In hospital wards, families frequently confront an unkind truth: a sick child with tuberculosis, while the father experiences a heart attack due to undiagnosed diabetes. This is the double burden of disease faced by Pakistan, the constant battle against infectious diseases alongside a rising epidemic of chronic conditions. ¹ Developing nations like our own are caught in this transition, with their health systems stretched to the breaking point. Immediate integrated measures are required. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 75% of all deaths worldwide during non-pandemic times. Among developing and developed nations, four out of five premature NCD deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. In Pakistan, NCDs are estimated to cause around 52-60% of deaths, while communicable diseases and nutritional problems account for another 37%. Tuberculosis is particularly severe, as Pakistan is among the top five countries for TB, with nearly 140 daily deaths from the disease. Pakistan also has a very high rate of diabetes; one in every three adults (31.4%) suffers from this condition, amounting to 34.5 million affected people aged 20-79 as of 2024. In addition, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are major concerns resulting from modernization, unhealthy nutrition, tobacco use, and environmental pollution. ³ These conditions claim the lives of many young people. Moreover, high out-of-pocket healthcare spending pushes families into poverty, while households facing both undernutrition and obesity encounter additional challenges. Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles are driving a fast rise in NCDs, while infectious diseases such as TB, hepatitis, and dengue remain common across the country. Yet there is hope, as integrating health services helps save resources. For Pakistan, addressing the double burden requires scaling up several measures: improving primary healthcare through programs such as the Sehat Sahulat Program, integrating NCD and TB services, monitoring risk factor behaviours, and launching aggressive public awareness campaigns about salt, sugar, smoking, and physical inactivity. Schools, mosques, and workplaces should serve as vehicles for change. Data analysis and research into local risk factors would help guide the right investments. The private sector, civil society, and international organizations must collaborate to ensure affordable medicines, climate resilience, and adequate funding for these programs. While individuals need to be encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, political will and government investment are vital to tackling this challenge. ², ³
Background: Upper Crossed Syndrome is a type of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and it is linked with poor ergonomics and sitting for extended periods of time. Upper Crossed Syndrome can lead to muscle imbalances and a poor posture in the body that can lead to pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This study was aimed to explore the prevalence of Upper Crossed Syndrome and its relationship with sitting time and physical activity on the job among tall people. Material & Methods: The study comprised of 196 healthy subjects (age: 26.20 ± 2.34 years) of urban area of Karachi, Pakistan, having mean height of 70.4 ± 1.21 inches. The postural assessment was used to gather the following data: demographic data, work activity level, average sitting time and Upper Crossed Syndrome data. Data was analyzed while using SPSS version 26 and Chi-square tests and Spearman's correlation were used. Results: The findings revealed that 62.2% of participants were diagnosed with Upper Crossed Syndrome. Individuals engaged in sedentary occupations demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of Upper Crossed Syndrome compared to those with moderately active or physically active jobs (79.6% in sedentary occupations, 50.8% in moderately active occupations, and 35.1% in physically active occupations; χ² = 18.74, p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between prolonged sitting time and the presence of Upper Crossed Syndrome (ρ = 0.426, p < 0.001). Among participants with Upper Crossed Syndrome, the most frequently identified postural deviations were rounded shoulders (83.6%), weak deep neck flexors (74.6%), and forward head posture (73.0%). Conclusion: A sedentary lifestyle is highly prevalent among young adults, particularly among individuals who spend prolonged periods sitting without regular physical activity. The study highlights the importance of preventive strategies such as ergonomic education, postural correction programs, and routine physical activity to reduce the risk of Upper Crossed Syndrome and associated musculoskeletal disorders.
Background: Speech-language pathologists who work with voice disorders themselves are at a high risk of developing voice disorders due to the demands of their profession. Understanding prevalence and contributing factors are crucial for occupational health and effective voice care. This study was designed to determine the frequency and associated risk factors of voice disorders among speech-language pathologists. Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey where a self-developed online platform was used for collection of data. Based on the total population of speech and language pathologists in the country, a sample size of 270 participants was calculated using Raosoft sample size calculator. Results: The current study showed that voice disorders were associated with the four variables. A total of 75 SLPs sought medical care for voice-related difficulties, whereas 195 participants did not seek any medical treatment. Of the 270 participants, 229 SLPs do not take any medication and 162 SLPs do not regularly clean their throat. Conclusion: This study concluded that voice problems are a frequent in working speech language pathologists. Because excessive throat clearing may exacerbate voice difficulties, it is advised to consult a professional and receive vocal treatment.
