Jami University Press
Not a member yet
177 research outputs found
Sort by
Prevalence of Depression Among Patients with Glaucoma at Roshana Specialized Eye Hospital: A Descriptive Study
No full textObjectives: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with significant psychological consequences, particularly depression. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among glaucoma patients at Roshana Specialized Eye Hospital in Herat, Afghanistan, and explore its association with demographic and clinical factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study (from March to September 2024) at Roshana Specialized Eye Hospital recruited 100 glaucoma patients via convenience sampling. Depression was assessed using PHQ-9, and data on demographics, socioeconomic status, education, disease severity, and treatment were collected via structured questionnaires. SPSS 27 was used for data analysis and Chi-square test was performed and the p= 0.05 was set the cutoff point of significance.
Results: The study included 100 glaucoma patients aged 25–75 years, with 52% males and 48% females. Most were married (75%), illiterate (66%), and economically disadvantaged (55%). Surgical intervention (86%) was the primary treatment, and 76% had glaucoma for 2–10 years. Depression prevalence was 40%, with a significant association between poor self-reported health and depression (p = 0.026). Patients with a poor health state (27%) had higher depression rates compared to those with a moderate (7%) or good health state (6%). Other demographic variables did not show significant associations with depression.
Conclusion: The findings highlight a high prevalence of depression among glaucoma patients in Herat, emphasizing the need for integrated ophthalmologic and mental health care. Routine mental health screening in glaucoma management may improve patient well-being and treatment adherence. Future research should explore longitudinal associations between glaucoma progression and depression
Environmental Footprint of COVID-19 : A Scoping Review of Global Evidence and Emerging Challenges
No full textObjectives: This scoping review aims to systematically assess the environmental footprint of the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple ecological domains. It investigates the pandemic\u27s short- and long-term impacts on air quality, waste generation, energy consumption, water systems, biodiversity, marine environments, and noise pollution, while identifying policy challenges and opportunities for sustainable recovery.
Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies published from December 2019 to April 2025 were screened for empirical evidence on COVID-19’s environmental effects. Out of 495 initial records, 86 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized thematically across seven environmental domains.
Results: Findings indicate that air pollution levels, particularly NO₂ and CO₂, significantly declined during global lockdowns, improving urban air quality. Marine and freshwater ecosystems experienced short-term rejuvenation, while underwater and urban noise pollution dropped markedly. However, the surge in medical and single-use plastic waste overwhelmed waste management systems. Energy consumption dropped across all fossil fuels, while renewable energy gained traction. Water demand rose due to increased hygiene practices, exposing WASH inequalities. Biodiversity temporarily recovered but suffered from funding cuts, poaching, and conservation setbacks.
Conclusion: The environmental impacts of COVID-19 were both beneficial and detrimental. While temporary ecological recovery was observed, most gains were unsustainable without policy reform. The pandemic underscores the urgent need for structural changes in environmental governance, waste systems, energy transition, and biodiversity conservation to ensure long-term planetary health and resilience
Traditional Bonesetter-Induced Volkmann Contracture Treated by Staged Reconstructive Surgery: A Case Report
No full textObjectives: Volkmann ischemic contracture is a rare but serious complication resulting from untreated compartment syndrome, typically manifesting as irreversible muscle fibrosis and joint deformities. This case is noteworthy due to its delayed presentation and successful surgical management in a resource-limited setting where traditional bonesetter practices remain prevalent.
Case presentation: A 16-year-old Afghan male of Tajik ethnicity from Ghor province presented with a severe deformity of the right forearm, characterized by persistent flexion, forearm pronation, thumb adduction, and significant muscle atrophy. The condition developed following a childhood forearm fracture managed by a traditional bonesetter, leading to chronic ischemia and progressive dysfunction. Clinical and imaging evaluations confirmed a moderate form of Volkmann ischemic contracture. The patient underwent staged reconstructive surgery, which included tendon lysis, muscle fractional lengthening, flexor muscle origin sliding, and carpal tunnel release. The limb was immobilized postoperatively, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. At 18 months follow-up, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in functional mobility and grip strength, with a notable reduction in the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score from 38.6% to 6.8%.
Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early recognition and timely intervention in compartment syndrome to prevent Volkmann ischemic contracture. Furthermore, it illustrates that even in cases of long-standing contractures, multistage surgical reconstruction can yield substantial functional recovery. Public health efforts to educate communities on the risks associated with traditional bone-setting
Knowledge and Attitudes Among Final-Year Students Regarding Premarital Medical Tests at Herat University: A cross-sectional study
No full textObjectives: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes regarding premarital medical examinations (PME) among final-year students at Herat University, Afghanistan, and to identify sociodemographic factors influencing these outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and September 2024 among 290 stratified, randomly selected final-year students from medical and non-medical faculties. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes. Knowledge and attitude scores were categorized as “high/low” and “positive/negative” using median cutoffs. Associations between variables were analyzed using chi-square tests with significance at p<0.05.
Results: Overall, 60.0% of participants demonstrated high knowledge and 70.0% expressed positive attitudes toward PME. Median correct knowledge score was 54.31%, with highest awareness for PME’s role in detecting genetic disorders (75.9%) and recognition that testing is not gender-specific (82.8%). Misconceptions persisted: 37.9% believed PME only diagnoses infectious diseases, and 34.5% perceived testing as mistrust toward a partner. Positive attitudes were reflected in strong support for mandatory PME (82.8%) and inclusion of PME education in university programs (93.1%). Higher knowledge was significantly associated with marital status (p=0.0046), residence (p=0.0045), and parental education (p<0.05). Positive attitudes were associated with older age (p=0.0041) and being single (p=0.002).
Conclusion: Herat University students show moderate-to-high knowledge and generally favorable attitudes toward PME, but misconceptions remain. Educational interventions integrated into university curricula and mass media campaigns are recommended to improve awareness, correct misconceptions, and strengthen public health prevention strategies in Afghanistan
آسیبشناسی سازمان بریکس در شکلدهی نظم جدید جهانی در سیاست بینالملل
No full textIn the past decade, the international community has observed the increasing influence of the emerging powers of BRICS on the global stage. In Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS bloc has positioned itself as a significant actor in the international system and as a proponent of a new world order. The central research question is: What challenges and opportunities do BRICS organizations face in shaping a new order in international politics? The hypothesis of this study posits that BRICS encounters normative and structural challenges at the domestic level as well as obstacles related to creating alternatives on the international stage. To address this question and evaluate the hypothesis, an analytical-explanatory methodology was employed with primary data collected through library-based research instruments. These findings indicate that BRICS, as a significant entity in international politics, has the potential to influence the global agenda and contribute to the development of a multipolar order. This bloc could potentially establish a new paradigm in the liberal order. If BRICS operates effectively and achieves its objectives, it may gradually strengthen its position in major international competition. However, it also faces challenges, such as economic and political disparities among its members, internal competition, and geopolitical obstacles.