Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports
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Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Compared to Other Evidence-Based Mental Health Interventions in Children and Adolescents with Symptoms of Childhood Adversities: A Scoping Review
No full textAims: To assess the relative efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to other proven therapies in improving mental health for children and adolescents affected by childhood trauma.
Methodology: As part of the scoping review, a structured literature search of PubMed, Medline (EBSCO), PsychAPA, CINAHL, and Google Scholar identified studies published from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024, on evidence-based mental health interventions for minors experiencing trauma. English-language studies on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or related interventions, either standalone or integrated, were included. Duplicates were removed, and references were reviewed for completeness. Data extracted included author, year, intervention type, therapy level, age group, and summarized findings. Eligible publication types were research articles, peer-reviewed articles, and systematically curated reviews.
Results: The review synthesized findings from 26 studies published between 2022 and 2024, concentrating on therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) was identified as the most efficacious intervention, demonstrating robust effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression across a range of clinical settings. The reviewed studies utilized diverse methodological approaches and predominantly focused on PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorders, with a subset addressing substance use disorders, bereavement, and interpersonal functioning. Notably, the review highlighted significant gaps in the literature regarding the exploration of broader psychological outcomes and the efficacy of interventions beyond TF-CBT.
Conclusion: Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) stands out as the most effective treatment for enhancing mental health in children and adolescents experiencing trauma-related symptoms. Modifications of CBT and combined approaches, such as psychoeducation and family-oriented strategies, also play a significant role in diminishing post-traumatic stress symptoms and boosting resilience
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Young Adults to Online Psychotherapy in Conflict-affected Areas in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Survey
No full textYoung adults are especially susceptible to psychosocial challenges in post-conflict war regions, yet have very limited access to mental health care services. Considering the rapid shift towards enhanced digital health services worldwide, exploring the acceptability of online psychotherapy during conflict is important for developing inclusive aids. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) regarding online psychotherapy of young adults aged 18-35 years living in conflict-affected areas of northeastern Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 420 young adults (18-35 years) recruited via multistage cluster sampling from IDP camps and host communities in Borno and Yobe states.
Data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire based on KAP surveys. Other tools included the Internet Use Survey Scale and selected items from WHOQOL- BREF for contextual digital readiness and psychosocial wellbeing assessment. SPSS v25 was used for data analysis through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to ascertain the determinants of favorable attitudes towards online psychotherapy.
Although 58% of the participants knew about online psychotherapy, only 22% had utilized it in the past. Nonetheless, 63% of participants had a positive attitude towards online psychotherapy, which they associated with convenience, privacy, and accessibility. Barriers consisted of restricted internet access (47%) and worries regarding data privacy (48%). Greater educational achievement and the experience of conflict-related trauma significantly predicted positive attitudes (p < 0.01). Age and gender were not significant predictors. Although psychotherapy over the internet is welcomed by younger people in conflict regions of Nigeria, especially those who are more educated or have been exposed to trauma, the use of a single-source, self-reported dataset may introduce response bias and compromise the external validity of the findings. Customizable, culture-informed digital mental health resources can help improve accessibility to care in humanitarian settings. Culturally sensitive solutions for mental health, taught digitally, have the potential to improve care accessibility in humanitarian aid regions
Lived Experiences of General Education Teachers Supporting Learners with Application Difficulties in Inclusive Classrooms
No full textThe implementation of inclusive practices faces significant challenges worldwide. General education teachers face a major barrier, limited institutional support for teachers, which hampers their ability to adopt transformative and inclusive teaching methods. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of general education teachers in mainstream classrooms as they navigate inclusive practices for learners with special needs. This study is significant as it offers insight into the personal, instructional, and systemic problems of inclusive education, which can inform training programs and policy formulation. This study employed a phenomenological design, using in-depth interviews (IDIs) with seven selected general education teachers in the Mati City Division. Colaizzi’s seven-step method, developed in 1978, was used to analyse the data and capture the essence of participants’ experiences. Results revealed three major themes: Experiences in Implementing Inclusive Education in Mainstream Classrooms (emphasizing emotional, instructional, and behavioral challenges), The Emotional Landscape of Inclusive Education (highlighting feelings of empowerment and support systems), and Transformative Practices in Inclusive Education (focusing on adaptive methods, collaboration, and professional growth), additionally, one theme emerged, Experiences in Inclusion Through Personal and Professional Growth. Participants reported feeling initially unprepared but gradually adapted through experience, reflective practice, and stakeholder collaboration. Hence, thematic analysis revealed challenges in classroom implementation, emotional dynamics, adaptive practices, and personal-professional growth. The study concludes that inclusive education is a continuous learning process shaped by both personal commitment and institutional backing. The study recommends ongoing teacher training, strengthened institutional support, and promotion of collaborative inclusive practices
Blockchain for Secure Data Storage and Sharing in Healthcare Systems
