University Of Lahore Research Articles

Unlocking the potential of technology usage in fostering education quality and students' satisfaction: a case of Pakistani higher education

PurposeThis research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how TU as a moderator affects EQ and SS in Pakistani private higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachA total of 440 postgraduate students at eleven private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, participated in empirical research and data were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose participants and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings revealed that Pakistani private HEIs have a medium level of EQ, TU and SS. Furthermore, the data reveal the existence of a significant positive relationship between EQ and SS, whereas TU as a moderator was found to negatively affect EQ and SS.Research limitations/implicationsPostgraduate students of private HEIs in Pakistan were considered for this investigation and this study was limited to testing only in Punjab province. Another limitation of this study is that it was based on a research framework from previous research and literature. This study employed questionnaire surveys to conduct evaluations of teachers' teaching quality by university students. Furthermore, the questionnaire employed student self-evaluations to assess the quality of teaching. The research data would be more detailed if it were possible to include teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching quality.Practical implicationsThe current study provides key insights for policymakers, higher education commission and HEIs. The results suggest leveraging the identified medium levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in Pakistani private HEIs. In an effort to boost the medium levels, policymakers are encouraged to enhance the teaching and learning experience by robustly integrating Web 4.0 technologies. Institutions can intervene strategically by investing in infrastructure and innovative tools aligned with students' technological needs. Likewise, policymakers and institutions can optimize learning management systems (LMS) by developing and implementing policies that encourage their adoption and optimization across HEIs. This may contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing quality education. Moreover, with the help of this research HEIs can establish minimum quality standards regarding academic teaching and learning materials. Implementing the above-mentioned practical implications might boost student satisfaction in HEIs which would benefit not only students but also the institutions.Originality/valueThe novelty of the article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study investigated whether TU served as a moderator in the relationship between student satisfaction and UNESCO-recommended EQ. This study elaborates on EQ indicators recommended by UNESCO in Pakistan’s private higher education sector.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY BACKGROUND AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS OF GRADUATES

Entrepreneurship is all about risk taking, initiative, independence and creativeness. Entrepreneurs are known for creating new jobs by opening new businesses which ultimately becomes a base for the boost of economy. Entrepreneurship means creation and implementation of new innovative ideas. This can only be done if one has the passion, energy and vision to turn the idea of change into reality by bring the solutions to those problems which are not solved yet. Any creative person can become an entrepreneur. In this paper we are trying to analyze the relation between the family background and entrepreneurial intention of university students of Lahore. We have gathered the information regarding the family background of students and their intentions to start a business, trying to conclude the relationship between them. For this purpose, 250 questionnaires were filled from students of different universities of Lahore.

Comparative Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Impostor Phenomenon in Medical and Non-Medical Students of Lahore City

BACKGROUND: The Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is a psychological pattern emphasizing feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy despite evidence and acknowledgement of one's competence and accomplishments. It is commonly found among excelling individuals who believe that they have somehow “tricked” others into thinking that they are more capable than they are. There are over 1200 published researches on Impostor Phenomenon since 1978 and this has led to the development of various measurement scales but the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale is the most commonly used instrument by researchers. Till now, there have been various researches regarding the prevalence of the IP among students but there has yet to be a study on a comparison between medical and non-medical students. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence and distribution of Imposter phenomenon among medical and non-medical students, as well as to compare the difference in its distribution between males and females. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative research design was used on a sample of 242 medical and non-medical students of CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), respectively. The inclusion criteria were medical and non-medical students of both universities while the exclusion criteria were students, who refused to give consent. Data was collected from January to April 2023 and all participants completed a questionnaire based on the Clance Impostor Phenomenon (CIP) scale. After the collection of the data, it was assessed using SPSS version-26 and the the Clance Impostor Phenomenon score was calculated. The CIP score is organized into 4 sets and suggests the range of Impostor Phenomenon (IP) characteristics: <=40 total score (Mild IP), 41-60 total score (Moderate IP) 61-80 total score (Frequent IP characteristics), >=81 total score (Severe IP) RESULTS: After analyzing, using unpaired T-test on the data, the study showed both medical and non-medical students experience imposter phenomenon to a certain degree but the prevalence of imposter phenomenon was found to be significantly higher among LUMS (non-medical) students as compared to CMH (medical) students. The total CIP score determined the severity of IP and showed LUMS having a higher mean value of 67.08 (±13.704), and CMH having 58.36 (±11.413) suggesting much more frequent IP characteristics in non-medical students. It was also noted that although the Imposter phenomenon is observed in both genders, it is much more significant in females with a mean of 68.39 (± 13.737) and 58.52 (±11.345) for males, again showing females to experience frequent impostor phenomenon characteristics. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study provides evidence that imposter phenomenon is prevalent among both medical and non-medical students and it highlights the need for educators and mentors to focus on the prevailing issue so that this phenomenon can be countered for their future professional growth. To break the vicious cycle of negativity, effort needs to be put in by both students and teachers to be able to achieve positive results.

