Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Typhoid conjugate vaccine against culture-confirmed typhoid fever. Study Design: Prospective analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Department, Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad Pakistan, July 2023 to Feb 2024. Methodology: Pediatric age group patients from 2-12 years diagnosed with cases of typhoid fever were included in the study. Demographics, history of vaccination, presenting complaints, systemic exam findings, infective markers, and culture reports were recorded. Results: A total of 75 children with a diagnosis of typhoid fever were included in the study. The mean age recorded was 8.07±2.38 years with a male predominance of 54(72.0%) as compared to 21(28.0%) females. 43(57.3%) of the children were vaccinated, and the most common presenting symptom was fever in 70(93.3%) patients. Deranged platelets were the most common finding with a frequency of 54(72.0%). Negative culture was observed in 19(44.2%) vaccinated patients as compared to 03(9.4%) in unvaccinated children (p<0.01). In unvaccinated children, positive blood cultures revealed that MDR pathogen strains were most common as compared to non-resistant strains in vaccinated children. Conclusion: Vaccination against typhoid promotes significant protection against culture-proven typhoid fever. Protection against MDR strains makes typhoid vaccination a suitable choice to decrease the incidence of typhoid fever.
Objective: To compare the outcomes and complications of the single and double-layer anastomosis for large gut pathologies. Study Design: Comparative prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Feb to Nov 2022. Methodology: A total of 83 patients, age over 18 years, were incorporated into the study by convenience sampling. All the patients had been diagnosed with a colonic pathology and planned to undergo an elective, large gut anastomosis. Individuals with a prior history of gastrointestinal surgery, medical comorbidities, or deranged clotting profile were excluded. The mean durations of operation and hospital stay were calculated while the incidence of postoperative complications was also assessed. Time until the return of bowel sounds was also noted. Results: Thirty-eight patients (45.8%) underwent single layer (Group-A), whereas 45 cases (54.2%) were intervened through double layer (Group-B) anastomosis. Mean age for the two groups was 49.0±13.7 and 50.5±16.0 years respectively. Colon and/or rectum cancer were the most prevalent indication for colonic anastomosis (single layer, n=21, 55.3%; double layer, n=23, 51.1%). Single layer anastomosis required 23.1±3.9 minutes in contrast to 28.7±4.2 minutes for its counterpart. Postoperative anastomotic leak was observed in 7(18.4%) cases with single layer and 10(22.2%) cases with double layer surgery. Bowel sounds were reestablished earlier within the former group (2.5±0.7 days) than the latter (2.2±0.6 days). Conclusion: Both the single- and double-layer anastomosis of large gut are equally safe and efficient.
Objective: To evaluate the anterior chamber angles in acute angle closure glaucoma for early detection and prompt treatment. Study Design: Prospective Analytical study Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Jan 2023 to Aug 2024. Methodology: This study involved 34 participants of both genders between 42 to 59 years of age. Based on AS-OCT (DRI OCT Triton 2000), Posterior corneal surface, scleral spur and anterior iris surface were identified as key angle structures. The anterior chamber angles were graded according to Shaffer system and very narrow angles (≤10°) were included. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured on slit lamp mounted Goldmann tonometer. Both were measured before and after laser iridotomy. Zeiss slit lamp Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used for the peripheral iridotomy. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: A total of 34 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 51.8 years, ranging from 42 to 59 years. The intra ocular pressure was significantly reduced and anterior chamber angle were open within 34 patients, of whom 73.5% were female. Pre-operative mean IOP was 45.1 mmHg, and the AS-OCT angle increased from a mean of 6.7° to 42.8° post-operatively. Conclusion: This study concludes that, AS-OCT aids in the diagnosis of acute angle closure glaucoma by measuring anterior chamber angles for early detection and treatment.