No full textThe healthcare industry faces significant challenges in managing sensitive patient data, with persistent concerns around data security, privacy, and interoperability. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, transparent, and immutable characteristics, offers a promising solution to address these issues in modern healthcare systems. This study adopts a systematic review approach, guided by the PRISMA framework, to examine the potential of blockchain for enhancing data storage and sharing within healthcare, focusing on its capacity to secure Electronic Health Records (EHRs), improve patient privacy, and enable seamless data exchange among stakeholders. A total of 48 relevant articles published between 2016 and 2025 were systematically reviewed, drawing from multiple reputable databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on empirical and conceptual analyses of blockchain’s role in healthcare. Thematic analysis of the reviewed literature revealed three key themes: blockchain’s contribution to strengthening data security and patient privacy, its role in facilitating interoperability across diverse health information systems, and the technical, regulatory, and cost-related barriers hindering widespread adoption. Real-world implementations such as Estonia’s national blockchain-based health system, IBM’s Food Trust Blockchain, and the MedRec platform illustrate practical applications and benefits. Despite its potential, challenges related to scalability, integration with legacy systems, and regulatory compliance remain. Proposed solutions include hybrid blockchain models and increased collaboration between technology developers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Future directions highlighted in the review suggest promising synergies between blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) for advancing personalized medicine, telehealth, and patient-controlled health records. Overall, the findings underscore blockchain’s transformative capacity for creating secure, patient-centred, and interoperable healthcare systems, while emphasizing the need for ongoing research and stakeholder cooperation to overcome existing barriers
The New Compass: Guiding English Studies through Emergent Humanities
No full textAs English Studies in India navigates the pressures of employability, digital transformation, and ecological urgency, there is an increasing need to reimagine its disciplinary scope through the lens of emergent humanities—including environmental, digital, medical, and energy humanities. This study investigates the extent to which Indian universities are incorporating these new directions into their English curricula and explores faculty attitudes, institutional constraints, and student responses to such integration. Using a mixed qualitative methodology involving curriculum review, semi-structured faculty interviews, and policy analysis, the research reveals a significant disconnect between national policy aspirations, as seen in NEP 2020, and actual curricular practice. While faculty show enthusiasm for interdisciplinary innovation and students express a strong desire for relevance and future-oriented learning, structural rigidity, outdated syllabi, and a lack of institutional support continue to hinder reform. The study argues for a new curricular compass that aligns English Studies with global challenges and civic engagement, urging policymakers, academic councils, and departments to embrace transdisciplinary designs that prepare graduates not only for employment but for ethically grounded, socially responsive futures
Energy Optimization in Smart Buildings Using Deep Q-Network-based Reinforcement Learning
No full textThe rapid expansion of smart building technologies demands innovative solutions to optimize energy consumption while preserving comfort. Traditional rule-based and supervised learning approaches often lack adaptability to dynamic environmental conditions, leading to inefficiencies in HVAC and lighting control. Reinforcement learning (RL) offers a promising alternative by enabling autonomous, data-driven decision-making in complex building environments. This study proposes a Deep Q-Network (DQN)-based RL framework for real-time energy management in smart buildings. The system integrates real-time sensor data (temperature, occupancy, weather) with a virtual building model (EnergyPlus + OpenAI Gym) to train an adaptive control agent. A custom reward function balances energy savings and thermal comfort, while experience replay stabilizes training. The framework was evaluated against rule-based and supervised learning baselines using metrics such as energy consumption (kWh), comfort deviation (ASHRAE standards), and control stability. The proposed system achieved a 22% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional rule-based systems while maintaining a significantly lower comfort violation rate of just 5%, outperforming traditional methods that exhibited a 12% violation rate. The reinforcement learning approach demonstrated superior adaptability to dynamic occupancy changes and weather fluctuations, though this enhanced performance came with inherent trade-offs between computational cost and real-time responsiveness that must be carefully considered in practical implementations. These results demonstrate the system’s ability to optimize both energy use and comfort under real-world conditions. The results also validate RL as a scalable solution for sustainable building operations, bridging the gap between simulation and real-world deployment
Intersecting Threats of Conflict, Climate Variability, and Psychosocial Stress: A Gendered Analysis of Agricultural Development and Food Security in Niger State, Nigeria
No full textAgricultural development and food security in Nigeria are increasingly undermined by the converging pressures of climate variability, escalating rural insecurity, and psychosocial stressors, particularly in conflict-prone agrarian regions. Niger State, a key food-producing area, faces recurrent farmer–herder conflicts, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events, all of which disrupt production cycles and threaten livelihoods. This study investigates the intersecting impacts of these threats through a gendered lens, highlighting both material and psychosocial dimensions. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative component involved a stratified random sample of 420 male and female farmers drawn from 12 communities selected for high exposure to both conflict and climate-related hazards. Data collection was conducted using structured questionnaires, which captured gender-disaggregated information on farm access, yield changes, climate experiences, and psychosocial well-being. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were applied to assess relationships between security, climatic, and psychosocial variables, while thematic analysis was used to synthesize qualitative narratives. Results show that farmer–herder conflicts and climate variability jointly reduced crop yields by an average of 27% and limited farm access for 61% of respondents. Psychosocial stressors, such as fear of attack, displacement trauma, and loss of social cohesion significantly reduced agricultural participation, with women reporting 34% higher levels of livelihood-related anxiety than men. Gender disparities were evident in coping strategies, resource access, and decision-making autonomy. The findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated, gender-responsive interventions that combine climate adaptation, rural security, mental health support, and equitable resource allocation to strengthen food systems in Nigeria’s conflict-affected agricultural zones
Clinical Features of Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-hydroxylase Deficiency with Complete Virilisation
No full textBackground: The most prevalent form of Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), which accounts for over 90% of CAH cases. This enzymatic defect results in decreased cortisol and aldosterone synthesis, leading to compensatory adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion and consequent adrenal hyperplasia and androgen excess.
