Health Sciences Journal

ROLE OF SLEEP QUALITY IN SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

2025-06-22T09:58:41-07:00

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep quality, self-directed learning, and psychological wellbeing among medical students. Using a correlational design and quantitative methods, the study sought to determine how sleep quality influences students’ learning abilities and mental wellbeing. Standardized measures were used to assess each variable, with findings revealing significant positive associations, highlighting the critical role of sleep in supporting both educational performance and psychological health. Methodology: This study used a quantitative, correlational research design to examine the relationship between SQ, SDL, and PWB among medical students. Data were collected through standardized self-report questionnaires (PSQI, SDLRS, and PWB Scale) from a sample of 267 students. A convenience sampling method was used, and SPSS 25 was used to analyze the data using regression analysis, correlation, and descriptive statistics. The purpose of the study was to ascertain how SQ predicts PWB and SDL. Results: The data analysis shown key insights into the relationships between SQ, SDL, and PWB among medical students. Descriptive statistics confirmed the demographic composition of the sample, with no missing data and acceptable psychometric properties for all study measures. Cronbach’s alpha values for the PSQI, SDLS, and PWB scales ranged from 0.67 to 0.80, indicating acceptable to good internal consistency. Correlational analysis showed significant positive relationships between sleep quality and both self-directed learning (r = .585, p < .01) and psychological wellbeing (r = .519, p < .01), as well as between self-directed learning and psychological wellbeing (r = .610, p < .01). Regression analyses further supported these associations. Sleep quality significantly predicted self-directed learning (β = .585, R² = .34, p < .001), accounting for 34% of the variance, and psychological wellbeing (β = .519, R² = .27, p < .001), accounting for 27% of the variance. These findings indicate that healthier sleep quality is associated with higher levels of self-directed learning and psychological wellbeing, highlighting its important role in academic and psychological outcomes among students. Conclusion: The study found significant positive associations between sleep quality, self-directed learning, and psychological wellbeing. Medical students with better sleep quality were more likely to engage in self-directed learning and reported higher psychological wellbeing. These results highlight sleep quality as a key factor supporting both academic self-regulation and mental health. Promoting healthy sleep habits can enhance student engagement and serve as a protective factor against psychological distress, reinforcing the need for institutional support and awareness initiatives targeting sleep hygiene.

PREVALENCE AND IDENTIFICATION OF LERNAEA CYPRINACEA INFESTING MAJOR CARPS (LABEO ROHITA, CATLA CATLA, AND CIRRHINUS MRIGALA) OF THE RIVER INDUS DERA ISMAIL KHAN

2025-09-02T05:40:09-07:00

Background: Fish play a critical role in human nutrition, offering high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients. In South Asia, freshwater fish such as Labeo rohita, Catla catla, and Cirrhinus mrigala are extensively cultured and consumed. However, the aquaculture industry faces significant challenges due to parasitic infestations, particularly by ectoparasites like Lernaea cyprinacea (anchor worm), which adversely affect fish health, growth, and survivability. Aim: This study investigates the prevalence, intensity, and morphological identification of Lernaea cyprinacea infesting major carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, and Cirrhinus mrigala) collected from the Indus River Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan). Material and Methods: A total of 119 fish were sampled from river sites over a five-month period. Specimens underwent ectoparasite isolation using scale and gill washes, 54 μm filtration, centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 10 minutes, Giemsa staining, and microscopic examination at 10X magnification. Findings: A marked seasonal rise was noted, from 7.53% in December to 47.61% in April. Species-specific ratios were L. rohita 18.36% (9/49), C. catla 20.00% (7/35), and C. mrigala 14.28% (5/35). C. catla and C. mrigala shows the greatest increase (reaching 50% in April), followed by L. rohita (42.85%). Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant seasonal increase in Lernaea cyprinacea infestation among major carps from the Indus River, with peak prevalence in April. Catla catla exhibited the highest overall infection rate, followed by Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala. These findings highlight the need for timely monitoring and management strategies to mitigate parasitic outbreaks and safeguard aquaculture productivity.

A GUIDE TO MICROBIOME-FRIENDLY SKINCARE AND NATURAL COSMETICS

2025-09-16T18:51:06-07:00

Background: The human skin microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining cutaneous health by supporting barrier integrity, hydration, and protection against pathogens. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the microbiome compatibility of marketed natural cosmetic formulations with a focus on ingredient composition, effects on representative skin commensals, pH stability, and moisture-retention capacity. Methodology: A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted. Fifty marketed products labelled as “microbiome friendly” were analyzed for ingredient profiles. Selected formulations were further tested in vitro against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acne, and Corynebacterium spp. using agar diffusion and co-culture methods. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-tests. Results: Ingredient analysis revealed that most products incorporated plant-based extracts (88%) and avoided disruptive agents such as parabens (84%) and SLS (92%), with 78% meeting ≥4 microbiome-friendly criteria. In vitro tests showed that S. epidermidis growth was most enhanced by Product A (+3.2 mm) and B (+2.8 mm), while Corynebacterium spp. also responded positively. C. acnes were inhibited by Product A (–0.5 mm) but promoted by Products B (+1.2 mm) and C (+0.8 mm), suggesting regulatory effects. pH testing confirmed Products A, B, and C were within skin-compatible range (4.9–5.6), with Product A exhibiting the highest moisture-retention capacity (72%). Product D exceeded the pH range (6.4) and demonstrated poor hydration (50%). Conclusion: Natural cosmetic formulations show promising alignment with microbiome-friendly principles, particularly those maintaining physiological pH and incorporating pre/pro/postbiotics. Product A demonstrated the most favourable balance of commensal support, pH stability, and hydration capacity. These findings suggest that optimized natural formulations can promote beneficial microbial growth while regulating opportunistic species, underscoring their potential role in microbiome-centered skincare.

The FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIGH BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) IN THE LOCAL POPULATION OF MALAKAND PAKISTAN

2025-08-03T06:27:02-07:00

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to determine the factors responsible for the development of overweight and obesity among human population. Methods: This study was done among the people of District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 210 individuals were studied which were either overweight or obese. The body height and body weight of each subject was measured to obtain Body Mass index (BMI). A questionnaire was also designed for each subject. The data was statistically evaluated through SPSS software (version 16.0). Results: BMI was remarkably high (P. value = 0.020) in females compared to males. It was observed that the overweight and obesity are associated with lifetime and the highest in the age group 40-54 (P. value = 0.021). Overweight and obesity were significantly associated (P. value = 0.039) with daily use of rice in dinner. There was a significant difference (P. value = 0.038) between subjects with history of obesity in the family and those with no history of obesity in the family. BMI was significantly higher (P. value = 0.000) among subjects which have high socio-economic status. Conclusion: BMI was found to be markedly correlated with gender, age, family history of obesity, food habit and economic status.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF (ACACIA) HONEY AND COMMONLY USED ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST KLEBSIELLA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM UTI PATIENTS

2025-11-28T07:46:22-07:00

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Klebsiella species present a growing public health challenge because of increasing multidrug resistance. The antibacterial effectiveness of Acacia honey against Klebsiella Pneumoniae isolated from UTI patients is assessed in this study in comparison to routinely used drugs.

Methods: Thirty urine samples in all were gathered and subjected to culture, gram stained, and biochemical analysis in order to identify the bacteria. Antibacterial assay to check the susceptibility of standard antibiotics and efficacy of honey.

Findings : Results indicated that Acacia honey exhibited a significantly larger zone of inhibition (20 mm) compared to conventional antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin (10.2 mm), doxycycline (10.1 mm), and no inhibition by ampicillin, aztreonam, and chloramphenicol. These findings suggest that Acacia honey holds promise as an alternative or complementary treatment for multidrug-resistant Klebsiella infections, warranting further exploration of its clinical applications.

Recommendation: Future perspectives are recommended that there is a lack of molecular studies as to how honey can exert its antimicrobial activity at a molecular level e.g. disruption of the cell walls, prevention of biofilm formation or interference with bacterial enzymes.

A STUDY ON THE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION ON POPULATION OF DARYA KHAN DISTRICT BHAKKAR

2025-11-28T07:48:44-07:00

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a serious public health issue, especially in underdeveloped nations. A common gastric pathogen linked to a number of gastrointestinal conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease and dyspepsia, is Helicobacter pylori. The purpose of this study was to find out risk factors and how common H. pylori is in patients with dyspepsia at the District Head Quarter (THQ) Hospital in Darya Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 150 stool samples were taken from patients who had upper stomach pain and heartburn symptoms. Gram staining and biochemical assays, such as catalase, oxidase, and urease tests, were used to establish the presence of H. pylori after the samples were cultivated on selective media.

According to the findings, H. pylori was found in 10% (15/150) of the stool samples, with females having a greater prevalence (11.3%) than males (8.6%). An examination of the age distribution showed that the greatest number of positive cases occurred in those between the ages of 16 and 29. Incredibly, urban regions had a considerably lower prevalence (8.5%) of H. pylori than rural areas (11.5%). According to the data, the most notable risk factor includes poor sanitation which constitutes positive cases, family history, smoking, and unhealthy dieting habits. While amoxicillin and rifampicin exhibited high susceptibility rates of 80% and 86.7%, respectively, antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance rates of 33.3% to metronidazole and clarithromycin. At 20%, moderate levofloxacin and 13.3% tetracycline resistance was observed.

These results highlight how urgently Pakistan needs to implement comprehensive public health programs and modernize treatment guidelines in order to properly manage H. pylori infections. Given the differences in H. pylori incidence between urban and rural populations, it is imperative to continuously monitor resistance patterns and take alternate therapy into consideration.

ROLE OF EARLY VS LATE TRACHEOSTOMY IN SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY OUTCOME TO CHECK IN HOSPITAL ICU STAY

2025-12-28T14:59:17-07:00

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often necessitating prolonged ventilatory support and intensive care. Tracheostomy is commonly performed in such patients to facilitate airway management and weaning from mechanical ventilation. However, the optimal timing of tracheostomy—whether early or late—remains a matter of debate. This study aimed to compare the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with severe TBI undergoing early versus late tracheostomy. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, over six months. A total of 60 patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8) requiring ventilatory support were included through non-probability consecutive sampling and divided equally into early tracheostomy (within 5 days of mechanical ventilation) and late tracheostomy (after 5 days) groups. Data regarding demographic variables, cause and type of injury, complications, and ICU stay were analyzed using SPSS v26. The independent samples t-test and chi-square test were applied, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.6 ± 13.2 years, and 61.7% were male. Road traffic accidents accounted for most injuries (58.3%). The mean ICU stay was significantly shorter in the early tracheostomy group (7.25 ± 2.30 days) compared to the late group (16.90 ± 3.33 days; p < 0.001). Type of brain injury significantly affected ICU duration (p = 0.008), while baseline GCS showed no correlation with ICU stay (p = 0.143). Conclusion: Early tracheostomy in severe TBI patients significantly reduces ICU stay compared to late tracheostomy. Implementing early tracheostomy protocols may improve patient outcomes and optimize ICU resource utilization, particularly in resource-limited settings like Pakistan.