Objective: To study the efficacy while comparing Potassium Hydroxide 5% with Liquid Nitrogen in treatment of plane warts. Study Design: Randomized-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05895071) Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, CMH-Abbottabad Pakistan, from Nov 2022 to April 2023. Methodology: The sample size of 60 patients (aged 4 to 30 years was randomly assigned into two Groups i.e. from 60 patients, in Group-A 30 were advised topical 5%-Potassium Hydroxide solution on affected area once at night upto 4 weeks and in Group-B 30 patients were treated with cryotherapy using Liquid Nitrogen on cotton bud once every two weeks. Patients were reassessed at every two weeks and final assessment was done at 12th week whereas follow up was done every three months for recurrence. The treatment final outcome which categorized complete recovery on complete disappearance of warts with normalization of skin markings. Results: In Group-A (mean age 15.70+7.35 years) 24 (80%) patients whereas IN Group-B (mean age 16.40+7.81years) 14 (46.7%) patients recovered completely. The 02 (6.7%) patients of Group A and 6(20.0%) patients of Group-B showed no response, rest of patients showed partial response to the treatment having significant p-value 0.003. There was no patient reported with recurrence of warts in Group A while in Group B 4(13.3%) patients. There is not any drop outs. Conclusions: The Topical 5% KOH showed significant better response. Its treatment adherence is better as compared to the Liquid Nitrogen therapy and reporting lesser side effects.
Objective: To study the effectiveness and complications of thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing open liver resection surgery Study Design: Prospective Observational Study. Place and Duration of Study: Army Liver Transplant Unit, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug 19 to May 22. Methodology: A total of 50 patients who had open liver resection surgery and received thoracic epidural analgesia for pain relief were included in the study. All patients were above 18 years of age. Patients who had abnormal coagulation were excluded from the study. The effectiveness of the epidural was assessed by measuring the numerical rating scale (NRS) in the post-operative period. Complications, including accidental removal and epidural haematoma, were noted. Results: 48(96%) group subjects had adequate pain relief with no to mild pain in 7(13.7%), 15(29.4%), 38(74.5%) and 41(80.4%) patients on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th post-operative day (POD), respectively, with a p-value <0.001. The frequency of moderate pain was recorded in 18(35.3%) patients in the first POD, 24(47.1%) patients in the second POD, 7(13.7%) patients in the third POD, and 9(17.60%) on fourth POD. The frequency of pain was severe in 25(49.0%), Conclusion: Thoracic epidural analgesia is an efficient and safe modality of analgesia after liver resection.
Objectives: To compare the efficacy of perianal block versus spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing perianal procedures. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Sept 23 to Feb 24. Methodology: 56 patients who were planned to undergo elective perianal surgery were included in the study and were divided into Perianal Block Group (Group-A) and Spinal Anesthesia Group (Group-B) alternatively in order of presentation. Intra-operative and post-operative anesthesia related outcomes were assessed and compared between groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20.00. Results: Mean age was 34.98±8.32 years. There were 37(66.07%) males and 19(33.93%) females. Most commonly performed perianal surgeries were fistulotomy 17(30.36%) and fistulectomy 17(30.36%) followed by hemorrhoidectomy 14(25.00%) and lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) 8(14.29%). Mean duration of anesthesia onset in perianal block group was 2.60±0.83 minutes while in spinal anesthesia group it was 5.96±1.29 minutes, (p<0.001). Mean duration taken to ambulate in perianal block group was 18.28±4.05 minutes while in spinal anesthesia group it was 248.71±41.67 minutes, (p<0.001). Mean duration for which patients remained pain free in perianal block group was 269.60±31.11 minutes while in spinal anesthesia group it was 138.82±15.23 minutes, (p<0.001). Conclusion: Perianal block is much better and more efficacious option for regional anesthesia as compared to spinal anesthesia (SA) in patients who undergo perianal surgeries without spinal anesthesia associated with complications like headache and hypertension.
