Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

A Report of Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in a Hospital-Based Study

Background: The reports of Iranian Pediatric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) are rare and there is no specific survival rate for those cases. Objectives: This study was designed as a hospital-based project for evaluating the epidemiological data and survival rates of the mentioned patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that enrolled patients younger than 15 years old with approved LCH malignancy. Data was gathered based on a unique questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS Software version 25. Results: There were 32 cases (male/female ratio = 0.88) who were categorized as high risk (n = 18), moderate (n = 9) and low risk (n = 5), respectively. The mean age of patients was 5.1 years and the common chief complaint in them was bone pain, with the skeleton site of involvement. The 5-years overall and event-free survival rates were 93.3% and 72.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The suggestion is to provide a national registry for pediatric LCH followed by designing future projects around affective genes on the treatment response of the mentioned patients. In that way, we can improve the survival rate of these patients and decrease mortality.

Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Ectopic Pregnancy at the “Major Moussa Diakité” Reference Health Center in Kati

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy is a common cause of morbidity and sometimes mortality in women of childbearing age [1]. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a five-year period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. All cases of ectopic pregnancy received and taken were included in the study. In charge at the “Major Moussa DIAKITE” Reference Health Center in Kati during the study period. Results: out of a total of 26,133 live births, we managed 67 cases of ectopic pregnancy, i.e. a frequency of 2.5%. Married women (92.5%) and those with a history of sexually transmitted infections (35.8%) were the most affected. The average time from onset of symptoms to admission was 120 hours. The average gestational age at diagnosis was 14 weeks of amenorrhea (8 -20 weeks). The diagnosis was clinical in 62.2% of cases and in 37.8% on ultrasound coupled with hormonal dosage (B HCG). On admission the general condition of the patients was good in 60% of cases; with an average hemoglobin level estimated at 8.5 g/dl and the average hemoperitoneum volume was 925 milliliters. The ectopic pregnancy was ruptured in 98%, it involved the tubal ampulla in 88.1% of cases and the ovary in 2.9%. The contralateral appendix was clinically healthy in 91% of cases. The treatment was surgical from the outset in 98% of cases and one (01) case was medical (i.e. 2%) without success. Seven (07) patients or 10% were transfused. No maternal death was observed postoperatively. Conclusion: ectopic pregnancy was frequent in our structure; the diagnosis was essentially clinical and the treatment was surgical by laparotomy.

Knowledge about Administration and Regulation of High Alert Medication among Nurses in Oncology Department

Background: High alert medications (HAMs) are associated with a higher risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error. Understanding the administration and regulation of these medications within oncology settings is critical due to the complex nature of cancer treatment regimens and the severity of potential medication errors. Objective: To assess the knowledge of nurses regarding the administration and regulation of high alert medications in an oncology department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 registered nurses in the oncology department of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to evaluate nurses' knowledge of HAMs. Participants included both male (29.3%) and female (70.7%) nurses, with varying educational backgrounds and work experiences. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The results revealed moderate knowledge levels among nurses with significant gaps in critical areas. Only 20.3% correctly identified the protocol for fast IV push of 1:1000 epinephrine in mild allergic reactions, and 33.8% mistakenly believed that 10% calcium gluconate and 10% calcium chloride were interchangeable. Additionally, 44.4% incorrectly used 'Amp' or 'Vial' for dose expression instead of 'mg' or 'gm', and 53.4% failed to recognize the importance of distinctive labeling on look-alike drugs. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and standardized protocols to improve the safe administration and regulation of HAMs in oncology settings. Strengthening nurses' knowledge and practices regarding HAMs is essential to reduce medication errors and improve patient outcomes.