Background: Burn is one of the most traumatic injuries globally. The leading cause of the burn is fire, gas cylinder blast, electric shock and chemical burn. Burn survivors face a number of physical and psychological problems including contractures, altered appearance, functional limitations, emotional distress etc. for an extended period of time. This study was designed to find out the effects of anxiety on functional limitations in burn survivors in hospitalized patients in Peshawar. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at Burns and Plastic Surgery Center, Peshawar Pakistan from June to November 2023. A total of 192 participants were included in the study using nonprobability convenience sampling. Anxiety was checked by anxiety component of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and functional limitations by the Modified Barthel Index (Shah version). Significance and association were calculated by using SPSS 25.0. Results: The anxiety (P=0.001) found to be significantly associated with functional limitation in burn survivors. In addition, an inverse Pearson correlation was found between HADs anxiety scores and Modified Barthel index scores (r = −0.307). The Total Body Surface Area (P= 0.114) found to be not associated with anxiety in burn survivors. Conclusion: The study confirms that anxiety significantly affects functional activities while Total Body Surface Area has is not correlated to anxiety in burn survivors.
Background: Principles of surgery are standardized to provide quality patient care through fruitful surgery. These comprise adequate clinical knowledge, judicious decision making, realistic patient counseling, decent surgical techniques and satisfactory perioperative care. This retrospective study was carried out to assess the outcomes of patients operated by female general surgeon at Department of General Surgery, Government THQ Hospital Sabzazar, Lahore from June 2018 to September 2023. Material & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Government THQ Hospital Sabzazar, Lahore form June 2018 to September 2023 and included 3491 patients who were operated by a female surgeon. Hospital records were accessed from the available data. Results: The mean age and BMI of adult patients were 55.10±13.89 years and 36.47±3.89 Kg/m2, respectively. Out of 3491 patients, 2158 (61.81%) patients had ASA score I and 1333 (38.18%) patients had ASA score II. No intraoperative complication was recorded. Average length of hospital stay was 2.17±1.95 days. Outcome observed was postoperative hemorrhage within 24 hours in 1 (0.02%) patient, wound disruption in 1 (0.02%), surgical site infection in 3 (0.08%), obstructive jaundice in 1 (0.02%), post appendectomy fecal fistula in 1 (0.02%) and scrotal hematoma was reported in 1 (0.02%) patient. Conclusion: Patients operated by female general surgeon at a THQ hospital, have promising outcomes following common general surgeries.
Background: Bike riders are increasingly experiencing postural issues, which frequently result in musculoskeletal pain. Particularly for college students who ride frequently, factors like bad posture, bike type, weight, and riding time all contribute to injuries. This study was designed to examine how bad posture affects pain and discomfort in Pakistani university students who frequently ride bikes. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 228 male university students aged 18-30, who ride bikes for at least four hours daily for two or more years. Data was collected using the plumb line method and standardized questionnaires, including the Nordic questionnaire for pain assessment, were used. IBM SPSS version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study showed that 50.4% of participants complaint pain due to poor posture. The most affected areas were the shoulders (87.1%), upper back (62.9%), and lower back (53.4%). Students with poor posture, longer riding hours, and road bikes experienced more discomfort. Conclusion: The study concluded that neck, trunk and arm positions and posture are highly associated with pain. The student with the neutral position of neck and slightly bent forward are highly associated with pain as compared to the students who has forward flexed posture of neck significantly. The students with upright and aligned posture of trunk are less prone to this condition as compared to the students who slightly bent forward and hunched forward significantly.
