Objective: To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 during the second wave in Chitral, Pakistan.Study Design: Cross sectional prevalence study.Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Health Department of Agha Khan Health Servicest th (AKHS) Chitral from 1 September 2020 to 31 March 2021.Material and Methods: This data has been collected from Agha Khan Health Service (AKHS) of Chitral duringthe second wave. The positive cases reported were tested using PCR. A prevalence-based study was conductedto analyze the severity of COVID-19 in Chitral during second wave. A total of 2315 suspected symptomaticindividuals consented for whole blood samples and nasal swabs for viral antigen detection by PCR. RNAextraction was performed using EMAG (BIOMERIUX, France). Real-time reverse-transcription PCR wasperformed to detect the viral load.Results: The second wave of COVID-19 in Chitral district did not cause any serious harm because of thevaccination and public awareness about the infection and social distancing. Overall, 15% of the population wastested positive and the peak was in months of November and December 2020. The higher rate of positivity(69%) was shown in upper rural areas of Chitral district, KP province, Pakistan More than 70% of population gotvaccinated by March 2021 that is the highest number of vaccinated people in a city in Pakistan.Conclusion: Our prevalence based data analysis indicate that the second wave of Corona virus hit the countrybut had limited effects in Chitral, possibly due to proper practice of preventive measures and awareness amongthe citizens including social distancing, good hygienic care and timely vaccination. Most of the cases reportedduring second wave were in the month of November/December 2020. How to cite this: Rizwan M, Naz T, Khan MB, Kang AS, Khan A, Khan T, Ali L. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection during the COVID-19 Second Wave in Chitral, Pakistan. Life and Science. 2022; 3(3): 99-104. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.240
Objective: To investigate health-related internet search and its influence on the behaviors of those seeking Professional Health care. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Abbottabad, Pakistan, over a period of six months, from January 2024 to July 2024. Methods: A total of 356 participants were recruited through convenience non-probability sampling. Inpatients aged 18–50 years were included, while those with psychiatric or chronic medical/surgical illnesses were excluded. Data were collected using a structured, pre-adapted questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were examined using Chi-Square tests with odds ratios (95% CI). A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 356 participants, 46.1% reported performing health-related internet searches. Psychological reactions varied, with 34.6% experiencing, reassurance, or support and 37.6% reporting fear or anxiety. Anxiety (OR = 3.14) and reassurance (OR = 15.78) were substantially more common among internet searchers, suggesting a dual psychological influence. Searchers frequently had positive behavioral objectives, such as changing their smoking or substance usage (50.6%), increasing their physical activity (81.1%), and improving their nutrition (77.4%). They showed more involvement with healthcare services by asking doctors more questions (OR = 1.76) and requesting referrals or extra investigations (OR = 8.11) than non-searchers. Self-medication (51.1%) and stopping scheduled tests or drugs (57.3%) were two potentially dangerous practices that were also noted. In general, both positive and negative behavioral reactions were linked to online searches. Conclusion: Online health information searching can have a twofold effect: promoting positive lifestyle intentions and augmenting concern and unsafe self-management. Increased digital health literacy can help maximize the benefits and mitigate risks. How to cite this: Bajwa AA, Iqbal H, Tahir J, Rehman R, Asif A. Health Related Internet Search and Its Influence on the Behaviors of Those Seeking Professional Health Care: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan. Life and Science. 2026; 7(3): 395-403. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.1109
Objective: This study aimed to establish and evaluate the impact of a student-led near-peer mentorship program on the academic performance, social adjustment, and mental well-being of first-year medical students, and to assess the professional development of the mentors involved. Study Design: A mixed-methods study design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Department of Medical Education, Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, from August 2022 to August 2023. Methods: The RISE (Raise, Inspire, Support, Empower) program consisted of five founding members from second and third years, one faculty advisor, 18 advisors, and 30 mentors selected based on academic performance, empathy, and mentorship aptitude. Mentor performance was periodically evaluated through structured questionnaires. Mentee satisfaction was assessed through informal, recorded sessions, campus wide consensus, and professor evaluations. Results: Most mentees (89.8%) reported that the program met their expectations. Additionally, 93.2% felt mentors provided effective guidance, and 94.3% expressed interest in maintaining long-term mentee-mentor relationships. Multiple focus group sessions with the mentors and mentees demonstrated overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the RISE mentorship program. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate an overall positive response, suggesting that near-peer mentorship programs are feasible and may serve as a foundation for institutionalized mentorship initiatives in medical schools and in Pakistan overall. How to cite this: Amjad A, Liaquat A, Ahmer H, Abdullah MA, Sani N, Huzaifa IB, Rana MA, Khan AYR. A Mixed-Methods Study of the Assembly and Analysis of a Near-Peer Mentorship Program for First-Year Medical Students - Initiation, Challenges, and Successes. Life and Science. 2026; 7(3): 423-428. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.1094
Objective: To compare the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of community-acquired acute kidney injury and hospital-acquired acute kidney injury.Study Design: Prospective comparative study.Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Quetta, Pakistan from January 2023 to June 2024.Methods: Patients diagnosed with renal injury were classified as community-acquired acute kidney injury if onset occurred before hospital admission and as hospital-acquired acute kidney injury if onset occurred postadmission. Data collected included demographic information, underlying comorbidities, laboratory values, and details of treatments received. Statistical analysis compared incidence rates, risk factors, and patient outcomes, including mortality rates and requirements for renal replacement therapy.Results: Out of 33 patients, 27 (81.8%) had community-acquired acute kidney injury, while 6 (18.2%) had hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. Most admissions were from the medical unit (87.9%), with fewer from surgical (9.1%) and obstetric (3%) units. The cohort had a mean age of 45.58 ± 18.03 years, and the majority were male (63.6%). In terms of acute kidney injury severity, 51.5% of patients were classified as Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 3, 33.3% as stage 1, and 15.2% as stage 2. Complications included oliguria in 18.2%, hyperkalemia in 12.1%, and metabolic acidosis in 12.1% of patients. Vasopressor support was required in 24.2%, mechanical ventilation in 12.1%, and dialysis in 30.3%. Among community-acquired acute kidney injury patients, 22.2% received vasopressors and 25.9% required dialysis; survival was 92.5%, with 7.4% mortality. All hospital-acquired acute kidney injury patients survived, with 33.3% on vasopressors and 50% on dialysis.Conclusion: Acute Kidney Injury is common among hospitalized patients, with significant in-hospital mortality. Most cases are community-acquired. These emphasize the need for targeted interventions in hospital settings to prevent acute kidney injury and to enhance early identification and management strategies to reduce its incidence. How to cite this: Khan Z, Malik MH, Liaqut R, Altaf A, Anum H, A Comparative Study of Community- and Hospital-Acquired Acute KidneyInjury in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Balochistan. Life and Science. 2026; 7(3): 411-416. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.881
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of parenteral iron sucrose and iron sorbitol in iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy.Study Design: Prospective comparative study.Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Bahawalpur, from 1st September 2023 to 29th February 2024.Methods: A total of 120 females having iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy, 18 to 40 years of age, were included. Group A was given intravenous iron sucrose daily for 3 weeks, whereas Group B administered intramuscular iron sorbitol in partial doses over 96 hours (i.e., 75 mg 24-hourly) for 21 days. All cases were tracked for 21 days, and effectiveness was documented.Results: The average age of females in group A was 25.13 ± 4.32 years, and in group B, 24.57 ± 4.93 years. Gestational age ranged from 12 to 28 weeks, with a mean of 23.08 ± 3.66 weeks. Efficacy (in terms of rise in hemoglobin >2.5 g/dl and plasma stored iron ≥15 µg/L at the end of 3 weeks of therapy) was seen in 46 (76.67%) females in group A (intravenous iron) and in 24 (40.0%) females in group B (intramuscular iron) with a P-value of 0.0001.Conclusion: The present research determined that the effectiveness of intravenous iron sucrose is consistently greater than that of intramuscular iron sorbitol in anemia of pregnancy. How to cite this: Nisa Z, Faryal, Naz N, Amjad K, Gul R. Comparison of the Efficacy of Intravenous Iron Sucrose and Intramuscular Iron Sorbitol in Iron Deficiency Anemia of Pregnancy: A Prospective Comparative Study. Life and Science. 2026; 7(3): 417-422. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.652