در دهه گذشته، جامعه بینالمللی شاهد افزایش نفوذ قدرتهای نوظهور بریکس در عرصه جهانی بوده است. بلوک بریکس، شامل برزیل، روسیه، هند، چین و آفریقای جنوبی، که به عنوان پیشگام نظم جدید جهانی شناخته میشود، خود را بهعنوان یکی از بازیگران کلیدی در نظام بینالملل معرفی کرده است. پرسش اصلی این است که سازمان بریکس با چه چالشها و فرصتهایی در مسیر شکلدهی به نظم جدید در سیاست بینالملل روبهرو است. فرضیه این پژوهش بیان میدارد که بریکس با چالشهای هنجاری و ساختاری در سطح داخلی و همچنین با چالشهای مرتبط با بدیلسازی در عرصه بینالمللی مواجه است. برای پاسخ به این پرسش و ارزیابی فرضیه، از روش تحلیلی-تبیینی استفاده شده و دادههای اولیه از طریق ابزارهای کتابخانهای گردآوری شدهاند. یافتههای تحقیق نشان میدهد که بریکس، بهعنوان یک بازیگر مهم در عرصه سیاست بینالملل، توانایی تغییر دستور کار جهانی و حرکت به سمت نظم چندقطبی را داراست. احتمالاً این بلوک میتواند الگوی جدیدی را در نظم لیبرال به وجود آورد. در صورتی که بریکس بهطور موثر عمل کند و به اهداف خود دست یابد، ممکن است بهتدریج جایگاه خود را در رقابتهای کلان بینالمللی تثبیت کند؛ ولی با چالشهایی چون تفاوتهای اقتصادی و سیاسی اعضا، رقابت داخلی و موانع ژئوپلیتیکی هم مواجه هست
بررسی مطابقت نصاب آموزشی با بازارکار
No full textOne of the major challenges of Afghanistan’s higher education system is the lack of alignment between the educational curriculum and the real and dynamic needs of the labor market, which has led to graduate unemployment and reduced human resource productivity. Therefore, the central problem of this study is to examine the extent to which learning objectives, course content, and teaching methods are aligned with the skills and opportunities required by the labor market. The main objective of the research was to assess the level of curriculum alignment with labor market demands and to analyze the key factors that can enhance the employability of graduates. The central research question was: Does the current curriculum structure in Afghanistan’s higher education adequately respond to rapid economic and technological changes and meet labor market requirements? Based on the theoretical framework, the research hypothesis stated that there is a significant and positive relationship between the core dimensions of the educational curriculum (objectives, content, teaching methods, and assessment) and the main indicators of the labor market (specialized skills, practical experience, and job opportunities). The study adopted a descriptive–analytical design using a mixed-methods approach (library and field research). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire with 40 items and analyzed using SPSS through Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and factor analysis tests. The findings revealed a strong, positive, and significant relationship between curriculum components and labor market needs (R² = 0.744). However, weaknesses in practical training, soft skills, and institutional linkages with the professional environment were identified as major barriers. Consequently, a profound, flexible, and skills-oriented revision of the curriculum is essential to enhance employability and reduce the gap between higher education and the labor market.یکی از چالشهای اساسی نظام تحصیلات عالی افغانستان، عدم انطباق نصاب آموزشی با نیازهای واقعی و پویای بازار کار است؛ موضوعی که منجر به بیکاری تحصیلکردهگان و کاهش بهرهوری نیروی انسانی شده است. از اینرو، مسئلهی اصلی این پژوهش بررسی میزان همراستایی محتوای آموزشی، روشهای تدریس و اهداف درسی با مهارتها و فرصتهای مورد انتظار بازار کار میباشد. هدف این تحقیق، ارزیابی سطح انطباق نصابهای درسی با نیازهای شغلی و تحلیل عوامل مؤثر بر ارتقای اشتغالپذیری فارغالتحصیلان است. سؤال اصلی تحقیق این بود که آیا ساختار موجود نصاب آموزشی افغانستان توانایی پاسخگویی به تحولات سریع اقتصادی و تکنالوژی و تأمین نیازهای بازار کار را دارد؟ بر اساس مرور ادبیات و چارچوب نظری، فرضیهی تحقیق چنین تدوین شد: بین ابعاد کلیدی نصاب آموزشی (اهداف، محتوا، روش تدریس و ارزیابی) و شاخصهای اصلی بازار کار (مهارتهای تخصصی، تجربهی عملی و فرصتهای شغلی) رابطهی مثبت و معنادار وجود دارد. روش تحقیق از نوع توصیفی- تحلیلی و به شیوهی ترکیبی (مطالعهی کتابخانهای و میدانی) انجام شد. دادهها با استفاده از پرسشنامه ساختیافته شامل ۴۰ سؤال گردآوری و با نرمافزار SPSS از طریق آزمونهای همبستگی پیرسون، رگرسیون چندگانه و تحلیل عاملی بررسی گردید. نتایج نشان داد که بین مؤلفههای درسی و نیازهای بازار کار رابطهی مثبت، قوی و معنادار وجود دارد(R²=0.744) . با این حال، ضعف در آموزشهای عملی، مهارتهای نرم و ارتباط نهادی با محیط حرفهای، مانع تحقق کامل انطباق نصاب با الزامات شغلی میگردد. در نتیجه، بازنگری عمیق، انعطافپذیر و مهارتمحور در نصاب آموزشی، شرط اساسی برای ارتقای اشتغالپذیری و کاهش شکاف میان دانشگاه و بازار کار است
