Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Workplace Violence in Tertiary Hospitals: Unraveling Its Detrimental Effects on Healthcare Workers' Job Engagement.

Workplace (WPW) violence is a significant issue among healthcare workers (HCWs) in hospitals and negatively impacts the healthcare workforce. WPW can have more severe consequences, especially in tertiary hospitals with a concentrated, specialised workforce. In this regard, the study aimed to identify the dynamics of workplace violence exposure among HCWs in a tertiary hospital. It also investigated its impact on job engagement. The study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between June and September 2023. The study involved 3,526 HCWs at a tertiary hospital in Turkey, all invited, with 390 participating. The study examined healthcare workers' ability to handle WPV. It also examined their exposure to violence, their perception of safety against violence at work, and their engagement in their jobs. Exposure to WPV among HCWs included in the study significantly predicts job engagement, with a negative relationship (β: -0.473). Additionally, as HCWs' skills in managing WPV increase, job engagement also increases (β: -0.279). Among younger and less experienced HCWs, WPV exposure and job engagement scores were significantly lower (p<0.05). WPV, common among health workers, is an essential factor that reduces work engagement. Identifying and controlling the dynamics of WPV is critical to enhancing job engagement among healthcare workers and preventing related adverse outcomes.

E-cigarette usage and mental health among undergraduate medical and health sciences students

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of e-cigarette usage and its correlation with mental health disorders among undergraduate medical and health sciences students. A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 320 undergraduate students from four colleges (MBBS, BDS, B Pharm, BSN) at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University in the UAE. Stratified random sampling was used, and data was collected through face-to-face interviews using validated mental health assessment tools. Approximately one-third (35%) reported using vape, with a statistically significant relationship found between vaping and the socio-demographic characteristics of the students, such as sex and college type (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between vaping and depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. However, there were no significant correlations found between vaping and self-esteem or eating disorders. Vaping is prevalent among undergraduate medical and health sciences students and is linked to compromised mental health. These findings underscore the need for targeted mental health campaigns and e-cigarette screening programs. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to explore causal relationships.

Smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal associated disorders in university students: biomechanical measures and questionnaire survey analysis

BackgroundSmartphone addiction significantly impacts the musculoskeletal system, with 79% of younger adults aged 18–44 reporting excessive cell phone use. In addition, rare data exist on the roles of biological markers like 5-HT receptors, oxidative stress markers (TAC, MDA), collagen biomarkers (TIMP-1, TIMP-2), and triglycerides (TG) in the effects of smartphone addiction on the musculoskeletal system, particularly among university students.ObjectiveThus, the study aimed to investigate the potential link between smartphone addiction levels and certain biological indicators related to musculoskeletal injuries in the hands and necks of young, healthy university students.MethodsA total of 250 healthy university students aged 17–30 years old were randomly invited to participate in this descriptive cross-sectional analytical study. All participants were categorized into two groups based on their smartphone usage duration: non-addicted (1–3h./day; n = 48) and addicted (≥ 5h./day; n = 12). Smartphone addiction, musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck and hands, adiposity-related outcomes, and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) biomarkers, like matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs); TIMP-1,TIMP-2;5-hydroxytryptophans (5-HT), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed using validated questionnaires like the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively, and ELISA immunoassay analysis.ResultsA significant link was reported between smartphone addiction and neck pain, hand discomfort, and adiposity markers in 64%of the participant cohort. Moreover, females exhibited higher rates of addiction and susceptibility compared to their male counterparts (62.5% vs. 37.5%). Overall, the outcomes score of prolonged smartphone usage was positively correlated with adiposity, musculoskeletal disorders, and pain measured by the NDI, CHDQ, and VAS, respectively. Smartphone-addicted students demonstrated lower levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TAC activity, along with elevated 5-HT, TG, and MDA levels, compared to non-addicted controls.ConclusionSmartphone addiction is positively associated with adiposity and musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and hands, among university students. Key biomarkers (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, 5-HT, TG, MDA, TAC) significantly correlate with the severity of neck and hand MSD, as indicated by NDI, CHDQ, and VAS scores. Thus, public health initiatives are essential to raise awareness of the physical and biological risks of excessive smartphone use.