To Assess Knowledge and Practice among Nurses Regarding Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Background:Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a common healthcare-associated infection among patients with indwelling urinary catheters. The role of nursing staff is crucial in preventing these infections through proper knowledge and practices. Objective:To assess the knowledge and practices among nurses regarding the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in a tertiary hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 164 nurses from various departments, including medical, surgical, and gynecological units. Nurses with more than one year of experience were included, while student nurses and head nurses not directly involved in patient care were excluded. Data were collected through a survey assessing knowledge and practices related to CAUTIs. The sample size was determined using Solvin's formula. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants gave informed consent. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25.0 for descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Results:The majority of participants were female (85.4%), and most were aged between 31 and 35 years (50%). About 51.2% of the nurses had 6 to 10 years of experience, and 46.2% had received prior information or training on catheter-related urinary tract infections. The majority of participants (92.8%) knew that CAUTIs result from prolonged catheter use, and 95.7% were aware that aseptic technique with sterile equipment is crucial for catheter insertion. However, only 67.4% used a sterile technique for insertion, and 79.3% did not perform daily catheter care. The overall knowledge level was low for 29.3% of participants, moderate for 43.5%, and high for 16.3%, while the practice level was poor for 52.2% and good for 37%. Conclusion:Nurses demonstrated moderate knowledge but poor practices in preventing catheter-related urinary tract infections, indicating the need for targeted interventions and educational programs to bridge the gap and enhance patient care.

Association of E-Cadherin Expression with Histological Type and Grade of Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Objectives: To determine the immune expression of E-Cadherin in gastric adenocarcinomas and its association with tumor histological type and grade to evaluate its prognostic significance. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from December 2017 to January 2021. Eighty-one patients from both genders, aged 21 to 83 years, undergoing gastric biopsies and Gastrectomy specimens to diagnose gastric adenocarcinoma were included in our study. Immunohistochemical processing was performed and the results were interpreted by the consultant pathologist for the expression of E-cadherin on gastric adenocarcinoma. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 17. Results: There was a significant statistical association between loss of E-Cadherin with histological type of adenocarcinoma (p = 0.000). In total 81 cases, there were 53 (65%) cases of intestinal type adenocarcinoma and 28 (35%) cases of diffuse type adenocarcinoma. Of the 28 cases with diffuse type gastric Adenocarcinoma, 10 cases showed complete loss of E-Cadherin. This complete loss of Cadherin was also seen in four out of 53 cases of intestinal adenocarcinoma, all of which were poorly differentiated intestinal type of adenocarcinomas. Total cases of well differentiated type of adenocarcinoma were nine; all of these showed high expression of E-Cadherin. Conclusion: There is a strong association of E-Cadherin expression with the histological type and grade of gastric adenocarcinoma according to Lauren’s classification. As the grade of the adenocarcinoma gets higher there is more loss of E-Cadherin expression which proves its prognostic significance. It was also established that gastric adenocarcinoma is a disease of elderly with male predominance.

Nurse educators' knowledge and opinions about the "One Health" approach.

This study was conducted to reveal the knowledge and opinions of Turkish nurse educators about the One Health approach. One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach working at local, regional, national, and global levels to achieve optimal health (and well-being) outcomes recognizing the interconnections between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Despite nurses' unique position to address inequities in health care for all people around the world, the concept of One Health is a relatively new concept in nursing. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving a total of 272 nurse educators from various universities in Turkey. The email addresses of nurse educators were obtained from university websites, and the questionnaire form (created using the survey tool Google Forms) was then sent to them. Open-ended questions underwent content analysis, while multiple-choice questions were analyzed in terms of numbers and percentages. Eighty-two percent of nurse educators had never heard of or encountered the One Health approach before. Ninety-six percent of nurse educators think that the One Health approach should be included in nursing education. Nurse educators asserted that nursing should be included as a discipline in the One Health approach due to its relationship with the environment, health prevention and promotion, and its close contact with society. The results of this study underscore the necessity of enhancing One Health knowledge among nursing educators. It is particularly significant that the majority of nurse educators had not previously encountered or been aware of the One Health approach, highlighting an important gap in awareness and understanding. Nursing, silent in the realm of One Health, should integrate this approach, which encompasses human, animal, and environmental health, into nursing education, research, and practice. It is time for action to incorporate One Health into both undergraduate and graduate nursing education programs, conducting research in this area, and fostering collaborations.