Objective: To predict patients at risk of developing post-operative hypocalcemia by measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium and early initiation of oral calcium and vitamin D in these patients to decrease complications. Study Design: Prospective, observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Otolaryngology, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Sep 2022 to Aug 2023. Methodology: A total of 160 patients were included in the study group segregated into those who developed hypocalcemia (Group-A) versus normocalcemia (Group-B) post-operatively. Primary variables studied were mean levels of PTH for corresponding values of hypo or normocalcemia, frequency of patients presenting with normo versus hypocalcemia. Secondary variables of study were the sensitivity and specificity of PTH in predicting hypocalcemia. Results: The incidence of hypocalcemia in the study group was seen in 63(39.4%) patients and normocalcemia was seen in 97 (60.6%) patients. The ability of PTH in predicting hypocalcemia at 01- and 24-hour intervals showed sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 79.4% at one hour while the sensitivity at 24 hours was 95.2% with a specificity of 96.9%. Conclusion: We conclude that falling levels of PTH hormones post-thyroidectomy showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in predicting hypocalcemia at 01 and 24 hours respectively.
Objective: To assess knowledge gaps among medical undergraduates regarding antibiotic use and resistance. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: King Edward Medical University, Lahore Pakistan, from Jul to Aug 2024. Methodology: Data were collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire from 300 medical students divided into two groups: Group-A (Years 1–3) and Group-B (Years 4–5). Results: Of the 300 participants, 42% were male and 57% female. Group A comprised 25% of students, while Group B accounted for 74%. Most students reported using antibiotics within the past six months, with sore throats being the most common reason (21%). Academic year significantly correlated with knowledge of antibiotics (p<0.001) and compliance with antibiotic courses (p=.010). More students in Group B (82%) rated their understanding of antibiotics as “good” or “very good” compared to Group A (17%). Group B also received more instruction on antibiotic resistance (94.2% vs. 81.6%, p=0.001). Despite their advanced years, 68% acknowledged antibiotic resistance as a serious issue, and 76% expressed a desire for more information on responsible antibiotic use. Additionally, students highlighted gaps in practical training on antibiotic stewardship, emphasizing the need for hands-on learning approaches and case-based teaching methods. Conclusion: Significant knowledge gaps exist among medical undergraduates, particularly in earlier years, regarding antibiotic use and resistance. These findings underscore the importance of targeted curriculum modifications and active learning strategies to equip future healthcare professionals better to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Objective: To determine the association of raised Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels with response to chemotherapy in germ cell tumor patients managed at a tertiary care oncology unit Study Design: Prospective observational study Place and Duration of Study: Medical Oncology Department, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Sep to Dec 2024 Methodology: This study was conducted on patients of germ cell tumors managed with chemotherapy. Serum LDH levels and other relevant biochemical assessments were done along with physical examination at the time of diagnosis. Standard chemotherapy was provided to all the patients, and response was assessed at the end of the cycle in all the patients by the treating team. Association of raised LDH levels at the time of diagnosis and other factors was observed with response to treatment in all the study participants. Results: Seventy patients of germ cell tumors were recruited in this study after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Mean age of the germ cell tumor patients included in the study was 39.07±10.55 years. All the patients were male in this study. At the end of the chemotherapy session, patients who had raised LDH at the time of diagnosis and those who were classed as poor risk did not have a good response to treatment (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Raised serum LDH levels at the time of diagnosis and being classified as poor risk at the time of diagnosis were the factors significantly associated with a poor response to chemotherapy in patients of germ cell tumors included in our study.
Objectives: To compare the outcomes of onlay versus sublay mesh hernioplasty for treatment of ventral hernia. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, PAF Hospital Mushaf, Sargodha Pakistan, from May 2023 to Aug 2024. Methodology: One hundred fourteen patients with ventral (umbilical/para-umbilical) hernia were divided into Onlay group (A) and Sublay group (B). Outcomes were assessed and compared between the study groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 114 patients, divided into two groups of 57, were included. The mean age of patients was 37.20±5.74 years. There were 21(18.42%) male and 93(81.58%) female patients. Mean duration of operation in group A and B was 90.90±5.96 and 116.63±3.72 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). Mean hospitalization length was significantly shorter in the Sublay group (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in terms of frequency of surgical wound infection (p=0.142), seroma formation (p=0.106), persistent pain (p=0.509) and hernia recurrence (p=0.113). Conclusion: Both techniques of mesh placement are effective, but the Sublay technique provides much better outcomes in terms of shorter stay at the hospital.