Background: Ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, the level of adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for ankle sprain management among physical therapists (PTs) in Peshawar, Pakistan, has not been adequately explored. This survey aimed to evaluate physiotherapists’ knowledge and adherence to CPGs in managing ankle sprains. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed via an online platform. Inclusion criteria was limited to participants who have treated at least two ankle sprain patients in the past 12 months. PTs working in academic settings or those who provided incomplete responses were excluded. A total of 230 PTs were recruited using convenience sampling. The study duration was six months. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 230 PTs (mean age: 28 ± 5 years; male: 57%, female: 43%) participated in the study. For the clinical scenario involving an acute ankle sprain with negative Ottawa Ankle Rules (OAR) findings, 0.2% of participants were classified as following CPGs, 31.4% as partially following, 19.6% as partially not following, and 48.5% as not following. In the scenario with positive OAR findings, 5.2% were following CPGs, 55.9% were partially not following, and 38.8% were not following. In the knowledge assessment section, participants demonstrated a 50% agreement rate across 11 CPG-related statements. Conclusion: The majority of PTs revealed suboptimal adherence to CPGs for ankle sprain management, indicating a significant evidence-to-practice gap in physical therapist working in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Background: Leadership in medical education is seen as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. In recent years, undergraduate programs have started to incorporate leadership training as part of the curriculum to enhance the quality of education. This rapid communication to outlines the need to teach leadership at the undergraduate level and proposes a small group teaching based strategy that could be utilized to prepare future leaders in the field of medicine. Methods: This rapid communication has proposed an instructional strategy for embedding leadership development in undergrad medical education using small group teaching which is a novel teaching method. The approach draws evidence from leadership education and active learning literature and outlines practical strategies including problem-based learning, group discussions, role play, peer feedback and reflective exercises. This is not an empirical research study but an educational innovation based on existing literature and educational practices. Results: The proposed approach is expected to support development of leadership related competencies including teamwork, communication and reflective practices. Conclusion: Teaching leadership through appropriate strategies at the undergraduate stage can produce competent professionals and future leaders, thereby improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
Background: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain condition affecting muscles and fascia. Pressure on affected areas causes localized or referred pain. MPS contributes significantly to the global disease burden, especially among working-age adults, reducing physical performance and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, MPS is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, highlighting the need for effective management. This review focuses on the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) for MPS, particularly when combined with other therapies such as intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) and trigger point compression. Methods: We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Sage Journals, Scopus and Google Scholar for this review. We included English-language articles published between 2013 and 2024. Search keywords included "Myofascial Pain Syndrome," "Dry Needling," "Trigger Points," "Electrical Stimulation," "Pain Management," and "Muscle Pain." Reference lists of selected papers were manually screened for additional relevant studies. Results: Findings indicate that DN, both alone and combined with other treatments (IMES, trigger point compression), significantly reduces pain in MPS. Mean VAS reduction was 3.2 points, and NRS reduction was 2.5 points in some studies. Improvements in patient mobility were also reported with DN and other techniques. Combining DN with IMES provided greater and more sustained pain relief, particularly in adhesive capsulitis and fibromyalgia. Conclusion: Dry needling, especially when combined with IMES, appears highly effective for pain relief and mobility improvement in MPS patients. This combined approach shows clear advantages over other treatments. Future research should establish standardized protocols and evaluate long-term benefits.
Background: Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricle of the brain is termed as hydrocephalus. The management of hydrocephalus depends upon two neurosurgical conditions, such as Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) and Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Both procedures are effective, but their cost effectiveness differs significantly. This study was designed to compare the institutional provided cost data of both these procedures and to highlight their financial complications for economic and effective treatment of choice for patients and healthcare providers. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at Ali Institute of Neuroscience, Irfan General Hospital, Peshawar. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from IRB. A cost analysis was conducted using institutional billing records. The cost component consists of surgeon fees, hospital charges and shunt device costs (in the case of VP shunt). Results: The standardized institutional cost for a single ETV procedure was Rs. 70,000–85,000 PKR lower than VP shunt, thereby reducing the financial burden on patients. Moreover, VP shunt procedures are associated with higher long-term costs due to shunt failure, infections and revision surgeries which further increase the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems. Conclusion: This institutional cost analysis provides clear evidence that ETV is a more cost-effective alternative to VP shunting in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Given its lower initial cost and reduced long term financial burden, ETV appears to be a more cost-effective option for appropriately selected patients to optimize healthcare resources and minimize economic strain.
