Lahore City Research Articles

Assessment of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from a metropolitan city Lahore, Pakistan.

Ingestion of microplastic (MPs) in birds and its subsequent health effects has become one of the major environmental concerns. The current study is, therefore, designed to investigate the level of MPs in gastrointestinal tract of a semi-aquatic bird species, the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and characterize their types, color and chemical composition. Samples (n = 5) from dead individuals were first digested then separated on the basis of density followed by vacuum filtration prior to quantification of MPs through stereomicroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the chemical composition of MPs. Our results showed the highest level (mean ± S.D items/sample) of sheets (37.2 ± 9.6) followed by fibers (28.8 ± 15.3), fragments (12.8 ± 16.2), and microbeads (0.4 ± 0.5) in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egret. The most frequently detected color was transparent (23%), followed by brown (19%), white (18%), black (15%), and orange (10%), respectively. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyisobutylene, polyaramid, fiberglass and PTFE coated fiberglass fiber were characterized as the major constituent compounds of MPs in gastrointestinal tracts of cattle egrets. Highest concentrations of sheets and fibers MPs in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egrets reflect their greater sources and lowest degradation. Our results depict the elevated level of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle egrets which might be posing some serious health effects. The ingestion of MPs by birds is evidently associated with their declining populations which should be mitigated effectively to avoid future worst consequences.

Assessing the Impact of Public Perception and Willingness-to-Pay on Reducing Smog in Pakistan: Evidence from Lahore City

Smog pollution is a major global issue affecting Pakistan's major cities, particularly Lahore. The study aims to explore the public perception and willingness to pay (WTP) for smog reduction via the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). This study uses a structured interview schedule and interval regression model to analyse the public perception and willingness to pay for smog reduction. Findings reveal that only 46% of respondents perceive smog pollution “strongly severe," attributing it primarily to industrial (43%) and vehicular (35%) emissions. Furthermore, after receiving the information, the respondents' WTP increased from 68 PKR to 84 PKR. However, respondents were more willing to pay for self-protection than to support the control and preventive measures. Socioeconomic factors such as education and income significantly influence WTP for smog reduction. This research underscores the need for enhanced public awareness and participation in smog mitigation for sustainable development.

Healthcare and economic burden of adverse childhood experiences in Lahore, Pakistan

ObjectivesStrong evidence links ACEs to adverse health outcomes, such as an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases. This study aimed to find the association between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and chronic health diseases and their healthcare and economic burdens in Lahore city. MethodsThe Study involved 385 participants from Lahore, Pakistan. Eligible participants who were 18 or older and below 18 years old were excluded. A cross-sectional study was conducted and the sample was collected using a stratified random sampling method. Cross-tabulation and Chi-Square tests were conducted to examine the relationship between exposure to ACEs and the outcomes of chronic diseases. Risk profiles including relative risk, attributable risk, and population attributable risk were calculated to determine the healthcare burden. The economic burden was calculated using DALYs and healthcare costs. ResultsThe sample had a 59.8 % male predominance, and the average age was 29. 67 % of participants had at least one ACE-related chronic disease such as anxiety, depression, and stroke. A significant association was found between them (p < 0.05). Due to ACEs, study participants lost 1388 years of a healthy life. At the same time, ACE-related healthcare costs were roughly 4200 million PKR (15.14 million USD). ConclusionThe results revealed an elevated risk of chronic health outcomes connected with experiencing one or more ACEs. Addressing ACEs may improve health, reduce healthcare expenditures, and increase resilience.

Integrated Geospatial and Geostatistical Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Urban Groundwater Quality Using Water Quality Indices