Bacteriological profile and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among clinical suspected adult septicemia admitted patients: A study from tertiary care and teaching hospital

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the bacteriological profile and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among clinically suspected adult septicemia admitted patients and to study the correlation between the clinical presentation and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and Procalcitonin [PCT]) in the final outcomes of nosocomial sepsis in adult septicemia patients. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 1-year duration from November 2022 to November 2023. The study has been approved from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Adult patients with a clinical suspected diagnosis of sepsis were admitted to the medicine ward of the tertiary hospital. Blood samples of adult sepsis suspected patients samples were taken for as a part of septicemia screening. Blood culture and sensitivity were performed according to standard guidelines. The sepsis inflammatory prognostic markers CRP and PCT test were evaluated according to manufactures instruction. Results: Out of 300 clinically suspected adult septicemia patients, 93 (31%) patients were isolated culture-positive sepsis while 207 (69%) patients were culture-negative sepsis. Gram-positive organisms were more (69%) as compared to Gram-negative organisms (31%). Staphylococcus aureus was predominant among Gram-positive organisms while Acinetobacter baumanii complex (9%) followed by Enterobacter spp. (8%) isolated in Gram-negative bacilli. Culture-positive sepsis patients have CRP level ≥3.2 mg/dL (80%) and the majority (80%) of these patients have reactive PCT. Conclusions: Successful treatment of bloodstream infection depends on early diagnosis and appropriate use of antimicrobial agents. Rapid identification results and antimicrobial susceptibility tests are essential for guiding clinicians in the selection of the most appropriate treatment for patients with bloodstream infections.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON MALIGNANT TERTIAN MALARIA AMONG CHILDREN BELOW FIVE YEARS ATTENDING THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT LABORATORY AT JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

Background: World Health Organisation estimates that 229 million new cases of Malignant Tertian Malaria in 2019 in the world. 3.3 billion people in tropical regions and Uganda there is still a high mortality rate, especially in children below five years. Purpose of the study: The study was to determine the prevalence of Malignant Tertian Malaria among children below five years at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used and data was obtained from 146 respondents using an interviewer-administered questionnaire diagnosed, described, analyzed, and presented information on tables and figures using Microsoft Excel. Results: The prevalence of MTM was 48.6% among children below five years. The most common socio-economic factor was household structure with a prevalence of 56.33% and 43.66% for respondents who were staying in completed houses and those whose houses were not in good condition respectively. The knowledge of caretakers about MTM was inadequate most caretakers knew about MTM with a prevalence of 63.38%. Conclusion: Although interventions for the management of MTM were in place, a prevalence of 48.6% was still high and demands for additional efforts from the health workers and the Ministry of Health to lower the heavy disease burden. Recommendation: The health workers should offer health education about MTM to the patients attending the hospital and emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment of MTM infections should be prioritized.

Transmission of Hepatitis B in Newborn Mothers with Positive Hbs in the Csref of Commune V of the District of Bamako

The main cause of chronic HBsAg carriage is mother-to-child transmission. The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical and biological aspects of mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus in newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021 at the CSREF in Commune V. Sampling was exhaustive, and all newborns whose mothers were carriers of hepatitis B were included in the study. Results: One hundred and twenty newborns out of 3197 referred from the maternity unit, representing a frequency of 3.7% of hepatitis B in pregnant women. Eighty newborns were included. The other 40 were not included because the mothers refused. Among the mothers, 11/80 tested positive for HBeAg and anti-HBs, with 2 positive results (18.18%). Twelve pregnant women had viral load tests, with two positive results (16.66%). Six of the 80 pregnant women had received tenofovir during pregnancy (7.5%), and all the newborns had negative HBsAg results at 4 months of age. Conclusion : Low realization of viral markers of hepatitis B and treatment during pregnancy.

Exploring different stroke populations’ information needs: a cross-sectional study in England

