Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) significantly affect women’s quality of life and are associated with psychological distress, social anxiety, and reduced sexual satisfaction. These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall health status, thereby imposing a considerable burden on affected individuals and healthcare systems. Objective: This study aimed to translate and validate the ICIQ-FLUTSsex questionnaire, a widely used tool for assessing sexual concerns related to LUTS. Methodology: A cross-cultural validation study was conducted at Hussain Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Ethical approval was obtained from Riphah International University, and informed consent was secured from all participants. The translation process followed standardized guidelines, including forward translation, expert review, back translation, and pilot testing. A total of 130 women were included: 68 with LUTS and 62 asymptomatic controls, with mean ages of 46.5±8.7 and 31.5±9.4 years, respectively. Among symptomatic participants, 38 sexually active women completed the ICIQ-FLUTSsex. Test-retest reliability was assessed by administering ICIQ-FLUTS, ICIQ-FLUTSqol, ICIQ-FLUTS-LF, and ICIQ-FLUTSsex twice with a two-week interval. Content validity was evaluated by ten experts using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s α, while reliability was assessed through weighted Kappa and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Discriminant validity was analyzed using ROC curves. Results: The questionnaires demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.854–0.972) and strong test-retest reliability (Kappa: 0.730–0.955; ICC: 0.803–0.992). Discriminant validity was acceptable (AUC: 0.657–0.970). After three months of treatment, 30 symptomatic women showed significant improvement in quality of life and sexual function, along with reduced LUTS severity (p < 0.001). The ICIQ-FLUTSsex also showed good responsiveness to treatment changes. Conclusion: The Urdu version of ICIQ-FLUTSsex demonstrated strong validity and reliability. It is a suitable tool for assessing sexual issues related to LUTS in Urdu-speaking women, supporting both clinical practice and research.

Background: Non-specific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that restricts movement and impairs quality of life. Muscle energy techniques and Pilates exercises are established interventions designed to relieve pain, enhance muscle performance, and promote physical stability. These approaches provide non-invasive solutions by improving mobility and reducing discomfort. Objective: To determine the effects of the muscle energy techniques and pilates exercises on pain and physical function in patients with non-specific low back pain. Methodology: This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 60 participants recruited from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received muscle energy techniques, while Group B performed pilates exercises over six weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire at baseline, 3rd, and 6th week. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages and displayed using bar charts and pie charts. Between-group comparisons were performed using the independent samples t-test, while within-group changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The mean age of participants was 35.42 ± 9.14 years in Group A and 38.11 ± 8.41 years in Group B. Between-group analysis post-intervention revealed significantly greater improvements in Group B for pain reduction (4.04±1.3 vs. 4.81±0.48, p=0.001) and physical function (7.58±3.16 vs. 9.31±2.68, p<0.001). Within-group comparisons showed both groups achieved statistically significant reductions in pain and improvements in physical function (p<0.05). Group A improved from a pain score of 7.39±0.74 to 4.81±0.48 and function 14.31±2.68 to 9.31±2.68. Group B showed larger improvements from NPRS 7.49±1.31 to 4.04±1.30 and RMDQ 14.03±3.33 to 7.58±3.16. Conclusion: Pilates exercises were more effective than muscle energy techniques in reducing pain and enhancing physical function in patients with non-specific low back pain. These findings support the use of pilates as a preferred non-invasive intervention for managing low back pain and improving functional outcomes.