Groundwater contamination poses a severe public health risk in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, where over-exploited aquifers are the primary municipal and domestic water supply source. This study presents the first comprehensive district-wide assessment of groundwater quality across Lahore using an innovative integrated approach combining geographic information systems (GIS), multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and water quality indexing techniques. The core objectives were to map the spatial distributions of critical pollutants like arsenic, model their impacts on overall potability, and evaluate targeted remediation scenarios. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology was applied to derive weights for the relative importance of diverse water quality parameters based on expert judgments. Arsenic received the highest priority weight (0.28), followed by total dissolved solids (0.22) and hardness (0.15), reflecting their significance as health hazards. Weighted overlay analysis in GIS delineated localized quality hotspots, unveiling severely degraded areas with very poor index values (&gt;150) in urban industrial zones like Lahore Cantt, Model Town, and parts of Lahore City. This corroborates reports of unregulated industrial effluent discharges contributing to aquifer pollution. Prospective improvement scenarios projected that reducing heavy metals like arsenic by 30% could enhance quality indices by up to 20.71% in critically degraded localities like Shalimar. Simulating advanced multi-barrier water treatment processes showcased an over 95% potential reduction in arsenic levels, indicating the requirement for deploying advanced oxidation and filtration infrastructure aligned with local contaminant profiles. The integrated decision support tool enables the visualization of complex contamination patterns, evaluation of remediation options, and prioritizing risk-mitigation investments based on the spatial distribution of hazard exposures. This framework equips urban planners and utilities with critical insights for developing targeted groundwater quality restoration policies through strategic interventions encompassing treatment facilities, drainage infrastructure improvements, and pollutant discharge regulations. Its replicability across other regions allows for tackling widespread groundwater contamination challenges through robust data synthesis and quantitative scenario modeling capabilities.

Source identification, characteristics, and spatial distribution of airborne microplastic deposition in Lahore City, Pakistan.

A large volume of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) has been observed worldwide and is considered an emerging global environmental issue. Nevertheless, no significant assessment of the atmospheric deposition of MPs in Pakistan has been reported yet. The present study was designed to highlight the source, type, and spatial distribution of MPs in atmospheric fallout in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 23 sites were sampled in Lahore with a heterogeneous background of human activities. All samples were collected in a box with a one-foot depth fitted with a steel tray of 0.1 m2 at the bottom. Fenton's reagent and hydrogen peroxide were used to remove organic matter, and sodium chloride for density separation, while the MPs were quantified through a stereomicroscope, and polymers were identified through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The highest deposition rate (particles/m2/day) was observed at Badami Bagh, i.e., 6819, followed by Mall Road 4414, and Chung 4263, while the lowest was in Sabzazaar (i.e., 524) and Township (1047) with an average deposition rate of 2340 ± 1392. Among the MPs, the major portion was fiber, i.e., 96%, while fragment was 1.9%, sheets 0.78%, foams 1.12%, beads 0.04%, and other MPs 0.06%. At all sampling sites, 20 different types of polymers were identified with different percentages, of which polyester fibers were predominant with an abundance of 96.09% associated with clothes and textiles. A high frequency of MPs was found in populated areas with dense traffic, plastic wastes, household plastic materials, and mismanagement of wastes, which accelerates the atmospheric deposition of airborne microplastics. Evaluation and characterization of MP help assess health and environmental impacts, cleanup efforts, and guiding regulations. It also provides valuable information for waste management innovation to reduce plastic pollution.

Fear of Covid-19, Self-efficacy as a Mediating factor and Mental Well-being Among School Teachers

With self-efficacy serving as an intermediary variable, this study intends to investigate the connection between teachers' mental well-being (MWB) and their anxiety of COVID-19. A total of 107 teachers were recruited from different schools in Faisalabad and Lahore City. The data were collected using validated questionnaires measuring fear, self-efficacy and mental well-being. Fear of the coronavirus (COVID-) 19 Scale, was used. The model 2 revealed that the decreased (B = 0.27, 95% CI [-0.49, -0.05], SE B = 0.11, = -0.21, t (104) = -2.45, p =.01). Teachers aged 21 to 30 reported higher average fears (M = 20.88, SD = 5.66) than those aged 31 to 40 and 41 to 50. Findings from this research helps for interventions to improve teacher self-efficacy and support their mental health during times of crisis.

Organizational Sustainability: A Big Data Framework Using Knowledge Sharing and Innovative Work Behavior

Organizational sustainability is a multifaceted area of exploration for academics and businessmen alike. Sustenance is closely linked to human resource quality, performance, and productivity. The parameters that have a strong impact on the aforementioned factors are information sharing and innovative work behavior, which may transform the sustenance question into a workable and productive human resource strategy. This research focuses on the human resource and respective knowledge-sharing elements to expose the potential of social exchange theory. To analyze the data using Smart PLS, a total of 101 completely filled responses from full-time workers in Lahore city, Pakistan’s readymade garment industry, were utilized. The findings showed that information sharing and creative work practices are positively correlated with organizational sustainability. In addition, sharing knowledge fosters creative work practices. In light of the results, this study offers pertinent research recommendations for sustainable businesses.