The impact of a humanitarian crisis on the magnitude of malaria in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia from 2014 to 2024

BackgroundThough Ethiopia has made a remarkable effort towards malaria prevention and control activities, malaria is occurring at epidemic levels in different regions. In Tigray, the health system including the surveillance system was damaged due to the war that erupted in November 2020, which requested to assess the burden of malaria in the region. A noticeable lack of malaria is due to the humanitarian crisis (war). Therefore, this study aimed to describe the malaria situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia from 2014 to 2024.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in January 2025 retrospectively data sourced from 2014 to 2024 in Tigray. Data was collected from the public health emergency management and health management information system database using a data abstraction tool. Data was cleaned and analysed through Microsoft Excel 2019 and ArcGIS 10.7. The analysed findings were presented using narratives, tables and graphs.ResultsAmong 7,195,545 suspected cases, 2,185,318 (30.37%) were confirmed malaria cases, yielding an average incidence rate of 35.37 per 1,000 people (95% CI 24.80–45.94) and a case fatality rate of 27 per 100,000. Plasmodium falciparum (65.3%) was the predominant species, followed by Plasmodium vivax (34.7%). The highest transmission was recorded in 2024 (382,955 cases), while the lowest was in 2021 (19,110 cases). During the conflict, report completeness decreased by 83%. Malaria cases peaked in autumn, with an average incidence rate of males and females at 50.19 and 25.31 per 1000, population, respectively, and individuals over 15 years old were 43.16 per 1000. Incidence was highest in the western zone (85/1,000) and lowest in the Eastern and Mekelle zones (7/1,000).ConclusionsThe magnitude of malaria was low during the crisis due to a very low notification rate, but the disease flared up and still became a major public health problem during the post-war period due to improved data access. Therefore, scaling-up vector control measures during high malaria transmission periods and geographical priorities for controlling and eliminating malaria to achieve the country's elimination strategies.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Postpartum Urinary Incontinence Among Postnatal Women in A Tertiary Health Care Centre, North Central Nigeria

Background: Urinary incontinence majorly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Though not life-threatening, it imposes a substantial emotional, social, and financial burden not only on the affected person but also on her family members. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence other than vesicovaginal fistula among post-natal clinic women in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 210 women attending a post-natal clinic in the Jos University Teaching Hospital over six months. Data collection was through an interviewer/self-administered questionnaire, which was sorted, coded, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Analysis was done using descriptive statistics, into frequencies, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test at p&lt;0.05 significance level. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 30.10 years. The overall prevalence of post-partum urinary incontinence among the study participants was 57 (27.10%): Stress urinary incontinence constituted 27 (47.37%), urge incontinence constituted 17 (29.82%), while those with mixed incontinence were 13 (22.81%). There were statistically significant relationships between post-partum urinary incontinence and age, religion, marital status, educational status, and occupation (p=0.001, 0.010, 0.002, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively) Conclusion: The study found that urinary incontinence other than vesicovaginal fistula is not uncommon among women during the puerperium, with stress incontinence being the most prevalent. Risk factors associated with it include age, religion, marital status, educational status, occupation, grand multiparity, and obesity. It's important to actively evaluate post-partum women and offer them treatment where the diagnosis is made.