Objective: To compare whether the use of ultrasonography (USG) is superior to blind landmark technique in correctly identifying epidural space in pregnant patients requesting labor analgesia through epidural catheter. Study Design: Prospective analytical study (IRCT20230819059186N1) Place and Duration of Study: Anesthesia Department of Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Apr 2023 to Oct 2023 Methodology: A total of 250 patients were included in the study protocol divided into Group U (n=125) and Group L (n=125). Primary variables measured were mean number of tries for epidural insertion (taking the needle out and then re-introduction), mean number of needle re-directions (without taking out from skin), difference between actual measured needle length (AML) versus USG measured needle length (UML) and number of dural punctures between the USG and landmark Group. Results: Mean needle attempts of 1.27±0.44 in Group U versus 1.74±0.60 in Group L (p<0.001). Success of needle attempts was in 91(72.8%) patients in the first and 34(27.2%) patients in the second attempt in Group U versus 43(34.4%) patients in the first, 71(56.8%) in the second and 11(8.8%) in more than two attempts in Group L (p=0.022). There was a statistically significant and positive co-relation between both measured lengths with a Pearson co-efficient (r) value of 0.828 Conclusion: We conclude that USG guided epidural insertion provides better rates of success in identifying epidural space as well as less chances of complications in parturients requiring labor analgesia.
Objective: To evaluate viGen Q multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit for typhoid fever using blood culture as the reference method in clinically suspected cases Study Design: Diagnostic Accuracy Study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Nov 2023 to Apr 2024. Methodology: Venous samples of clinically suspected patients were collected in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) containing tube and blood culture bottle. On receipt in the Microbiology department of AFIP, a blood culture was performed and typhoidal salmonellae were identified to the species level by biochemical tests and serology. From the sample collected in the EDTA tube, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using an automated DNA extractor (bioPerfectus), followed by amplification as per protocol of viGen Q multiplex PCR kit. Results were noted and data was analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: Blood samples of a total of 131 patients were tested by both blood culture and PCR methods for the detection of typhoidal salmonellae. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of viGen Q multiplex PCR kit were 92.7%, 94.4%, 88.4%, 96.6%, and 94% respectively. The Cohen’s kappa value (κ) was approximately 0.86, indicating strong agreement. Conclusions: The viGen Q multiplex PCR kit has good sensitivity and specificity in comparison with blood culture and has the potential to expedite diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of endobronchial washings of patients presenting with lung malignancy. Study Design: Cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Aug 2024 to Feb 2025. Methodology: Specimens of 146 patients undergoing both procedures of endobronchial washings and endobronchial biopsy were included in the study. Patients who underwent bronchoscopy for only one procedure, patients unwilling for informed consent and samples with poorly fixed tissue and broken cytology slides were excluded. Slides of endobronchial washings and endobronchial biopsy were examined and the results were recorded. Results: The study included specimens of 146 patients, with a male to female ratio of 3:1. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 84 years with median age 54 years. (IQR 65 – 37 years) Majority of malignant cases occurred in the 5th and 6th decades of life. The endobronchial washings showed a sensitivity of 46%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive value of 85%, and negative predictive value of 61%. Diagnostic accuracy was achieved in 99 cases (67.7%). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it has been observed that bronchial washings cytology demonstrated low sensitivity when it comes to the diagnosis of lung tumors. Therefore, it cannot be used as a reliable diagnostic test for lung malignancies.