واژههای نشاندار و بینشان در سراجالتواریخ (اثر فیضمحمد کاتب)
No full textFaiz Mohammad Kateb is one of the great writers of Afghanistan, and his most significant and important work is Siraj al-Tawarikh. Examining and understanding this work from various perspectives is essential. The presence or absence of marked words in a text, particularly in historical narratives, serves as a tool for identifying the author\u27s voice and determining the extent to which the narrator remains impartial in describing events or reflects personal beliefs and ideologies in the text. This article addresses the following question: To what extent does Siraj al-Tawarikh contain marked and unmarked words? This research follows a fundamental-applied approach, utilizing a library-based method for data collection and an analytical-descriptive approach for content evaluation. The findings indicate that both marked and unmarked words are present in the text, but their frequency varies. The high frequency of unmarked words represents the natural state of the text, while the use of marked words is meaningful, reflecting the author\u27s position and perspective.فیضمحمد کاتب از نویسندههای بزرگ کشور است. بزرگترین و مهمترین اثر او سراجالتواریخ میباشد. بررسی و شناخت این اثر از جهتهای گوناگون مهم و ضروری است. نشانداری و بینشانی واژگان یک اثر و به خصوص روایتهای تاریخی ابزاری است برای شناخت صدای نویسنده و نشان میدهد که تا چه اندازه راوی در بیان واقعهها بیطرف بوده است یا عقاید و باورهایش در متن انعکاس یافته است. در این مقاله به این پرسش جواب ارائه شده است: واژگان کتاب سراجالتواریخ به چه میزانی نشاندار و بینشان است. این تحقق براساس هدف بنیادیکاربردی و براساس جمعآوری دادهها کتابخانهیی و براساس نقد مطالب تحلیلی – توصیفی است. یافتههای تحقیق نشان میدهد واژههای نشاندار و بینشان در متن کاربرد دارد؛ اما میزان بسامد هر کدام متفاوت است. بسامد بالای واژههای بینشان حالت طبیعی متن است؛ اما کاربرد واژههای نشاندار در متن معنادار و بیانگر موقعیت و جایگاه نویسنده است
تحلیل سیاستهای راهبردی و ژئوپلیتیک چین در آفریقا
No full textIn recent decades, the decline in the West\u27s exclusive dominance over Africa, coupled with the rise of emerging powers, has positioned China as a significant actor in the region. This shift prompted critical inquiries into the objectives, nature, and implications of China\u27s expanding presence in Africa. Although Beijing invests substantially in infrastructure, energy, mining, and technology, its policies also suggest a broader geopolitical strategy. In this context, examining China\u27s policies in Africa is crucial, as part of its broader efforts to reshape the international order. The central question of this article is: What are the underlying objectives of China\u27s strategic and geopolitical policies in Africa and how can these be interpreted in the context of the evolving global order? The hypothesis posits that China\u27s approach to Africa is not merely economic, but is designed to foster interdependent relationships, diminish Western influence, and enhance China\u27s geopolitical influence. This study employs an analytical-explanatory method that utilizes library resources and reliable online data sources. The findings indicate that by concentrating on infrastructure development, financing major projects, and expanding its political and cultural presence, China seeks to consolidate its position as a geopolitical power in Africa. Nevertheless, these strategies encounter several challenges, including debt crises in host countries, geopolitical competition, and internal instability, all of which may affect the sustainability and effectiveness of China\u27s strategic agenda.در دهههای اخیر، با کاهش تمرکز انحصاری غرب بر قاره آفریقا و ظهور قدرتهای نوظهور، چین به یکی از بازیگران کلیدی این منطقه تبدیل شده است. این تحول، پرسشهایی اساسی را درباره اهداف، ماهیت و پیامدهای حضور فزاینده چین در آفریقا پدید آورده است. پکن در حالی به سرمایهگذاری گسترده در حوزههایی چون زیرساخت، انرژی، معدن و فناوری میپردازد که نشانههایی از یک راهبرد کلان ژئوپلیتیکی نیز در سیاستهای آن قابل مشاهده است. در این چارچوب، بررسی سیاستهای چین در آفریقا بهعنوان بخشی از تلاش این کشور برای بازتعریف نظم بینالمللی، ضرورتی راهبردی دارد. پرسش اصلی مقاله آن است که سیاستهای راهبردی و ژئوپلیتیکی چین در آفریقا مبتنی بر چه اهدافی هستند و چگونه میتوان آنها را در چارچوب نظم جهانی در حال تحول تحلیل کرد؟ فرضیه بر آن است که راهبرد چین در آفریقا تنها اقتصادی نیست، بلکه با هدف ایجاد وابستگیهای متقابل، کاهش نفوذ قدرتهای غربی و افزایش وزن ژئوپلیتیکی این کشور در حال پیادهسازی است. این تحقیق با روش تحلیلی – تبیینی و با بهرهگیری از منابع کتابخانهای و دادههای منتشرشده در وبسایتهای معتبر انجام شده است. یافتهها نشان میدهد که چین با تمرکز بر توسعه زیرساختها، تأمین مالی پروژههای کلان، و نفوذ سیاسی و فرهنگی، در پی تثبیت جایگاه خود بهعنوان یک قدرت ژئوپلیتیکی در آفریقاست؛ با این حال، با چالشهایی نظیر بحران بدهی، رقابت قدرتها و بیثباتی سیاسی نیز روبهروست