Food Behaviour and Nutritional Status of Urban Primary School Children in Rajshahi Metropoliton City

Background &amp; objective: Healthy dietary habits during childhood promote optimal physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being of a child, and may contribute to the prevention of infectious and chronic diseases later in their life. Nevertheless, many factors prevent children from adopting healthy food behaviour and leading an active life. This study was undertaken to determine the nutritional status of the urban primary school children in Rajshahi Metropolitan City. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Community Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, over a period of one year between January to December 2019. The data collected from the PN Govt. Girls’ High School, and Rajshahi Collegiate School, Rajshahi, are both located in the Metropolitan area. A total of 270 primary school children of both sexes, aged 7-12 years who voluntarily consented through their school authority were included in the study. The nutritional status of the children was measured using BMI (calculated from their weight and height data). While the nutritional status of the children was the outcome variable, the age, sex, socioeconomic status, foods &amp; dietary behaviour, exercise/activity, leisure-time activity and behaviours that adversely affect their health and nutritional status were the exposure variables. Result: The mean age of the children was 9.7 ± 1.2 years (range: 7-12 years). The boy-girl ratio was 6:4. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 14.8 and 7.8% respectively. Approximately 58% of the students were maintaining a healthy weight for their age and sex. The prevalence of underweight and severely underweight were no less (14.1 and 5.6% respectively). While obesity among boys was somewhat higher (9.5%) than among girls (6.7%), severe underweight was more in girls (6.1%) than that in boys (4.8%). The majority (91.9%) of the students used to take three major meals a day. Most (83%) of the major meals contained rice, meat or fish, vegetables, and pulses. Over three-quarters (77.8%) reported taking vegetables and fruits every day with 77.4% having one serving of fruits daily. Over half (53.7%) of the students used to take soft drinks at least once a day and over 60% took fast-food 1-3 times a week. Students generally practiced some form of physical activity or sports with more than half (56.7%) taking exercise up to 30 minutes a day. Over three-quarters (75.2%) of students preferred outdoor games and the rest indoor games. Conclusion: Nearly two-fifths of the primary school children had healthy weights for their age and sex, one-fifth was underweight and another one-fifth were overweight or obese. Almost all the students practice some form of physical activity or sports. However, their food behavior is not as good as their exercise behaviour. Ibrahim Card Med J 2024; 14(1): 54-61

Hypoglycemia Incidence in Newborns Identified to Be at Risk, Data from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Turkey

Background: Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) is one of the most prevalent neonatal problems. We aimed to describe frequency and patterns of NH in neonates at risk of hypoglycemia. Methods: In this single-center retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study, the incidence of hypoglycemia in newborns at risk of NH born at Mersin University Hospital between Jan 2017 and Jan 2023, was investigated. The blood glucose level being lower than 40 mg/dL was defined as NH. Results: Overall, 506 neonates at risk of hypoglycemia were included: 53 SGA infants (10.5%), 127 LGA infants (25.1%), 212 infants of diabetic mothers (41.9%), and 230 late preterm infants (45.5%). Hypoglycemia developed in 113 out of 506 at-risk newborns (22.3%). Symptomatic hypoglycemia developed in nine infants (1.8%), while asymptomatic hypoglycemia developed in 104 infants (20.5%). Recurrent hypoglycemia incidence was 4.2%. Severe hypoglycemia developed in 13 infants (2.6%). All symptomatic hypoglycemic infants and 8 asymptomatic hypoglycemic infants requiring IV glucose, 17 infants (17/506, 3.4%), were hospitalized in the NICU. The targeted blood glucose level was reached in 1 hour at the latest in all hypoglycemic infants. Conclusion: With the algorithm applied, we did not see recurrent hypoglycemia after the first day of life in risky newborns, and we reached the targeted glucose values in hypoglycemic newborns within the desired period.

Nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to care for the elderly: A cross-sectional study in Vietnam.

Nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to care for the elderly: A cross-sectional study in Vietnam.