Background: Dengue fever is a major global health concern, as it has emerged as a sudden threat, increasing mortality and morbidity rates worldwide, with no specific antiviral treatment available. It is a virus-borne illness; the Flavivirus is transmitted to humans by female Aedes mosquitoes and comprises four distinct serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Given this, increasing attention has turned to herbal medicine as a safer, more accessible, and potentially effective alternative for dengue management. This narrative review compiles and evaluates the antiviral, anti-thrombocytopenic, and larvicidal activities of various medicinal plants traditionally used across Asia and Africa. Materials & Methods: Articles were selected from Google Scholar and supplemented by hand-picked effective in vitro and in vivo studies. Subsequently, 22 medicinal plants including Carica papaya, Azadirachta indica, and Andrographis paniculata were addressed in this review. These plants exhibit promising anti-dengue effects through mechanisms such as inhibition of viral replication proteins, restoration of platelet counts, and suppression of vector development. Results: A variety of plants included in this review exhibited anti-dengue effects attributed to phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, which demonstrate both direct virucidal activity and host immune enhancement. Several herbal extracts have also shown the potential to interfere with the dengue virus life cycle at the stages of absorption, penetration, or RNA synthesis. Conclusion: This review emphasizes the need for standardization, dosage regulation, patient safety, and clinical validation to ensure both efficacy and safety. Herbal-based therapeutic strategies may offer a complementary approach to dengue control, especially in resource-limited settings.
Background: Emergence delirium (ED) is an altered state of consciousness and cognition that often occurs in children after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A). Little has been reported about the prevalence of emergence delirium in our population, therefore, this study was designed to find out prevalence of ED amongst children scheduled for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 23, 2023 to April 28, 2024. The study included children of different ages who were undergoing elective tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A). Standardised evaluation tools were used to assess the incidence of ED (Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale). Descriptive statistics were used to express the prevalence of Emergence delirium and logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors associated with Emergence delirium. Results: Among 246 children who were treated for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A), 74 (30.1%) had emergence delirium (ED). Prevalence ranged, being highest in toddlers (18.9%) and lowest in teenagers (21.7%). There was a higher prevalence of ED in males than females (31.9% vs. 27.8%) and a lower weight (<15 kg) was linked to a higher prevalence of ED (38.9%). The highest prevalence of Emergence delirium was seen in patients with sleep apnoea (41.7%). The ED rates in general anaesthesia were higher (33.3%) than local anaesthetics (14.3%). The highest incidence was seen in ASA III (50.0%). Demographic and clinical variables had different perioperative characteristics including PAED ratings and anaesthetic time, pointing to the need for tailored anaesthetic interventions as well as other interventions before, during, and after surgery to decrease the risk of admission to the ED. Conclusion: Around 30% of the included children with T&A had ED in our institution. Overall anaesthetic duration was significantly longer in the male patient with Emergence delirium, while ASA I patients had a significantly longer phase I duration in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU).
Background: The incidence of facial fractures in children is relatively low compared to adults, accounting for approximately 1% to 15% of all facial fractures, with mandibular fractures being the most common due to the prominence of the chin and falls being a frequent cause. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of paediatric mandibular fractures treated with acrylic cap splint followed by circum-mandibular wiring. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from Aprile 2025 to February 2026. Patients with either gender with age range of 2 to 12 years were included with mandibular symphysis, para symphysis and body fracture. These patients underwent fracture management through cap splint with circum mandibular wiring and postoperatively evaluated for occlusal stability, fracture union, mouth opening, pain level and gingival health status on follow up. Results: Most of the paediatric patients with mandibular fracture (64.0%) reported were from urban population with mostly boys around 52.5% with mean age of 6.65 ± 2.66 years. Patients reported with Symphysis area of mandible fracture as most frequent (44.6%) type of fracture. Among them around 85% shows fracture union and occlusal stability postoperatively which shows a high level of treatment effectiveness. Conclusion: For paediatric mandibular fracture using of acrylic cap splint with circum-mandibular wiring shows excellent post op clinical outcomes such as occlusal stability and fracture union.