BackgroundWhile tailored information might have the potential to motivate stroke survivors to make essential lifestyle changes and improve long-term outcomes, how this varies among different stroke populations is not yet fully understood.MethodFrom November 2022 to May 2023, stroke survivors in the UK, who were clinically stable, participated in a community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants rated several information themes on a Likert scale from one to five, indicating the relevance of each information group to them. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon and chi-squared tests on SPSS. Descriptive statistics were employed for examining the preferred information delivery method, timing, personnel, and frequency.ResultsSeventy survivors, with an average age of 67 ± 19 (61% males), were recruited. Survivors emphasised the importance of symptoms, risk factors, and recovery information during hospital stay, while medication and lifestyle change information were more significant in the community. Subgroup analysis revealed distinct patterns: First-time stroke survivors highlighted the importance of social and financial support (acute phase median Likert score 3, chronic phase median Likert score 4; p < 0.01), while those with prior strokes emphasised information on driving and working after stroke (acute phase median Likert score 4, chronic phase median Likert score 3; p < 0.05). Survivors recruited after six months of stroke prioritised knowledge of carer support in the community (acute phase median Likert score 3.5, chronic phase median Likert score 4; p < 0.01).ConclusionSurvivors’ information needs differ depending on factors such as the recovery phase, type of stroke, time since diagnosis, and the presence of a previous stroke. Considering these factors is essential when developing or providing information to stroke survivors.

Cost of patient and staff diet in Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Galle

Background: Government hospitals in Sri Lanka offer all services free of charge including the patient diet. Currently patient care services are affected by increasing health care cost in state hospitals. Cost cutting measures are essential in health care management in public sector without sacrificing the standards of care provision. Analysing hospital diet costs is crucial to figuring out how to save indirect operating costs while maintaining service quality and standards.Objective: To determine the cost of diet for patients and staff in the Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out retrospectively to determine the cost of patient and staff diet. The step-down costing method was used in this study, and secondary data was collected from kitchen records, the diet branch and the finance branch during the month of August 2023.Results: The total expenditure for the diet during the period was 9,864,157 LKR and per unit cost was 182.76 LKR to provide diet for patients and staff. The cost of breakfast, lunch and dinner was, 117 LKR, 225.39 LKR and 179.5 LKR respectively.Conclusion: The unit cost for diet was higher compared to previous Sri Lankan hospital study findings but lower than the present market price. Separate registers to record capital items and consumables are recommended to determine the diet cost in future and for the interventions to improve quality and reduce the cost.

Characteristics, reliability, and quality of YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate YouTube videos on meralgia paresthetica (MP) for reliability, quality, and differences between quality levels. We analyzed 59 videos related to MP. We evaluated several video characteristics, including views, likes, dislikes, duration, and speaker profile. We used view ratio, like ratio, Video Power Index (VPI), Global Quality Scale (GQS), JAMA criteria, and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) to assess viewer engagement, popularity, educational quality, and reliability. The videos received a total of 4,009,141 views (average 67,951.54), with 25.4% focused on exercise training and 23.7% focused on disease information. Mean scores were mDISCERN 2.4, GQS 2.8, and JAMA 2.1. Physician-led videos had higher mDISCERN scores, while allied health worker-led videos had more views, likes, dislikes, view ratios, and VPI. Poor and high-quality videos differed in views, likes, view ratio, VPI, and duration. Positive correlations existed among mDISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores, with video duration positively correlated with GQS. The content of YouTube videos discussing diseases significantly influences viewer engagement and popularity. To enhance the availability of valuable content on YouTube, which lacks a peer review process, medical professionals must contribute high-quality educational materials tailored to their target audience.

Sexuality in obese and pre-obese women: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Sexuality in obese and pre-obese women: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Application of AMORE therapy in the Quality of life of chronic Kidney Patients

Rationale: Quality of life constitutes an indicator of well-being in patients with chronic diseases. Natural and Traditional Medicine has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing the quality of life in patients with chronic non-communicable conditions; However, there is no evidence of its results on the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease. Objectives: Determine the application of Natural and Traditional Medicine through a comprehensive system of therapies in patients with chronic kidney disease with the aim of raising their quality of life. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a group of patients admitted to the Nephrology ward of the university hospital. Manuel Ascunce Domenech, to whom the comprehensive therapy called, AMORE was applied, with the objective of determining their quality of life before and after it was applied. The variables were taken into account: Age, sex, APP, Quality of life and Adverse reactions. Results: of the total number of patients treated, 18 were male, for 62%, of the total number of patients studied; their average age was 51 years. Quality of life at the beginning of treatment was evaluated as: Regular and at the end of treatment it was raised to Good. Conclusions: At the end of the treatment, it was determined that the comprehensive therapy of Natural and Traditional Medicine, AMORE, positively influences the Quality of life of the admitted chronic kidney patient.

