, and sunscreens, these products utilize a blend of natural ingredients, including volatile oils, fixed oils, waxes, and plant-based pigments, making them an integral part of holistic beauty and health regimens
The role of fitness trainers in combating sedentary lifestyles
No full textThe role of fitness trainers is crucial in reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) associated with physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles. The importance of regular physical activity in improving general health outcomes is widely acknowledged worldwide. Despite this fact, one-third of adults and four-fifths of adolescents still do not adhere to these recommendations. In Pakistan, the role of fitness trainers in disease prevention is highly relevant where NCDs such as diabetes are highly prevalent. Unfortunately, the fitness industry is one of the neglected industries of Pakistan with limited professional growth opportunities, uncertain career paths, low pay employment, and a shortage of certified fitness trainers who can barely meet the community’s healthcare needs in combatting sedentary lifestyles. To maximize the impact of this industry, there is a dire need for stronger partnerships between fitness professionals and healthcare service providers, in addition to the integration of disease management and preventive health training modules into certification programs. Thus, fitness trainers equipped with the required skill sets can play a significant role in improving the public health outcomes of the general population
Air quality, governance, and agricultural productivity: a comparative study of South Asia and Southern Europe with implications for social and public health resilience
No full textAgricultural productivity plays a vital role in ensuring food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, particularly in regions facing ecological stress and institutional variation. This study offers a comparative analysis of South Asian and Southern European countries from 2000–2022, investigating how environmental quality, economic investment, and governance influence agricultural output. Using secondary panel data and the Driscoll–Kraay (DSK) estimator, the analysis addresses the challenges of cross-sectional dependence (CSD), heteroskedasticity, and autocorrelation. The findings show that in South Asia, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) (β = 0.577, p < 0.01) and fertilizer use (β = 0.113, p < 0.01) are significant drivers of productivity. Crop residue burning (CRB), despite its environmental drawbacks, also has a positive association with productivity (β = 0.227, p < 0.01). However, stricter air quality regulations appear to constrain productivity (β = –0.228, p < 0.01), likely due to disruptions in conventional farming practices. Governance and surface air temperature (SAT) were not statistically significant in this region. In Southern Europe, productivity is positively linked with GFCF (β = 0.362, p < 0.01), fertilizer use (β = 0.203, p < 0.10), and SAT (β = 0.238, p < 0.05), suggesting a potential benefit from moderate warming. No significant effects were observed for governance, air quality performance (AQP), or crop burning, likely reflecting stronger institutions and regulatory stability. The model explains a greater proportion of the productivity variation in South Asia (R² = 0.8744) than in Southern Europe (R² = 0.1456). These results highlight the importance of region-specific strategies. South Asia requires policies that reconcile environmental regulation with agricultural output, whereas Southern Europe should prioritize climate adaptation and ecological safeguards. Aligning agricultural policy with public health, governance, and sustainability goals is essential for resilient food systems