Objective: The study aimed to describe the clinical, biochemical, radiological, and outcome characteristics of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with complete virilisation in a pediatric cohort.Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of nine 46, XX patients presenting with Prader stage IV or V virilisation, followed in the pediatric endocrinology department of Rabat Children’s Hospital over a 10-year period. Clinical presentation, hormonal profile, imaging, genotyping and follow-up were analysed.
Results: All patients were diagnosed in the neonatal period. External genitalia were completely virilized (Prader IV–V), with no palpable gonads. Biochemical testing confirmed 21-hydroxylase deficiency in all cases. Salt-wasting crisis occurred in 55% of patients. Karyotyping confirmed 46, XX status. Early genital surgery was performed in six patients. Hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone replacement therapy were initiated. The long-term follow-up showed variable outcomes in terms of growth, bone age advancement, gender identity and surgical results.
Conclusion: Complete virilisation in CAH requires early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management to optimise outcome and gender identity support. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate hormone replacement remain key challenges in developing settings
Forecasting Natural Gas Consumption for Urea Production in Nigeria: A SARIMAX Modeling Approach
No full textAs Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and enhance its agricultural and industrial output, understanding and forecasting natural gas consumption in key sectors such as fertiliser production is critical for sustainable crop yields and economic development. However, domestic urea fertiliser production is currently hindered by the inadequate and inconsistent supply of natural gas to urea production plants.
This paper presents a forecast of natural gas utilization for urea fertiliser production, using Nigeria’s urea fertiliser industry as a case study. A Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Variables (SARIMAX) model was employed to predict monthly gas demand based on historical data from March 2021 to October 2024. The forecast, covering November 2024 to October 2027, indicates a steady increase in natural gas consumption, with an average monthly growth rate of approximately 0.91%. The total forecasted consumption for the period is 215.76 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF).
These findings underscore the need for proactive planning by stakeholders across the urea fertiliser and energy value chains. To ensure production stability, urea fertiliser plants, policymakers, and gas suppliers must prioritize infrastructure expansion, secure long-term gas supply contracts, and invest in predictive analytics. The model demonstrated a satisfactory fit with robust performance metrics, including acceptable RMSE, MAPE, and R² values
Prevalence of Hypertension among the Adult Population in Daura Zone, Katsina State, Nigeria
No full textBackground: Nigeria has a high prevalence of hypertension, which is costly to treat and has serious complications. The changes in hypertension trends require regular surveillance to design and implement effective control strategies.
Objective: This study was designed to examine the prevalence of hypertension in the Daura zone of Katsina State, Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 210 adults in the 30- to 70-year-old age range were selected. The respondents were chosen using a combination of systematic and simple random sampling techniques. Data on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, and medical history were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires administered by the interviewer. Blood pressure readings were taken using normal methods, where BP<140/90 was considered normal and ≥140/90 was considered high. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations were utilised in summarising the data, while inferential statistics such as t-test and ANOVA were used to determine the differences in respondents\u27 physical features and blood pressure.
Results: Mean age of respondents was 43.9±16.4 years; 44.41±16.7 years in the rural and 43.09±15.9 years in the urban; 27.8% were without formal education; 281(29.4%) in the rural and 161(25.4%) in the urban; 40.0% were aware of being hypertensive. A total respondents with no formal educational attainment were 40 (19.1%). The finding of this study revealed a high prevalence (46.3%) of hypertension in the population studied, with a mean age ±SD of 42.20±15.60 years. Mean systolic BP (SBP) was 136.9±26.5mmHg while mean diastolic BP (DBP) was 83.9±15.3mmHg. A total of 91(46.3%) had high blood pressure; 69/137 (50.4%) in the rural and 22/73 (30.4%) in the urban communities. A total of 22, representing 10.5% had mild hypertension, 34, representing 16.1% had moderate hypertension, while 35, representing 16.7% had severe hypertension.
Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension in the Daura zone of Katsina State was 46.3% which was higher in the rural than urban areas