Investigating Electronic Media's Impact on Noise Pollution Awareness Among University Students in Lahore, Bridging the Gap toward Sustainable Urban Environments

This study investigates the influence of electronic media, particularly television, on noise pollution awareness among university students in Lahore, Pakistan. The research aims to assess the role of role of TV electronic media in raising awareness about noise pollution among university students in Lahore. The approach in this research is quantitative by using survey method through purposive sampling. This is done by collecting data from 150 students from three prominent universities, namely Lahore College for Women University, the University of Central Punjab, and Punjab University. The findings reveal that 76% students recognize noise pollution as a significant environmental threat with detrimental effects on health and the environment. Additionally, 72% respondents were affected by Traffic noise. Furthermore, there was a perceived lack of emphasis on this issue in electronic media, specifically television broadcasts. This research contributes to SDG 11 by emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about environmental issues such as noise pollution for the creation of sustainable and livable cities and communities.

Fear of Missing Out in University Students: A Psychometric Study

Background: 
 Fear of missing out is a subcategory of social anxiety and an upsurge issue which may lead university students to experience many detrimental effects on their well-being.
 Objective:
 To develop an indigenous scale with sound psychometric properties to measure fear of missing out by highlighting the culture-specific experiences of university students.
 Method:
 A mixed cross-sectional research design was used. This study was carried out from October 2020 to May 2021. Data was collected from different government and private universities in Lahore. Initially, 82 items were generated by conducting interviews with university students. After eliminating dubious items, a list of 57 items was generated. These items were given to a committee of experts for empirical validation. After that, a list of 48 items was finalized. Then these items were piloted on 14 university students. Finally, this scale along with the demographic form was administered to a sample of 400 university students (men=194, women=206) in the age range of 18 to 28 years (M=21, SD=2.15) using purposive sampling technique. 
 Results:
 Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed four-factor structures of fear of missing out scale named, Low Self-Esteem, Lack of Contentment, Apprehensions, and Jealousy. In each subscale, no. of items ranges from 6 to 14 items. Results revealed the newly developed scale has a high internal consistency of a=.73, test-retest reliability r=.89, and good concurrent validity r= .34. Results also revealed that 14.0% of participants have mild, 37.3% have moderate, 32.0% have severe and 16.8% have a very severe level of fear of missing out.
 Conclusion:
 As a result of this study a 41-items self-reported measure of fear of missing out for university students, having sound psychometric properties was developed.

Urdu Translation and Adaptation of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire: A Reliability and Validity Study

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common neuropathic disorder, and its assessment often relies on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). However, there is a lack of a validated Urdu version of this tool for use in Pakistan. Objective: To translate and adapt the BCTQ into Urdu and to validate this version among native Urdu-speaking patients diagnosed with CTS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the University of Lahore over six months. The study involved 142 native Urdu-speaking CTS patients. The translation followed Beaton's guidelines and included forward translation, reconciliation, back-translation, expert committee review, pre-testing, and cognitive debriefing. The translated questionnaire's reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and correlation analyses. Floor and ceiling effects were also examined. Results: The Urdu BCTQ demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.85 for SSS and 0.87 for FSS) and good test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.75 for SSS and 0.78 for FSS). Construct validity was confirmed with substantial correlations with established measures (0.65 for SSS and 0.70 for FSS), and the questionnaire showed responsiveness to treatment effects (statistical significance at 0.05). Demographic analysis indicated a balanced representation of participants, and minimal floor and ceiling effects were observed. Conclusion: The Urdu version of the BCTQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing CTS in Urdu-speaking patients. Its high internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and proven construct validity make it an effective instrument for clinical and research settings in Pakistan.