Prevalence and Clinical Severity of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Sri Lanka

Prevalence and Clinical Severity of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Sri Lanka

HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Practices among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Bangladesh

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a major global health concern, with marginalized groups in Bangladesh, such as injecting drug users, experiencing higher infection rates. This study aims to assess the awareness and prevention practices related to HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bangladesh. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness and prevention practices related to HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from January to May 2016, among 60 pregnant women attending antenatal care to assess HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention practices. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Verbal consent was obtained, and confidentiality maintained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Among 60 pregnant women, most were aged 26-30 years, illiterate (57%), housewives (65%), and from joint families (71.7%). Awareness of HIV transmission was highest for sexual intercourse with infected partners (90%). Knowledge of mother-to-child transmission (6.7%) and prevention practices like condom use (20%) was low. Misconceptions existed about transmission via utensils (36.7%) and mosquito bites (28.3%). Media exposure was high for television (90%) and outdoor media (80%), with limited participation in HIV/AIDS programs (5%). Conclusion: Targeted antenatal education is needed to address HIV/AIDS awareness gaps, especially on mother-to-child transmission and condom use, among pregnant women in Bangladesh.

The impact of emotional intelligence on work performance among ICU nurses in Palestine: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmotional intelligence plays a crucial role in work performance, especially in high-stress ICU settings. Understanding emotional intelligence’s role can inform targeted interventions to support nurse well-being, enhance resilience, and improve patient outcomes.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study involved 226 ICU nurses in Palestine, recruited through a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, including the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Test and a job performance scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and regression models were used to analyze predictors of job performance.ResultsThe study included 226 nurses, mostly male (74.3%), aged 21–30 years (71.2%), with a bachelor’s degree (68.1%) and less than five years of ICU experience (59.3%). Emotional intelligence scores were high, with an average of 151.9 ± 1.9, and perception of emotions had the highest subscale score. Work performance was also high, averaging 4.3 ± 0.7, with job quality and job quantity scoring the highest. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.611, P < 0.05) was found between EI and work performance. EI and educational level were significant predictors of work performance (β = 0.123, p < 0.01), explaining 39.3% of the variance.Conclusionthe study highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in improving ICU nurses’ work performance, particularly in job quality and quantity. Higher emotional intelligence helps nurses meet ICU demands, while educational level serves as a key predictor of performance. These findings highlight the need for EI training in nursing education, professional development, and workplace policies. Structured programs can enhance nurses’ decision-making, communication, and stress management, ultimately improving performance, patient care quality, and safety. Future research should adopt longitudinal or experimental designs to establish causality and evaluate the impact of EI training on nursing performance.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Pain knowledge and personal experiences can influence clinical pain management attitudes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPain management is one of the important issues of health care since it affects the individual physically, mentally and socially by hindering daily activities and it is affected by individual characteristics. To investigate the association of nursing students'pain experiences and knowledge levels with their clinical pain management attitudes.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study included 245 nursing students. Research data were collected between February and June 2022 in the nursing department of the State University Health Science Faculty in Central Anatolia/Türkiye. Data were collected using a questionnaire form that comprised three sections, ‘Demographic and pain characteristics of students,’ ‘Pain knowledge of students,’ and ‘Clinical pain management attitudes.’ResultsThe mean age of students was 20.6 ± 1.61 years, 65.7% of students were female and 58.8% resided in student dormitories. In general, students achieved a poor score (7.72 ± 3.01) on the pain knowledge test and an quite good score (21.55 ± 2.82) on the clinical pain management attitudes test. The results showed a positive and moderately significant relationship between students'socio-demographic and pain experiences and their knowledge and attitude scores. Female gender (knowledge:7.90 ± 3.01/attitude:21.85 ± 2.66), persistent pain at certain intervals (knowledge:8.06 ± 2.78/attitude:22.09 ± 2.34) and a family history of chronic disease (knowledge:7.80 ± 2.96) were associated with higher knowledge and attitude mean scores.ConclusionsExperiencing pain at regular intervals, not wanting to perform activities requiring physical strength when in pain, and having family members treated for pain and chronic diseases positively influenced students’ pain knowledge and clinical pain management attitude scores, particularly among females. Furthermore, the knowledge scores increased for students who experienced pain due to chronic conditions and have experienced pain for longer periods and those who used pharmacological methods to manage pain. Attitude scores also increased for students who experienced pain due to stress, measured pain intensity, and used non-pharmacological methods to manage pain.Graphical