Perturbation of Biological Markers in COVID-19 Positive Type-2 Diabetic Subjects (Delta and Omicron Variant Cases) in Pointe-Noire

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-19 pandemic affected the whole world, with a particularly high and severe incidence in patients with co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The SARS-CoV-2 variants, Delta and Omicron, posed an additional challenge in the management of these patients because of their virulence and high transmissibility. Objective: To assess the disturbance of certain biomarkers in COVID-19-positive T2DM patients in Pointe-Noire. Methods: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study on a cohort of 206 type 2 diabetic patients affected by COVID-19. Blood samples were taken for analysis of biomarkers (CBC, ESR, CRP, GLY, and HbA1c, lipid profile, urea and creatinine). RNA was extracted from nasopharyngeal samples and PCR was performed to determine the presence of Delta and Omicron variants. Results: The mean age of our patients was 56.33 ± 12 years. The Delta variant was the most common 132 (64.08%), followed by the other variants 57 (27.67%) and Omicron 17 (8.25%). We observed significant disturbances (p&lt;0.05) in biomarkers as a function of Delta and Omicron variants concerning: TC, TG, HDL, LDL, DDI, VS, CRP, GLY, and HbA1c. Conclusion: We identified the Delta variant as the most frequent in the diabetic population studied. Almost all biological markers studied were disrupted during COVID-19 infection in the type 2 diabetic population.

Working conditions, missed care and patient experience in home care nursing in Italy: An observational study.

The aging of the population requires an appropriate knowledge of the type of care that needs to be provided to inform healthcare policies. In Italy, neither home care nursing, nor the patient experiences have ever been described. To describe the characteristics of nurses and care recipients involved in home care. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 18 Italian Regions. Between April and October 2023, data from nurses and patients involved in home care were collected through two surveys. Psychosocial conditions in workplaces, missed care, and care experiences were assessed using validated tools. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlations were performed. A total of 46 local healthcare units were included in this study, with a total of 2549 nurses and 4709 care recipients. Nurses (mean age 46.60; 79.48% female; 44.68% regional nursing diploma as the highest qualification) reported good working conditions (42.37; SD=12.25; range=0-100) and a high mean number of missed care activities (5.11; SD=3.19; range 0-9). Most nurses (83.41%) reported high levels of job satisfaction, while 20.28% intended to leave their job. Patients (mean age 75.18; 57.57% female; 36.95% primary school), on the other hand, rated positively the care they had received (8.23; range=0-10). Despite the perception of critical issues at work and some missed care, satisfaction in nurses and patients was high. These data constitute a preliminary snapshot of the studied phenomena, which will be investigated through more in-depth analyses.

Frequency of Self Medication Among Health Science Students in Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practices of self-medication among healthscience students. The research sought to identify factors influencing self-medication practices, includingdemographics, program of study, and access to medical facilities.Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study design.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad,Pakistan including the Departments of MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and DPT over six months, from February 2023 toJuly 2023.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving students from a private universityin Islamabad, including those in MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and DPT programs. The study was conducted over sixmonths, from February to July 2023, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. A validatedquestionnaire was utilized for data collection, pre-tested for clarity and relevance, and translated from Arabicto English. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0, involving descriptive and inferential statisticsto elucidate self-medication trends and associations.Results: Among the participants, 60.9% engaged in self-medication within the past six months. The most usedmedications were pain relievers (61.9%), antibiotics (39.1%), and cough syrups (35.8%). Motivations for selfmedication included perceiving the illness as non-serious (47%), saving time (46.4%), and relying on pastexperiences (36.4%). Access to personal knowledge (52.3%) and understanding the importance of prescribedmedicines (54.3%) were prevalent among the participants.Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant number of medical students practiced self-medication,primarily motivated by underestimating the severity of illnesses. Over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics,despite requiring a physician's prescription, were the most commonly self-prescribed medications among thestudy population. How to cite this: Tahi Sk, Zaidi N, Shabbir M, Eman S, Batool A, Qureshi MH, Tariq MD. Frequency of Self Medication Among Health Science Students in Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, Pakistan. Life and Science. 2024; 5(2): 222-227. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.505