Objective: To compare the efficacy of Intralesional autologous platelet rich plasma with Intralesional Triamcinolone in the treatment of Alopecia Areata. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Pak-Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Feb to July 2023. Methodology: The study included 40 individuals with alopecia areata (AA). After informed consent, they were divided into Group-A (intralesional Triamcinolone (IL-T) injection) and Group-B (intralesional autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection) and each group was treated at 3-week interval till 12 weeks and followed up for 24 weeks. The AA grade was recorded using the SALT scoring system. At every visit, the pre and post treatment period SALT scores were noted and compared. Results: The study comprised of 32(80.0%) male and 8(20.0%) females. At the beginning of the study and after 03 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the SALT Score, suggesting that both interventions had similar effects during the early stages of treatment. At 06 weeks, a statistically significant difference emerged (p-value 0.037), indicating that the IL-T treatment in Group-A is associated with a more significant reduction in the SALT Score compared to the PRP treatment in Group-B. After 12 and 24 weeks, the difference between the two groups became highly significant (p-value <0.0001), indicating that intralesional Triamcinolone treatment led to a more substantial reduction in the SALT Score compared to PRP. Conclusion: Intralesional Triamcinolone (IL-T) therapy offers significantly better outcomes in Alopecia areata (AA) than autologous intralesional PRP.
The most prevalent chromosomal anomaly is Down syndrome, which affects approximately 0.1% of live births globally. Numerous musculoskeletal consequences, such as bone abnormalities, ligamentous laxity, muscle weakness, and hypermobility are linked to Down syndrome. The role of a physiotherapist in rehabilitation of Down syndrome children is contingent upon their developmental stages and typically involves promoting physical exercise. The purpose of this study is to compare and assess the efficacy of various physical therapy methods in individuals with Down syndrome, as well as to assess the effectiveness of physical therapy in this population. PubMed and Google Scholar were explored by using predefined search terms related to physical therapy interventions and Down syndrome for full text of research articles published in English language in the last 15 years. This narrative review provides an overview of the many physical treatment techniques emphasizing their advantages, limitations, and areas in need of more investigation. The significance of specialized physical therapy interventions for children with Down syndrome is highlighted by this review's findings. Although a number of strategies have demonstrated promise in enhancing motor function and skills according to age, functional abilities and comorbidities. Physically development and functionally independence can be achieved in children with Down syndrome by combining evidence-based physical therapy interventions with multidisciplinary approach. Keywords: Down syndrome, Physiotherapy, Strength, Exercise, Resistance training, Neuromuscular stimulation
Objective: To evaluate the correlation between occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and mandibular basal bone height (MBH), and to determine their average values in relation to age and gender among dentate patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Prosthodontics, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Mar to Sep 2019. Methodology: One hundred and seventy patients, aged between 20 to 40 years, were selected after consent. OVD was measured from the nose tip to the chin prominence using a calliper with the teeth in contact. MBH was measured from the lower border of mandible to the most prominent point of chin. Results: The mean OVD for males was 71.03±6.00 mm and for females it was 64.56±5.00 mm (p<0.001). The mean MBH was 14.94±2.6 mm for males while for females it was 12.63±1.86 mm (p<0.001). Notably, significant differences in OVD were observed across the 20 to 25, 31 to 35, and 36 to 40 age groups, while MBH differences were significant in all age categories. The value of correlation coefficient was r=0.077 (p=0.320) between OVD and MBH. Conclusion: Males exhibited significantly higher occlusal vertical dimension and mandibular basal body height than females across all age groups while OVD and MBH showed no significant statistical correlation with each other. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender and age in clinical assessments related to these measurements.