Background: Cervical radiculopathy, caused by compression or irritation of cervical nerve roots, leads to neck pain, sensory changes, and functional limitations. Occupations with prolonged postures and repetitive strain, such as heavy truck driving, increase risk due to long hours, sustained sitting, mechanical stress, and whole-body vibration. Psychological factors like anxiety and depression can worsen pain perception and disability. Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychosocial factors and mental health problems among heavy truck drivers with suspected cervical radiculopathy in Peshawar. Methodology: A six-month cross-sectional descriptive study in Peshawar included 196 male heavy truck drivers aged 35–65 years with suspected cervical radiculopathy, recruited via non-probability convenience sampling from transport companies and healthcare facilities. Individuals with serious systemic diseases, malignancies, fractures, or those who reported driving less than ten hours per day were excluded from the study. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index for neck disability and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for psychological distress. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression, was performed using SPSS version 25. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between neck disability, anxiety, and depression. In addition, regression analysis was conducted to determine whether neck disability could predict levels of psychological distress among the participants. Results: The mean age of participants was 47.85 years. Mean scores for neck disability, anxiety, and depression were 2.76±0.46, 2.13±0.25, and 2.13±0.24, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a weak positive association between neck disability and anxiety (r = 0.139) and a minimal association with depression (r=0.056). Regression analysis indicated neck disability was not a significant predictor of depression (p=0.437) and had a borderline association with anxiety (p=0.051). Conclusion: Heavy truck drivers with suspected cervical radiculopathy experience notable anxiety and depression. The weak association between neck disability and psychological distress underscores the need for a biopsychosocial approach in assessing and managing cervical radiculopathy in occupational drivers.

Background: Chronic mechanical neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects functional ability, daily activities, and overall quality of life. It is often linked with poor posture, repetitive stress, and prolonged strain on the cervical spine. Objective: To compare the effects of Facet Oscillatory Mobilization and Mobilization with Movement in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain on pain, disability, and cervical range of motion. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which participants aged 35–50 years of both genders with neck pain lasting more than six weeks and aggravated by daily activities were included. Eligibility also required a painful and restricted cervical range of motion (flexion <80°, extension <70°, rotation <90° bilaterally, and lateral flexion <35°). Patients with cervical radiculopathy, cervical canal stenosis, previous cervical spine surgery, or recent cervical trauma were excluded. Group A received Mulligan Mobilization with Movement in the sitting position with 2–3 sets of 6–10 repetitions, while Group B received Focal Osteopathic Manipulation applied to cervical levels C2–C7 with 6–10 repetitions per session. Both groups also received conventional therapy, including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (2–10 Hz for 10 minutes), heating pad application, and stretching exercises for the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. For normally distributed data, repeated-measure ANOVA was used to assess within-group changes and between-group differences. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores, Neck Disability Index scores, and cervical range of motion from baseline to the fourth week (p<0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in overall treatment effectiveness (p>0.05). Conclusion: Facet Oscillatory Mobilization and Mobilization with Movement are both effective in reducing pain and disability and improving cervical range of motion in chronic mechanical neck pain. Both techniques may therefore be considered appropriate treatment options in physiotherapy practice.

Background: A common public health issue, especially in developing countries, is iron deficiency anemia. Teenage girls are more vulnerable because of their fast growth, higher iron needs, and menstruation. Objective: To find the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent females in the OPD of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, over a duration of six months. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 306 participants. Adolescent female patients aged 10 to 19 years old were included in the study, while patients with blood cancer, thalassemia, accident, psychological disability, and cardiac patients were excluded. The patients had undergone their serum ferritin and complete blood tests, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Following the consent process, each participant was asked to complete a structured questionnaire, which gathered demographic information, medical history, and dietary habits relevant to the study. Subsequently, blood samples were drawn, and these samples were then processed and analyzed to determine serum ferritin and CBC parameters for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. The data was analyzed and transformed into appropriate graphs and tables by using SPSS version 22. Results: The study, which involved 306 participants between the ages of 10 and 19, discovered that the overall prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 35.9%, with the highest incidence occurring in the 17–19 age range (19.9%). The prevalence of anemia overall, including non-IDA forms, was 68.3%. Of the individuals, 33.3% had mild anemia, 23.2% had moderate anemia, and 11.8% had severe anemia. There were notable socioeconomic differences; iron deficiency anemia rates were greater in the middle-income (22.2%) and low-income (11.8%) groups than in the high-income (2.3%) group. Adolescents in urban areas were more prevalent (27.5%) than those in rural areas (8.5%). Furthermore, non-IDA anemia was present in 32.4% of subjects. Conclusion: The study’s findings highlight the critical need for public health programs that target IDA in teenage girls by enhancing food education, providing iron supplements, and providing socioeconomic support. To create specialized treatments for this population, future studies should investigate additional causes of anemia.