Determinants of Non-Acceptance of the COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The rate of COVID-19 vaccination hesitation among Iranian pregnant women is around 50%. The objective of the present study was to determine the reasons for the refusal of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and postpartum women. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 304 pregnant and postpartum women in the comprehensive health centers of Yazd, Iran, between October 2022 and April 2023. Researchers collected the data of unvaccinated women through phone calls using a validated questionnaire. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of baseline characteristics and reasons for refusing vaccination. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of the pregnant and postpartum women participating in this study was 28.31 ± 6.47 years. The most common reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine included fear of harming the fetus (32.2%), fear of side effects in the mother (25.7%), disbelief in COVID-19 disease and vaccine (13.8%), lack of information about the vaccine (12.8%), and negative opinions of the media and society (12.8%). Less common reasons included husband's disagreement (8.2%), history of COVID-19 infection (6.9%), gynecologists' disagreement (6.3%), history of infertility (5.9%), and underlying disease (3.3%). Astonishingly, among participants who did not inject a booster dose of the vaccine, 76% reported they didn't receive any training and recommendation on booster dose injection from health providers. Conclusion: Findings highlight that the most common reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine were fear of harming the fetus and fear of side effects in the mother.

Comparative analysis of unnatural deaths in Faisalabad during 2018-2022 – A raising trend.

Objective: To assess the pattern of unnatural deaths in Faisalabad during the last five years, to determine the gender and age group mostly affected and to explore the increasing trend if any. Study Design: Retrospective Cross-sectional Descriptive study. Setting: Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. Period: January 2018 to December 2022. Methods: Subjects of the study were victims of unnatural death in areas covered by Police stations where the postmortem was performed in the Mortuary of Punjab Medical College / Faisalabad Medical University. Data was collected from respective official Police records, FIRs and Postmortem reports and recorded on pre-structured proformas. It was categorized on the basis of manner of death, type of weapon involved, age groups involved and gender. Results: Out of a total of 1340 autopsies conducted, 1024(76.4%) were males and 316(23.6%) were females. The male to female ratio was 3.2:1. Majority of the victims belonged to the 30–39-year age group i.e. 338 (25.2%) followed by the 20-29-year age group with 333 (24.8%) cases. The manner of death was homicidal in 896(67%) cases followed by 320(24%) accidental and 77(6%) of suicide. Firearm was the most commonly used weapon claiming 490 (36.6%) lives followed by RTA with 254 (19%) cases. September was the month in which maximum cases were reported (140,10.4%). Conclusion: Males are the major victims of unnatural deaths, with firearm weapons claiming the majority of lives. There is a rising trend in the number of unnatural deaths as the years go by and strict measures need to be implemented to keep a check and balance on the availability and easy access to firearms and strict traffic rules should be implemented.

Sleep quality and its correlates among undergraduate students of a medical school in North Karnataka, India

Background: Poor sleep quality is a global health concern and is fast becoming one of the silent epidemics. Sleep quality among medical students is of particular interest as they are considered high risk groups for developing sleep related issues because of their demanding schedules. This study aims to estimate the magnitude of poor sleep and its correlates among undergraduate medical students of a medical school in Belgaum, India. Methods: An institutional based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 undergraduate medical students using a self-administered questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The potential determinants of quality of sleep were identified using logistic regression. A p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant and adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI was used to present the strength of association. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality among medical students was 69.3%. Factors like gender, female students (AOR=2.381, 95%CI=1.359-4.172), being overweight or obese (AOR=2.499, 95%CI=1.297-4.817) were associated with poor sleep quality. Students with good sleep hygiene (AOR=0.415, 95%CI=0.231-0.745) and who did not use technology during bedtime (AOR=0.38, 95%CI=0.168-0.878) were less likely of having poor sleep quality at p&lt;0.05. Conclusions: Prevalence of poor sleep quality among substantial proportion of medical students in the current study is alarming. The already existing personal and professional development programme committee can conduct routine screening to assess sleep quality among students and focus on programmes to improve their sleep hygiene.