An Anthropometric Failure and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors Among 7-13-Year-Old Children in Lahore City, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

An Anthropometric Failure and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors Among 7-13-Year-Old Children in Lahore City, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

A Key to Win Customer Loyalty: An Empirical Study to Measure the Customer Loyalty in Apparel Industry of Pakistan

This study aims to see the influence of price sensitivity, service quality, availability of substitutes, service recovery, word of mouth, convenience of products and customer satisfaction on loyalty of the customer in apparel industry of Pakistan. To test the theoretical framework, regression test was run on the data set. Data was collected from 300 respondents from different locations which include two biggest universities of the Lahore city in Pakistan. A lot of data was also collected from the biggest mall of the city. The results of the examination demonstrates that service recovery, word of mouth, convenience and satisfaction has positive effects on customer loyalty while service quality do not have noteworthy impact on loyalty of customer in apparel brands of Pakistan. A clear understanding of the relationship among factors will help companies to build and design strategies to enhance customer brand loyalty in apparel industry. Implications for managers, limitations and future research of the investigation are additionally examined.

Assessment of drinking water quality using Water Quality Index and synthetic pollution index in urban areas of mega city Lahore: a GIS-based approach

The aim of the present study was to assess the drinking water quality in the selected urban areas of Lahore and to comprehend the public health status by addressing the basic drinking water quality parameters. Total 50 tap water samples were collected from groundwater in the two selected areas of district Lahore i.e., Gulshan-e-Ravi (site 1) and Samanabad (site 2). Water samples were analyzed in the laboratory to elucidate physico-chemical parameters including pH, turbidity, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness, magnesium hardness, and calcium hardness. These physico-chemical parameters were used to examine the Water Quality Index (WQI) and Synthetic Pollution Index (SPI) in order to characterize the water quality. Results of th selected physico-chemical parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine the quality of drinking water. A GIS-based approach was used for mapping water quality, WQI, and SPI. Results of the present study revealed that the average value of temperature, pH, and DO of both study sites were within the WHO guidelines of 23.5 °C, 7.7, and 6.9 mg/L, respectively. The TDS level of site 1 was 192.56 mg/L (within WHO guidelines) and whereas, in site 2 it was found 612.84 mg/L (higher than WHO guidelines), respectively. Calcium hardness of site 1 and site 2 was observed within the range from 25.04 to 65.732 mg/L but, magnesium hardness values were higher than WHO guidelines. The major reason for poor water quality is old, worn-out water supply pipelines and improper waste disposal in the selected areas. The average WQI was found as 59.66 for site 1 and 77.30 for site 2. Results showed that the quality of the water was classified as “poor” for site 1 and “very poor “ for site 2. There is a need to address the problem of poor water quality and also raise the public awareness about the quality of drinking water and its associated health impacts.

Examining drivers’ distracted driving behaviour using the extended norm activation model

A driving distraction is any external or internal stimulus that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of safe vehicle operation, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers often get involved in distractions such as phone calls, text messaging, interacting with in-vehicle technology, roadside advertisements, roadside accident sites, and chatting with passengers, etc. In previous research, the antecedents of distraction behaviour have primarily been investigated through the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Refraining from distracted driving can be considered a pro-social behaviour and can be modelled using the norm activation model (NAM). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of pro-social behaviour in explaining drivers’ distracted driving behaviour using the NAM theory. In addition to the conventional factors of the NAM model – awareness of consequences (AC), ascription of responsibility (AR), and personal norms (PN) – this study presents a novel element that examines how technology can mitigate distractions. The data was collected in Lahore city through a questionnaire survey. The results indicate that AC and AR have positive associations with PN, however, PN has also been found to have a positive association with the distraction behaviour. This study provides insights into the utilisation of the NAM theory to evaluate the potential of altruistic behaviour in preventing individuals from engaging in distracted driving.