Background: Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a frequent musculoskeletal condition marked by localized pain, tight muscle bands, and trigger points. Bankers are at higher risk due to prolonged sitting, continuous computer work, and poor ergonomics, leading to neck, shoulder, and upper-back discomfort. While MPS is common in office professions, its specific impact on work productivity among bankers remains underexplored. Objective: To assess the prevalence of myofascial pain syndrome and its association with work productivity among bankers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to September 2025 after obtaining ethical approval (Ref # USKT/FAHS/RECLetter-00078) from the Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sialkot. A total of 377 bankers working in various public and private banks across Sialkot were included in the study using non-probability convenience sampling. The study included participants aged between 25 and 40 years, both male and female, who had been engaged in the same type of job for at least one year. Eligible participants were those involved in prolonged sitting and computer use for a minimum of eight hours daily over the past year. Individuals were excluded if they had any pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, or trauma, or were regularly involved in fitness training. The myofascial pain syndrome questionnaire was employed to assess pain characteristics, trigger points, posture habits, aggravating factors, relieving positions, and their impact on daily functioning. The Impact of Work Environment on Civil Servant Productivity Scale assessed workplace-related factors, including ergonomics, break patterns, workstation support, posture, stress, and motivation. Association between this syndrome and work productivity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation test. Results: Among the 377 participants (259 males, 118 females), the mean age was 31.57 years. A high prevalence of MPS was observed, with 88.9% categorized as high and 10.3% as severe risk. Work productivity levels showed 1.3% low, 34% moderate, and 64.7% high productivity. Pearson correlation indicated a weak, statistically insignificant relationship between MPS and work productivity (r=0.069, p=0.179). Conclusion: The Study concluded that myofascial pain syndrome was highly prevalent among bankers, and it showed no significant association with work productivity. Despite discomfort and trigger points, productivity levels remained largely unaffected.

Background: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting young adults, particularly university students exposed to prolonged sitting, digital device use, and poor posture. Mechanical neck pain can impair academic performance and quality of life. High-velocity low-amplitude manipulation has shown short-term benefits in pain reduction; however, limited evidence exists regarding its immediate effectiveness in university students. Objective: To evaluate the immediate effects of cervico-thoracic high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation on pain intensity among university students with mechanical neck pain. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Thirty students aged 18–25 years with mechanical neck pain (Visual Analog Scale>4), those who had a body mass index below 28 kg/m², and reported an average daily study duration of at least five hours were recruited through purposive sampling. These criteria were established to ensure that participants had clinically relevant mechanical neck pain associated with academic workload. Individuals were excluded if they had signs of radiculopathy or myelopathy, a history of recent spinal trauma or surgery, pregnancy, diagnosed psychotic disorders, or migraine. Participants received a single standardized HVLA manipulation at the cervico-thoracic junction. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale before and immediately after intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Paired sample t-test assessed pre–post differences, and effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d and Hedges’ g. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: All participants completed the study. The mean pain score significantly decreased from 3.30±0.466 to 2.30±0.651 (t=8.515, p<0.001). Severe pain cases were eliminated post-intervention, with 50% reporting mild pain and 10% reporting no pain. Effect size analysis demonstrated a very large treatment effect (Cohen’s d=1.555; Hedges’ g=1.534), indicating substantial clinical impact. Conclusion: A single session of cervico-thoracic high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation produced significant and clinically meaningful immediate pain reduction in university students with mechanical neck pain, supporting its use as an effective short-term management strategy.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are becoming a global health challenge, affecting not only older adults but also adolescents who experience body pain, especially in their back, neck, and shoulders. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of neck, shoulder, and back pain among students of elementary schools in Quetta, Balochistan. Methodology: This study was cross-sectional, conducted at various schools in Quetta, Balochistan. Sample size was 256, calculated using Epitool, an online calculator that provides a convenient way to determine sample size. Non-probability convenience sampling was used for data collection. The study was completed within two months following the approval of the synopsis by the committee of the University of Balochistan, Quetta. The intended population was school students, male and female students under the age of 19 years, carrying school bags on either one or both shoulders, who were included in the study. Students who were unable to stand properly or use medical aids such as prosthetic devices, who could not respond to the questionnaire due to cognitive impairments, a history of trauma within the past year, as well as those diagnosed with spinal deformities like scoliosis, any genetic/metabolic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system were excluded. The questionnaire was developed by reviewing multiple published articles and included sections on demographics, ergonomics, pain details, and posture evaluation. Results: Almost all students (95.7%) used backpacks, and most of them carried their bags on one shoulder (weighing about 2-3 kg). The most common pain areas were the shoulders (34.4%) and the neck (32.8%). Around 41.8% said they felt moderate pain 2–3 times a week. A large number of students used their phones for long hours. Posture-related questions showed that many students sat in unhealthy positions, and about 73% believed their sitting posture was causing their pain. Despite these issues, most students (82.4%) never went to a physiotherapist or any treatment, showing a big gap in awareness and care. Conclusion: Study shows that musculoskeletal pain in school students is affected by many factors. These findings highlight that early checking and timely treatment are important so that young people do not develop long-term problems in life.