Background: The extensive use of social media in contemporary communication systems has demonstrated significant impacts on the mental health of youth. The positive aspects of social media that promote connectivity and education also produce serious health risks which include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and disturbed sleep patterns. This study evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of use of social media while examining the psychological impact on university students' social networks. Material & Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 university students aged 18–26 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire using non-probability convenience sampling. The questionnaire recorded demographic characteristics, daily use of social media, most-used platform and self-reported psychological health outcomes including depression, anger, neglect of real-life activities, social isolation, sleep disturbance and low self-esteem. Data were analyzed using SPPS 26 and descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation were reported. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 392 participants were recruited for this trial. Out the total, 129 were female and the remaining 263 were male population. Three categories were used for the age distribution of participants: 18–20, 21–23, and 24–26. The 21–23 age group is the largest, accounting for 159 individuals, followed by the 18–20 age group with 147 individuals and then by the age group 24-26 having 86 participants. Social media hours showed statistically significant positive correlations with depression (r = 0.651, p < 0.001), anger (r = 0.728, p < 0.001), neglect of real-life activities (r = 0.737, p < 0.001), social isolation (r = 0.752, p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (r = 0.723, p < 0.001) and low self-esteem (r = 0.741, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Excessive use of social media was significantly associated with multiple negative psychological health outcomes among university students in Lahore. The strongest associations were observed with social isolation, low self-esteem, neglect of real-life activities, anger and sleep disturbance. University-level awareness, digital-wellbeing education and early mental health screening may help reduce risks linked with excessive use of social media.
Background: Work-life balance is a phenomenon that is growing and is indeed very difficult to achieve especially for young married mothers as they are expected to take the best care and give their best performances in both the domains of their lives; their professional and personal life. We carried this study to explore the lived experiences of female doctors in achieving work-life balance in Lahore. Material & Methods: The research design is based upon qualitative study, with use of phenomenological approach. Face to face in-depth interview technique was used for collecting firsthand data from female doctors. A purposive sample of four participants were recruited from different hospitals in Lahore. After the collection of data, the interviews were transcribed and the data was analyzed through interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Thematic analysis yielded four master themes and eighteen sub themes. The four themes that emerged were work life balance, personal life challenges, well-being and work-based environment. Sub themes included work life perception, techniques and suggestions to maintain this balance, family and spousal support, domestic help, mental and physical health, coping strategies, daily life challenges, gender discrimination and organization support among others. Conclusion: Work-life balance is a continuous struggle for the female physicians and they have to struggle a lot to balance both professional and domestic roles.
Background: Pregnancy related complications like gestational diabetes, hypertension and gestational weight gain can be prevented by physical activity as suggested by WHO, however, little has been explored about this in Pakistan. This study was designed to explore whether low levels of physical activity before pregnancy are associated with an increased likelihood of cesarean delivery. Material & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on female patients admitted at Gynecology& Obstetrics department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. A total of n=132 postpartum healthy women (mean age= 25±5.307 years) were included in the study through convenience sampling technique. Physical Activity among the participants was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short form) and by calculating Metabolic Equivalents of Tasks (MET-minutes/week). Results: The results of this study showed that level of prepartum physical activity was reduced in around quarter (24.2%) in postpartum women. A total of 75.7% reported the minimum level of activity required for performing daily activities. None of the participants reported high levels of physical activity (0%). A statistically significant association (p=0.001) was found between the mode of delivery namely, normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section and the level of physical activity among participants. Conclusion: The study indicates a significant association between the type of delivery and the level of physical activity among females of childbearing age. Women who underwent normal vaginal delivery were engaged in moderate physical activity whereas those with pre-term or cesarean deliveries predominantly reported low physical activity levels.
Scientific and technological advances in health, alongside the pressing challenges of global climate change, have significantly impacted both human and planetary health.1 In response, the concept of planetary health has emerged, emphasizing the prevention of environmental degradation and mitigation of its adverse health impacts. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses who are trained to advocate for health, communicate risks, and manage complex scenarios are increasingly expected to raise awareness and educate communities about planetary health.2 This shift indicates a move from traditional “global health” to a more comprehensive framework of “planetary health” aligning with initiatives such as the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This expands on the World Health Organization’s definition of health not merely the absence of disease, but complete physical, mental, and social well-being to a more interconnected understanding.3 As frontline workers and key stakeholders in healthcare, nurses must grasp planetary health principles, which emphasize the interdependence of human, animal, environmental, and planetary well-being. Although research on the nursing profession’s role in promoting planetary health is limited, incorporating environmental and ecological knowledge into nursing education is essential. Nurses, in collaboration with policymakers, can play a pivotal role in advancing planetary health initiatives.4 Nurses must also actively engage in mitigating health impacts linked to climate change, making the incorporation of planetary health into nursing curricula imperative.5 Globally, many countries are now integrating planetary health into nursing education to better prepare nurses for environmental health challenges. However, in Pakistan a developing country that relies heavily on global evidence for its education and healthcare system, the nursing curriculum has remained unchanged since its adoption in 2011. This curriculum, derived from international models, presents several challenges,5 necessitating revisions to ensure contextual relevance and quality. To better prepare future nurses, the curriculum must incorporate planetary health principles, aligning with international standards while addressing the local needs. The purposed of this editorial is to emphasize the importance and need for development and incorporation of Planetary Health in nursing education and particularly in Health Profession Education in general at the national level. This will enable health professionals to address planetary health challenges and be its active ambassadors on a global platform.