Analyzing Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics Using Geospatial Approaches: A Case Study of District Lahore, Pakistan

The present study focuses on the city of Lahore due to the substantial impacts of LULC on land-atmosphereclimatic interactions. This study aims to find and interpret the variations in land use patterns in Lahore during 20 years(2003, 2013, and 2023) with a ten-year interval. For in-depth analysis, four different classes- built-up, barren land,vegetation, and water bodies were determined. Several pre- and post-processing procedures were carefully carried outto improve the accuracy of the results after Landsat 7, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 satellite imageries had been utilized.The methodology included supervised classification using the maximum likelihood algorithm along with changedetection to evaluate and interpret the LULC alterations. The extent of change is demonstrated by quantitative datashowing that the built-up area increased from 308.6491261 sq. km in 2003 to 336.9702759 sq. km in 2023. On theother hand, there was a drop of 1099.13587 sq. km in barren land and a decrease of 10.47416794 sq. km in waterbodies. Despite a notable rise between 2003 and 2013, vegetation cover decreased by 328.4721624 sq. km by 2023.This study offers important insights for sustainable urban development and land management policy in addition tofurthering our understanding of the dynamics of land use and land cover in Lahore

Post-Cholecystectomy Biliary Leak and its Management in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore City: A Cross Sectional, Descriptive Study

Background and Objective: Leakage of bile after open or laparoscopic cholecystecmy is rare, but if occurred, is associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the experience of managing post-cholecystectomy biliary leak in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore, Pakistan.Methods: In this descriptive, cross sectional study, twenty-two cases were included using purposive sampling technique. These cases presented with bile leakage after cholecystectomy (open and/or laparoscopic) over the period of 3.5 years in a surgical unit. The patients were managed on case-to-case basis using a standardized revised algorithm. All patients were managed by ultrasonography guided drainage, and laparoscopic wash with control of sepsis. Magnetic Resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was conducted to classify injury using Strasberg's classification and managed according to the injury type. Data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 25 and described using frequency and percentages.Results: Cases were aged between 30-60 years and out of 22 patients, twelve presented with bile leaks through drain left in-situ (55%), six presented with peritonitis with drain in-situ (27%), four patients (18%) had abdominal distension and peritonitis. Firty-one percent patients were managed by ultrasound guided drainage and in 9/22 patients laparoscopic wash and drain placement was done. In six patients, ERCP with stent was used. In 5/22 patients, hepaticojejunostomies were performed.Conclusion: Post-cholecystectomy iatrogenic biliary leak can be managed by drain placement, abdominal wash and antibiotics. Presented algorithm will help surgeons to manage post-cholecystectomy biliary leak effectively with low risk of mortality and morbidity.Keywords: Bile duct disease, post-operative complications, Common bile duct injuries, Biliary fistula , fistula biliary, biliary leakage, Cholecystectomy

Characteristics and optical properties of atmospheric aerosols based on long-term AERONET investigations in an urban environment of Pakistan

Radiative balance, local climate, and human health are all significantly influenced by aerosol. Recent severe air pollution over Lahore, a city in Pakistan calls for more thorough research to determine the negative impacts brought on by too many aerosols. To study regional aerosol characteristics and their differences from various aspects, in-depth and long-term (2007–2020) investigations of the columnar aerosol properties over the urban environment of Lahore were carried out by using AERONET data. The Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD400) and Angstrom Exponent (AE400–870) vary from low values of 0.10 to a maximum value of 4.51 and from 0.03 to 1.81, respectively. The huge differences in the amount of AOD440 as well as AE440–870 show the large fluctuation of aerosol classes because of various sources of their emission. During the autumn and winter seasons, the decreasing trend of the optical parameters of aerosols like Single Scattering Albedo (SSA) and Asymmetry Parameter (ASY) with increasing wavelength from 675 to 1020 nm indicates the dominance of light-absorbing aerosols (biomass burning (BB) and industrial/urban (UI). Due to the long-distance dust movement during spring, summer, and autumn, coarse mode particles predominated in Lahore during the study period. Dust type (DD) aerosols are found to be the dominant one during spring (46.92%), summer (54.31%), and autumn (57.46%) while urban industry (BB/UI) was dominant during the winter season (53.21%). During each season, the clean continental (CC) aerosols are found to be in negligible amounts, indicating terrible air quality in Lahore City. The present research work fills up the study gap in the optical properties of aerosols in Lahore and will help us understand more fully how local aerosol fluctuation affects regional climate change over the urban environment of Lahore.