Background: Tightness of the plantar fascia and calf muscles causes foot pain, altered gait, and reduced work efficiency. Salespersons, due to prolonged standing, repetitive lifting, and limited breaks, are at high risk. Despite global evidence linking these factors to foot disorders, local data from retail workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of plantar fascia and gastrocnemius tightness among salespersons in Swat and to identify associated demographic, lifestyle, and occupational factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 377 salespersons selected through convenience sampling from retail stores and shopping centers in Swat. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical assessment. The Windlass test evaluated plantar fascia tightness, while the Silfverskiöld test assessed gastrocnemius tightness. Demographic characteristics, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, footwear type, and occupational factors were recorded. Associations were analyzed using the Chi-square test with a significance level of p<0.05. The study followed STROBE guidelines. Results: The mean age was 26.75±6.19 years, and the mean body mass index was 23.21±4.41. Males constituted 66% of participants. Plantar fascia tightness was found in 52.5%, and gastrocnemius tightness in 72.9% of participants. BMI showed significant associations with gastrocnemius (p=0.001) and plantar fascia tightness (p=0.025). Gender was significantly associated with plantar fascia tightness (p<0.001), with males more affected. Footwear type, physical activity level, and employment duration were significantly associated (p=0.001), while workplace type and daily working hours were not. Conclusion: Plantar fascia and calf muscle tightness are common among Swat salespersons, linked to body mass index, footwear, and lifestyle. Ergonomics, proper footwear, weight management, and stretching are recommended to prevent musculoskeletal issues.

In recent years, the growing number of student suicide cases has highlighted a troubling truth. An education system designed to support and inspire young people has, for many, turned into a source of intense pressure and emotional strain. Heavy academic demands, strict assessment practices, and constant competition have left students feeling ignored, restricted, and undervalued. This issue goes beyond academics; it represents a serious social and moral concern that requires immediate and sincere action. Mental health support is another area that cannot be neglected. Mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaigns, counselling centres, safe spaces, and guidance programs should be standard components of every school and university. Mental well-being should be treated with the same seriousness as academic performance. Ignoring students’ emotional struggles does not shield them from harm; it exacerbates the crisis. Proactive mental health measures can prevent tragedy and help students develop self-confidence, resilience, and hope for the future. Suicide rate reduction requires evaluating new approaches, like electronic health record–derived algorithms, internet-based screening methods, and ketamine’s potential benefit for preventing attempts, and passive monitoring of acute suicide risk change. For societies grounded in Islamic principles, the solution lies not only in policy but also in values. Islam emphasizes the sanctity of life, compassion for the vulnerable, and ethical responsibility toward others. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlight the importance of patience, kindness, and moral guidance, especially toward the young population. Ultimately, combating the rising suicide attempts requires courage, awareness, and accountability. It requires protecting efficient and experienced teachers, removing toxic authorities, prioritizing mental health, fostering empathy, and grounding education in strong ethical values. Schools and universities must become spaces where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow, not merely survive.