Introduction: One of the most common and carried out dental procedure is tooth extraction worldwide. Although massive advancements and progress has been made in the surgical maneuver and in preventing post-operative complication by enhancing and paying detailed attention to post-operative care, dry socket also known as alveolar osteitis, continues to be one of the most stressful and distressing post-operative complication in recent times. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in hospital-based with the aim to investigate the prevalence of dry sockets and associated risk factors among diabetic patients undergoing tooth extraction. The study was conducted over a six-month period from March 2025 to August 2025. The target population comprised of diabetic patients presenting to the outpatient department who required tooth extraction under local anesthesia. Results: The findings indicated that demographic and clinical variables including gender, smoking status, graduation status, endodontic treatment history, diabetes (Type 1 and 2), oral hygiene levels, and extraction difficulty showed no statistical relationship with the development of dry socket on either Day 2 or Day 5. The only factor showing a significant association with dry sockets was the number of postoperative visits. Patients who required multiple follow-up visits had a much higher incidence of dry socket, reflected by a highly significant p-value of less than 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that about 11 to 11.7 percent of diabetic patients undergoing tooth extraction developed dry sockets.
Background: Accumulation of blood between dura mater and arachnoid membrane is known as Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) which is a common neurological condition. Using a single burr hole and closed drainage system this study shows the clinical and surgical outcomes of CSDH. Methods: A total of 23 patients diagnosed with CSDH over a period of 2 years were included in our study that was carried out at our institution. Patients’ demographic, preoperative symptoms and post-operative were recorded. All patients underwent single burr hole craniotomy with continuous passive drainage using a Foley catheter. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 23 patients were included in this study. Out of the total, 20 were males (87%) and 3 were females (13%) with the age ranging from 18 to 75 years (mean 54.3 years). Pre-operative symptoms included headache (78.3%), hemiparesis (65.2%), falling tendency (52.2%), disturbed sensorium (47.8%) and incoherent speech (39.1%). The postoperative recovery was significant with 95.65% of patients being completely symptom free. Only one patient (4.35%) had recurrence that responded well with reoperation. No case was complicated with pneumocephalus, infection, or rebleeding, which endorses this technique as both safe and effective. Conclusion: The single burr hole with a closed drainage system without irrigation is a safe, effective and minimally invasive technique for treating CSDH. Its simplicity cost effectiveness and favorable outcomes make it an ideal option particularly in resource limited settings. Future research with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.
Background: Texting can strain the neck, and messaging can hurt thumbs. These are now common health problems. These problems are connected to using smartphones too much and the wrong posture and repeated movements. This study was designed to find out how common text neck syndrome and SMS thumb are among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included a sample of 313 university students from whom data was collected from December 2023 to June 2024. Participants consisted of male and female students aged 18 to 27 years, each using a smartphone for not less than one hour daily. Students with other recognized musculoskeletal diseases resulting in neck pain were excluded from the study. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and the Cornell Hand Disability Questionnaire (CHDQ) were used for data collection. Results: There were 313 university students, 42.2% of whom were male and 57.8% of whom were female. The average age was 21.8 years old. The results showed that college students had the most trouble with their right thumb (34.6%), wrist (29.7%), left wrist (15.4%), and right base of the thumb area (29.7%). Discomfort was less pronounced in the left little and ring fingers (12.5%), left thumb (14.3%), and left wrist (15.4%). The mean values for SAS, NDI, and CHDQ were 10.1 ± 8.5, 32.98 ± 9.9, and 20.4 ± 17.4, respectively. Conclusions: A high prevalence of text neck syndrome and SMS thumb among university students was observed. The thumb, right wrist, and neck were the most uncomfortable areas.