Objective: To study correlation between coronary artery calcification and intra-dialytic blood pressure variation. Study Design: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Sep 2024 to Apr 2025. Methodology: Individuals of either gender between 30 and 65 years of age with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis were included. Group-A had coronary artery calcification, and Group-B had no coronary artery calcification. Coronary artery calcification was qualitatively measured by computed tomography Chest, while coronary artery calcium score was quantitatively measured using Agatston score. Coronary artery calcification was independent variable, and Intra-dialytic blood pressure variation was dependent variable. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to see a correlation between coronary artery calcification and intradialytic pressure variation. Results: Median age of 90(100%) participants was 47.00 (39.75-53.00) years. There were 52(57.78%) males and 38(42.22%) females. Majority of patients in Group-A had severe disease risk 20(22.22%), followed by moderate disease risk 18(20.00%). Median coronary artery calcium score in Group-A was 379.50 (136.00-538.25) HU. Correlation analysis found no significant correlation between coronary artery calcium score and intra-dialytic blood pressure variability for both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, coronary artery calcium score was statistically correlated with serum calcium levels and intra-dialytic hypotension. Conclusion: There was no correlation between coronary artery calcification and intra-dialytic blood pressure variability in dialysis-dependent end-
Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi, a gram-negative bacillus. It presents as high-grade fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, hepatosplenomegaly, relative bradycardia and abdominal pain. Granuloma formation is a rare presentation of typhoid fever that occurs at different sites in the body, mainly ileocecal region, liver, bone marrow and spleen. A case studied at Combined Military Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan involved a 21-year-old female with a history of high-grade fever and abdominal pain. Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation involving ileocecal junction, also causing hyperplastic erythropoiesis with granuloma formation in bone marrow. Typhoid fever is one of the causes of chronic granulomatous inflammation involving ileocecal area with no central caseous necrosis. Bone marrow examination and culture are important and gold standard investigations in a case of pyrexia of unknown origin.
Objective: To examine the frequency and potential factors associated with urinary tract infections in patients on sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor therapy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Diabetic Clinic and Medical Outpatients Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; from Nov 2023 to Apr 2024. Methodology: This study included 185 adult patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus using sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor for at least three months. The patients with a prior history of chronic kidney disease, urinary tract abnormalities, or recent genitourinary surgery were excluded. The data was collected on demographics, clinical parameters, urinary tract infection history, and adherence to hygiene practices to evaluate urinary tract infection frequency. Results: The majority of patients were aged 46-65 years 99(53.5%), with female predominance 110(59.5%). Amongst these, 56(30.3%) individuals reported a history of urinary tract infections. Risk factor analysis showed age (p=0.04), gender (p=0.02), body mass index (p=0.04) and comorbidities (p=0.05) were significantly associated with urinary tract infections. In the univariate analysis, gender and BMI showed significant associations with UTI, whereas age, comorbid conditions, smoking, and SGLT-2 inhibitor use did not reach statistical significance. Specifically, gender was associated with 2.7-fold higher odds of UTI, and higher BMI was linked to a 42% reduction in odds. Conclusions: A notable frequency (30.3%) of urinary tract infections was observed in patients who were prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. Certain factors, such as being female, being older, and having a higher body mass index, can increase the risk.
Objective: To find the frequency of nomophobia among medical students, and to determine the difference in level of nomophobia among male and female medical students. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt, Pakistan, from Jan to Jun 2022. Methodology: Fifty students each were taken from five years of MBBS using non-probability convenience sampling. A structured Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) was used for collecting the data which was filled by the students themselves. The questionnaire comprised of two parts. The first part was about demographic profile of the students including age, year of study and gender. The second part was for assessing nomophobia. To assess the differences in outcomes across the categories like gender and academic year with nomophobia, Chi Square test was applied, and a p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: From 250 medical students, there were 122(49%) male students and 128(51%) female students. Level of nomophobia came out to be 74(29%) having mild nomophobia, 149(60%) with moderate and 27(11%) were found to have severe nomophobia. The level of nomophobia differed significantly (p<0.05) among different academic years, but not across male and female genders. Conclusion: Sixty percent of the medical students in our study showed moderate nomophobia. There was a significant difference in nomophobia across academic years, but there was no statistically significant difference across genders.