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Tuberculosis Among Hospital Outpatients in Urozgan, Afghanistan
No full textObjectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in Afghanistan, with an incidence of 180 cases per 100,000 in 2023. Socioeconomic instability, low literacy, and cultural stigma worsen the burden. Limited research on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in underserved areas like Urozgan highlights the need for targeted interventions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 outpatients in Urozgan’s public health facilities (August 2022–May 2023). Participants (≥18 years) were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 28. Chi-square tests examined factors influencing KAP.
Results: The mean age was 38.18 years, with 47.1% aged 26–45. Most were male (56.5%), married (57.6%), illiterate (57.6%), and unemployed (71.8%). Knowledge gaps included misconceptions about hereditary transmission (51.8%) and shaking hands (25.9%), while 49.4% recognized droplet inhalation as the main mode. Poor knowledge correlated with low income (83.3%) (p < 0.001) and illiteracy (57.1%) (p = 0.005). Negative attitudes were prevalent (55.3%), highest among low-income groups (83.3%) (p < 0.001). Practices were inadequate; only 35.3% underwent TB screening, 54.1% practiced cough hygiene, and 49.4% opened car windows while traveling. Poor practices were linked to low income (83.3%) (p < 0.001), illiteracy (65.3%) (p < 0.001), and younger age (≤25 years) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Significant KAP gaps persist due to misconceptions, stigma, and inadequate practices. Targeted health education campaigns are crucial for improving TB awareness and prevention, particularly among vulnerable groups
Open Pyeloplasty for Pediatric Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction at Herat Regional Hospital: A Retrospective Case Series
No full textObjectives: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a leading cause of congenital hydronephrosis, potentially leading to progressive renal damage if untreated. Open dismembered pyeloplasty is the historical gold standard for correction, particularly in low-resource settings where minimally invasive techniques are less accessible. This study evaluates the outcomes of this procedure at Herat Regional Hospital.
Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent open dismembered pyeloplasty for UPJO. We analyzed patient demographics, pre-operative clinical and imaging findings, intraoperative details, and post-operative outcomes, including success rates and complications. Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and reduction in hydronephrosis on follow-up ultrasonography.
Results: A total of 48 patients were included, with a significant male predominance (79.2%). The mean age at surgery was 5.8 years. The most common presentation was flank pain (41.7%), and all patients had severe (Grade 3 or 4) hydronephrosis pre-operatively. The overall success rate of open pyeloplasty was 95.8%. The mean hospital stay was 4.5 days. Post-operative complications were minimal, with surgical site infection occurring in two patients (4.2%) and no cases of urinary leakage or obstruction recurrence requiring re-intervention during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: Open pyeloplasty is a highly effective, safe, and durable surgical treatment for pediatric UPJO within our institution. Its excellent outcomes confirm its continued role as the standard of care in settings where open surgical expertise is the primary available resource