DNA damage in inhabitants exposed to heavy metals near Hudiara drain, Lahore, Pakistan

The current study was conducted on the inhabitants living in the area adjacent to the Hudiara drain using bore water and vegetables adjacent to the Hudiara drain. Toxic heavy metals badly affect human health because of industrial environmental contamination. Particularly hundreds of millions of individuals globally have faced the consequences of consuming water and food tainted with pollutants. Concentrations of heavy metals in human blood were elevated in Hudiara drainings in Lahore city, Pakistan, due to highly polluted industrial effluents. The study determined the health effects of high levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Hg, Cr) on residents of the Hudiara draining area, including serum MDA, 8-Isoprostane, 8-hydroxyguanosine, and creatinine levels. An absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine heavy metals in wate water, drinking water, soil, plants and human beings blood sampleas and ELISA kits were used to assess the level of 8-hydroxyguanosine, MDA, 8-Isoprostane in plasma serum creatinine level. Waste water samples, irrigation water samples, drinking water samples, Soil samples, Plants samples and blood specimens of adult of different weights and ages were collected from the polluted area of the Hudiara drain (Laloo and Mohanwal), and control samples were obtained from the unpolluted site Sheiikhpura, 60 km away from the site. Toxic heavy metals in blood damage the cell membrane and DNA structures, increasing the 8-hydroxyguanosine, MDA, creatinine, and 8-Isoprostane. Toxic metals contaminated bore water and vegetables, resulting in increased levels of creatinine, MDA, Isoprostane, and 8-hydroxy-2-guanosine in the blood of inhabitants from the adjacent area Hudiara drain compared to the control group. In addition,. This study also investigated heavy metal concentrations in meat and milk samples from buffaloes, cows, and goats. In meat, cow samples showed the highest Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn concentrations. In milk also, cows exhibited elevated Cu and Fe levels compared to goats. The results highlight species-specific variations in heavy metal accumulation, emphasizing the need for targeted monitoring to address potential health risks. The significant difference between the two groups i.e., the control group and the affected group, in all traits of the respondents (weight, age, heavy metal values MDA, 8-Isoprostane, 8-hydroxyguaniosine, and serum creatinine level). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated. The study has shown that the level of serum MDA, 8-Isoprostane, 8-hydroxyguaniosine, or creatinine has not significantly correlated with age, so it is independent of age. This study has proved that in Pakistan, the selected area of Lahore in the villages of Laloo and Mohanwal, excess of heavy metals in the human body damages the DNA and increases the level of 8-Isoprostane, MDA, creatinine, and 8-hydroxyguaniosine. As a result, National and international cooperation must take major steps to control exposure to heavy metals.

Temporal dynamics and forecasting of aerosol optical depth in megacities Lahore and Karachi: Insights from the Indo-Gangetic Basin and southern Pakistan, and implications for Sustainable development

This scientific study investigates the temporal dynamics and forecasts aerosol optical depth (AOD) in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan's two most populated cities. Lahore, in the center of the Indo-Gangetic Basin, and Karachi, on the southern coast, have issues from growing urbanization and significant aerosol emissions. Understanding AOD trends is critical for successful environmental management, public health planning, and climate change mitigation. Using the Box-Jenkins ARIMA models, this work systematically analyses monthly AOD fluctuations from July 2002 to May 2023 to confirm their predicting accuracy. The autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) have been employed to estimate the suitable model and identify significant lags to maintain prediction accuracy. The study concludes with a judgment that Model A is ideal for the ecology of Karachi and Model B for the ecology of Lahore. The forecast till January 2030 is available to look at several trends on AOD, namely, periods of seasonal solid fluctuations for both sites. This diversity emphasizes the need for specific actions, such as stricter environmental regulations, air quality monitoring, and providing greener transport solutions, which will result in blue skies. Utilizing the in-depth observations and forecast of the changing distribution of AOD values, the study helps develop approaches for reducing aerosol pollution. This is also one of the key contributions. We investigated critical environmental problems in the cities of Karachi and Lahore and provided means for such issues' resolution, enabling sustainable development and clean air.