Person-centered perioperative nursing levels of surgical nurses and factors affecting them

Background/Aim: There is evidence that effective perioperative care provided by nurses shortens the length of hospital stay, particularly in surgical units. However, studies on the level of perioperative nursing by nurses are limited. This study aimed to analyze the level of person-centered nursing by nurses working in surgical units and the factors affecting them. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July and August 2023 through face-to-face interviews with 150 nurses working in surgical units of two government hospitals in Adana and Nevşehir provinces who agreed to participate. Data were collected using the "Nurse Introductory Information Form" and the "Person-Centered Perioperative Nursing Scale (PCPON)". Results: It was found that 52% of the nurses were aware of person-centered care, and 71.3% did not believe that the same care should be applied to each patient. The mean score of the PCPON for nurses working in surgical units was 77.233 (14.62). There was a statistically significant difference between the PCPON scores of nurses working in intensive care units, those who chose the nursing profession willingly, those who willingly worked in surgical units, and those with knowledge of person-centered nursing (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that nurses working in surgical units demonstrated a high level of person-centered perioperative nursing performance. Factors such as willingly choosing the nursing profession, willingly working in surgical units, and educational status were found to influence perioperative nursing.

Indigenous Knowledge of Traditional Practitioners and Ethnobotanical Description of Underutilized Medicinal Plants Used in Treating Some Viral Infections in Southwestern Nigeria

Aims: The research aims to document underutilized medicinal plants used in treating viral infections in Southwestern Nigeria and to explore the traditional knowledge associated with their use. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across six southwestern states of Nigeria. From each state, three rural communities were selected from two Local Government Areas based on the prevalence of herbal healing practices, prominence of practitioners, and their indigenous knowledge of underutilized medicinal plants for treating infectious viral diseases. A total of 48 informants were randomly selected from the study locations. Place and Duration of Study: Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Lagos states, Nigeria; between October, 2024 and March, 2025. Methodology: Ethnobotanical details regarding medicinal plants were gathered from informants in the six states through structured interviews, observations, group discussions, and field excursions. The identification of rarely utilized medicinal plants was carried out by analyzing their life forms, growth habits, and environments, with support from the traditional healers involved. The Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were determined following established procedures. The pattern of distribution of medicinal plants was examined through a participatory approach Results: Over 50% of the respondents knew about the viral diseases and underused medicinal plants for their treatment. A total of 54 medicinal plant species from 32 different families were recorded and detailed. Most of the plant species were herbaceous, perennial, and regarded as either abundant or rare. The fidelity level (FL) values for each underutilized medicinal plant found ranged between 25 and 100%. The Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value for viral diseases exceeded one (1). Conclusion: The indigenous herbal knowledge has highlighted the underutilized medicinal plants for viral disease treatment which can promote sustainable livelihoods in indigenous communities.