Perfectionism, mattering and loneliness in young adulthood of Generation-Z

IntroductionYoung adulthood is a transitional period where adults are faced with new social and psychological roles. So, in order to matter and to form relationship with others, they become vulnerable to set exaggerated high standards for themselves and others, which can eventually lead them to experience loneliness. ObjectivesThe present study aimed to determine the relationship of perfectionism, mattering with loneliness in young adults of Gen-Z after controlling for covariates. It was also aimed to find out gender differences on perfectionism, mattering and loneliness in young adults. MethodCorrelational research design was used. A sample of 320 students with age ranging from 18 to 24 years, was collected from seven different government and private universities of Lahore through purposive sampling. The sample comprised of 160 male students and 160 female students. Multidimensional perfectionism scale, Mattering scale and UCLA loneliness scale-3 were administered to measure perfectionism, mattering and loneliness respectively. ResultsPearson product moment correlation showed that closer relationship of young adults with father (p < .01), mother (p < .01) and friends (p < .05) had a significant negative relationship with loneliness. Results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that age was significant negative predictor of loneliness. Self-oriented, other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism were significant positive predictors of loneliness. Mattering was significant negative predictor of loneliness. Independent sample t-test showed no significant differences between male and female students on perfectionism, mattering and loneliness. ConclusionPerfectionist individuals tend to set stringent standards for themselves and others as well. The more they engage in perfectionism, the more they tend to feel that they do not matter to others. Feeling of not mattering to others can possibly lead the person to experience loneliness.

Text Neck Syndrome among Undergraduate Students in Lahore, Pakistan

Objective: To evaluate the frequency, severity, and prevalence of Text Neck Syndrome among undergraduate students using mobiles, tablets, or laptops. Material and Methods: The descriptive study was conducted in two private colleges in Lahore after approval from the institutional review board of Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan. Students with ages greater than 16 years who used mobile phones daily for more than 1 hour were enrolled. Baseline demographic information was collected and questions regarding the duration of phone usage and neck pain were asked. Calculated a sample size of 266 with the help of the WINPEPI statistical program with a confidence of 95% and acceptance difference of 0.06 with an assumed proportion of 0.46. Results: The age range was 18 – 23 years. Out of 266 undergraduate students, 122 (46%) were male and 144 (54%) were female. 157 (59%) students reported having neck pain: Mild in 88 (56.1%), Moderate in 55 (35%), and Severe in 14 (8.9%) students according to self-perception. 97 (61.8%) students were intermittent, 35 (22.3%) had continuous, and 25 (15.9%) had debilitating neck pain. Conclusion: According to this study, Text Neck Syndrome was common in undergraduate students using smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

Effects of routine physical therapy with and without kinesio taping in improving gross motor function in sitting and standing in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of Kinesio taping along with routine physical therapy on improving gross motor function in sitting and standing among spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy children. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingsUniversity Teaching Hospital University of Lahore, Lahore. Participants53 participants with diagnosed spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were randomly allocated in control and experimental groups. Intervention26 Participants were treated by kinesio taping which was applied in a criss-cross manner along with routine physical therapy program while the control group (n = 27) received NDT exercise program that comprises of stretching, functional reaching, weight-bearing exercises and walking. Outcome measureGross motor function was assessed using 2 components of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS-88), i.e., sitting as well as standing at the base line and after every 3rd week for 12 weeks follow up. ResultsIn study and control group the mean score of gross motor function for sitting at baseline was 33.96 ± 3.11 and 31.50 ± 3.32 respectively. After intervention, it changed to 47.70 ± 5.46 and 43.46 ± 1.81 respectively. Mean score for Gross Motor Function calculated at base line in study and control group for standing was 27.37 ± 1.14 and 26 ± 3.01 respectively. At the end of intervention, the score improved to 36.55 ± 4.27 and 33.69 ± 2.46 respectively. ConclusionIn comparison to control group, significant increase in gross motor function of intervention group was seen after the 12 weeks of intervention. In this way, over back muscles the application of kinesio tape in a Criss-Cross manner may be helpful. Also it can be used as an additional approach along with routine physical therapy to improve standing and sitting in spastic diplegic children.

