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.