Bridging knowledge divides: Examining the dynamic landscape of ICT integration in Pakistan’s education sector

This study delves into information technology's (ICT) effects on educational curriculum development, specifically focusing on the Pakistani context. The effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on various nations’ educational curricula are global. Integrating ICT into the academic sector is crucial to advancing educational planning in today's technology-driven era. The research aims to scrutinize the utilization and influence of ICT in Pakistan's educational landscape. A straightforward sampling procedure systematically gathered data from 385 Lahore city respondents spanning five public universities. The outcomes elucidate a substantial positive correlation between the availability and utilization of ICT and the enhancement of students' knowledge and learning skills. The study accentuates the pivotal role of ICT in amplifying educational efficiency and underscores its significance in shaping policies within the education sector. The ramifications of the research extend to educators, policymakers, and stakeholders, emphasizing the imperative need to integrate ICT into educational practices to achieve optimal outcomes effectively. By acknowledging the affirmative impact of ICT on academic development, this study contributes valuable insights that can guide strategies for elevating educational quality and planning in the digital age, ensuring a more robust and technology-enabled educational system. This suggests that integrating ICT positively impacts educational effectiveness and is essential for informing policies within the education sector.

The Effect of Paper Reading Versus Screen Reading on the Inferential Reading Performance among University ESL Learners

Contemporary ESL education focuses on screen-based reading, specifically in the context of university level learners. Also, a sudden shift from paper bound reading activities to screen-based tasks was inevitable in response to COVID-19 outbreak. In this regard, the case of inferential and advanced level reading among the young ESL learners of developing countries appears researchable because of the general low digital literacy of these learners. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of reading mode shift from paper to screen on the inferential comprehension performance among Pakistani ESL learners at university level. A total of 426 undergraduate learners were sampled from Bachelor of Science program in a well-known university in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Inferential reading was conceptualized through Bloom’s higher order thinking skills, that is, Analyzing, Evaluating and Creating skills therefore the reading comprehension test was based on these skills. Adopting sequential test administration, first the paper-based reading test, and later the screen-based reading was given. The obtained data were analyzed using Rendell’s XCALIBRE and SPSS V. 26.0. The logit scale descriptives, learner ability (θ), and mean scores demonstrated that the learners performed significantly higher in the paper test as compared to screen test. Moreover, it was found that the effect of reading mode shift was larger in Creating skill. The findings may have significant implications for reading mode selection, enhancement of digital competence and effect of reading mode shift in developing countries with inadequate IT facilitation and digital literacy among ESL learners.

Occupational Risk Factor for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Related to Computer Usage: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is triggered by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist's carpal tunnel. CTS is also more likely to occur if you work in certain occupations such as Related with clerical and administrative work on Computer. Objective: To identify the frequency and pattern of CTS among clerical and administrative workers using computer. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was started from October 2021 to January 2022 between 20-50 years of age at five Private colleges in Lahore city. The participants fulfilling the inclusion criterion were using computer for more than 6 hours a day, having co-operative attitude, weren’t taking any analgesics and had no associated co-morbidities. After informed consent 200 participants were enrolled using convenient sampling method. Sample size was calculated by taking average from previous research publications. A designed questionnaire was given among the participants to obtain information about demographics and Phalen’s test for CTS. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21.0. Results: The Results shows that 5 participants have Positive CTS in 20-30, 10 in 31-40, 14 in 41-50 age group. Positive CTS was considered positive via Phalen’s Test. Males have higher frequency of CTS as 21 Males and 8 Females with Positive Phalen’s test. Conclusions: CTS is related with an occupational factor in terms of computer usage. It is common in males because of excess workload and job duties

Exploring the Experiences of Midwives in the Provision of Postpartum Contraceptive Counselling to Rural Women in Pakistan: A Qualitative Approach

This study was conducted to examine the challenges faced by midwives in providing postpartum contraceptive counseling services to women in the rural area of Lahore city of Punjab Province, Pakistan. A qualitative research method was used wherein twenty study participants (midwives) purposively selected in the targeted locale were interviewed using a Semi-Structured Interview (SSI). The collected data was secured in the form of field notes which were subsequently analyzed while extracting four themes including (i) involvement of the client's family (ii) misinterpretation about the use of contraception (iii) contraception availability (iv) religious perspective on contraception. This study concluded that midwives are facing challenges from family, culture, and community while providing postpartum contraceptive counseling to rural women. Furthermore, the study also concluded that the personal choices, values, and religious beliefs of women also pose a significant challenge for midwives in providing contraceptive counseling to rural women in Pakistan.