English

Introduction: This article presents a descriptive exploratory cross-sectional study of South American soccer players participating in competitions organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between sociodemographic variables, knowledge and attitudes towards doping, and perfectionism in sports among male and female soccer players from field soccer, futsal, and beach soccer who participated in CONMEBOL competitions in 2023. Material and method: Three questionnaires were used to assess these factors in 614 professional athletes over the age of 18. Descriptive statistical methods were employed for data analysis, which was conducted in R environment using R Studio with the nmle, emmeans, and psych packages. The Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the scales employed. Results: The average age of respondents was 24.2 ± 5.4 years. 92.8% (n = 614) reported having prior knowledge about antidoping. 6.8% admitted to having unintentionally consumed a prohibited substance or method, while 11.4% acknowledged doing so consciously. The Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS) had an average score of 34.43 ± 0.55 among respondents, and the Perfectionism in Sports Scale (PSS) scored 71.2 ± 0.63. Conclusion: The various disciplines within soccer exhibit negative attitudes towards doping; however, those who admitted to consciously or inadvertently using prohibited substances and/or methods showed a tendency towards more positive attitudes than the overall average. The PSS scale indicated a high level of perfectionism among all respondents. The self-reported prevalence of prohibited substance use is higher than the Adverse Analytical Results reported by CONMEBOL’s Anti-Doping Unit.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the foremost contributors to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, the burden of CVDs continues to rise, influenced by both demographic and lifestyle transitions. Despite national efforts, rural regions remain underserved in terms of data and preventive strategies. Understanding localized trends is crucial to inform effective public health responses, especially in high-risk, resource-limited settings such as District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Objective: To assess the prevalence, distribution, and major modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases in District Dir Lower over the years 2023 and 2024. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across 46 healthcare facilities, including a teaching hospital, six tehsil headquarters hospitals, ten rural health centers, four category-D hospitals, and twenty-five basic health units. Data from 7,269 patients (3,598 in 2023 and 3,671 in 2024) were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information on clinical presentation, demographic characteristics, disease types, and risk profiles was obtained and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square tests were applied to compare trends between years, with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results: Myocardial infarction was the most frequent diagnosis (35.8% in 2023; 36.0% in 2024), followed by acute coronary syndrome (26.0% and 25.4%) and ischemic heart disease (7.4% and 7.6%). Males represented 58% of cases each year, and the highest age-specific prevalence was recorded in the 61–70 age group (58.2% in 2023; 58.1% in 2024). Tehsil Munda accounted for the highest case load (31.8% in 2023; 32.2% in 2024). Hypertension prevalence rose from 55.2% to 56.5%, diabetes from 23.1% to 23.9%, and high cholesterol from 36.0% to 43.0%. Conclusion: The findings emphasize a growing cardiovascular burden driven by modifiable risk factors. Strategic community-level interventions and healthcare system strengthening are urgently required to reduce disease incidence and improve long-term outcomes in rural Pakistani populations.

Factors associated with feeding problems in bottle-fed preterm infants: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

The feeding problems of preterm infants often persist after neonatal intensive care unit discharge. Further evidence on the feeding problems preterm infants experience after hospital discharge is needed to better serve this vulnerable population. This study aimed to identify infant-related factors associated with bottle-feeding problems in preterm infants before the age of 7 months. This descriptive and cross-sectional study included 338 mothers of preterm infants younger than 7 months of corrected age between April 2023 and April 2024. Mothers completed a survey that included infant and mother information form and Turkish version of the NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding assessment tool. Very and moderately preterm infants exhibited more problematic feeding symptoms according to NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding total scale and all subscale scores compared with late preterm infants (P < 0.05). Gestational age at birth was negatively correlated with NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding total scores (P = 0.001). Additionally, preterm infants with a diagnosed feeding problem had higher NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding total and subscale scores than those without (P < 0.01). In the multivariate regression analysis, very preterm status and presence of gastroesophageal reflux were predictors of higher NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding total and all subscale scores (P < 0.01), and moderately preterm status was associated with higher NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding total (P = 0.036) and infant regulation subscale scores (P = 0.001). Very preterm and moderate preterm birth, gastroesophageal reflux, and diagnosed feeding disorders were associated with problematic feeding. Identifying preterm infants who have difficulty with bottle feeding can guide primary care interventions or referral to specialists to achieve more favorable long-term outcomes.

Research engagement and career aspirations among public health graduate students: experiences from a developing country

BackgroundPublic health professionals are instrumental in shaping evidence-based policies and improving population health by translating research findings into actionable solutions. To sustain this progress, it is essential to understand the research engagement, aspirations, and challenges of public health students, as their active participation in research is critical for their development into successful public health practitioners.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed graduate public health students from universities in Bangladesh offering Master of Public Health program, using a questionnaire to collect data on demographics, research engagement, training, future aspirations, and the challenges encountered during research.ResultsAmong the 417 participating students, the mean age was 31.3 ± 5.7 (SD) years, with a majority being female (58.7%). Approximately half of the participants (49.2%) had engaged in research activities prior to pursuing their current degree, while 27.6% had received formal research training. Of all, 87.8% students (n = 366) had an intention to pursue research career in future. Female students (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.02–4.19, p = 0.043), students who were ≥ 30 years (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.11–5.69, p = 0.027), and studying MPH in public institutions (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22–0.90, p = 0.024) exhibited a higher likelihood of conducting research independently, compared to male students, age < 30 years and studying MPH in private institutions, respectively. Factors such as prior research training (aOR 5.61, 95% CI 2.64–11.9, p < 0.001) and prior education in non-science discipline (aOR 3.40, 95% CI 1.16–9.99, p = 0.026) were positively associated with conducting research independently.ConclusionGraduate public health students have demonstrated a strong interest in research careers, with nearly half reporting prior research experience. Being able to conduct research independently is shaped by factors such as gender, academic background, and the quality of training they receive.

Effects of Migraine on the Performance of Nursing Professionals

Background: Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling neurological condition, particularly among healthcare professionals exposed to chronic occupational stress. Nurses are disproportionately affected due to shift work, high emotional labor, and demanding clinical responsibilities, yet limited research exists on migraine’s impact on their job performance and coping strategies in resource-constrained settings like Pakistan. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of migraine on the clinical performance of nursing professionals by evaluating symptom burden, workplace stressors, and adopted coping strategies, while identifying gaps for targeted healthcare interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among registered nurses (n = 155) working in medical, surgical, and gastroenterology wards of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, including self-reported migraine history. Data were collected using a validated 31-item self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, migraine symptoms, stressors, and coping mechanisms. Ethical principles were upheld in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and informed consent was obtained. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS v27. Results: Among participants, 57% reported migraine symptoms, with 48.4% experiencing sleep disturbances and 45.2% reporting forgetfulness or confusion. Significant workplace stressors included pressure from superiors (43.9% always) and lack of coworker support (47.1% very often). Coping strategies such as prayer (27.1%) and exercise (43.2% very often) were commonly adopted. These findings are clinically relevant given the cognitive and emotional disruptions affecting patient care quality. Conclusion: Migraine substantially impairs the performance and well-being of nurses, driven by occupational stress and limited structured coping strategies. Integrating institutional support systems and culturally sensitive stress management programs is crucial to enhance nurse health and optimize healthcare delivery.

Prevalence of St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in End Stage Renal Disease Patients Admitted with Acute Coronary Syndrome at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) representing one of the most serious cardiac complications. Due to the unique pathophysiological changes in ESRD, traditional cardiovascular risk factors may not fully predict STEMI in this population.Objective: To determine the prevalence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) among ESRD patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to assess its association with baseline patient characteristics.Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Inpatient Department of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, over a six-month period from November 2024 to April 2025. A total of 71 ESRD patients aged 30–60 years on maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months and admitted with ACS were included. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory parameters. STEMI was diagnosed based on ECG changes and elevated troponin levels. Associations with baseline variables were assessed using the chi-square test.Results: Among 71 patients, the mean age was 46.72 ± 8.88 years, with a mean BMI of 25.43 ± 4.84. STEMI was diagnosed in 14 patients, yielding a prevalence of 19.7%. STEMI was more frequently observed in patients aged 30–40 years (28.6%), females (20.9%), obese individuals (27.3%), and non-smokers (22.2%); however, no association with age, gender, obesity, smoking, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia was statistically significant.Conclusion: STEMI is a common cardiac event in ESRD patients admitted with ACS. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors did not significantly predict STEMI in this cohort, suggesting the need to explore uremia-specific contributors.