Comparative Analysis of Service Quality Instruments: Evidence from Higher Education Sector of Pakistan

The aim of this paper is to compare five alternative models in terms of service quality in higher education institutions of Lahore, Pakistan. The current study used the five service quality models named Higher Education Performance (HEDPERF), Service Quality (SERVQUAL), Weighted SERVQUAL, Service Performance (SERVPERF) and Weighted SERVPERF to draw the inferences. Data was gathered from 400 students by utilizing the structured questionnaire from four universities of Lahore, Pakistan. Gathered data was then arranged in a consequential way and then five models were compared in terms of reliability, validity and explained variance. Results of the study revealed that two out of five models HEDPERF and SERVPERF are more feasible in terms of reliability, validity and explained variance. Since the study only examined the measurement capabilities of the five instruments at Lahore city only, the collection of more data in other cities is required in order to provide more general results. All the multiple-item scale express insights about the features that can be studied or observed in order to maintain or handle the underrated quality service. All higher education institutions can be benefitted with these measurement scales to cope with the quality service-related issues. The results of the study are much helpful for the HE leaders to remove deficiencies in different service quality dimensions.

Association between Achilles Tendon Injury and Daily Activities Performance in Athletes and Non-Athletes after 1 Month of Injury

Achilles tendon injuries are significant because they affect the mobility of the lower extremities, which is important in both sports and daily life. This research aims to shed light on the more general effects of these injuries on people's functional capacities. Objective: To determine the association between Achilles tendon injury and daily activities performance in athletes and non-athletes after 1 month of injury. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the university of Lahore and Punjab stadium Lahore over a four months periods from January to April 2019. A total of 30 subjects male were approached by the non-probability convenient sampling method. Fisher exact test was applied to identify the associated factors. P-value ≤ 0.05 counted as significant. Results: Results showed symptoms of Achilles tendon injury effect daily activities of athletes and non-athletes. Majority of athletes who participated in study have stiffness in foot as compared to non-athletes. According to results there is association between ankle/foot giving away during strenuous activity (p-value 0.0025), during moderate activity (p- value 0.005) and in light activity (p value-0.006) in both athletes and non –athletes. Conclusions: Both athletes and non-athletes were facing difficulties during activities and cause negative impact on activities of participants after one month of injury.

Prevalence of Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms in Medical and Dental Practitioners with Respect to Gender

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) comprises of mental images that provoke anxiety and fear and are recurrent. Objective: To find the prevalence of OCD symptoms in medical doctors and dentists with respect to gender. Methods: The study design was cross sectional comparative. It was conducted in College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College Lahore. All practitioners irrespective of their age and gender were included in the study. Individuals practiced in a clinic or hospital for less than 6 months were excluded from the study. Obsessive compulsive inventory scale was used for data collection. Results: Gender of medical doctors and dentists and the symptom of washing (p=0.335, p=0.760 respectively), obsessing (p=0.131, p=0.476 respectively), checking (p=0.620, p=1.000 respectively) and neutralizing (p=0.294, p=1.000 respectively) was not significantly associated. The association between the symptom of ordering and gender of medical practitioners (p=0.05) was statistically significant. The association between gender of dental practitioners with hoarding (p=0.188), ordering (p=0.713) and doubting (p=1.000) was non-significant. Conclusions: Among the medical practitioners the symptoms of washing, obsessing, checking and neutralizing were higher in males as compared to the females. Among the dental practitioners the symptom of washing, obsessing and neutralizing were more prevalent in males while the symptom of checking was more prevalent in females. The symptoms of hoarding, ordering and doubting were more prevalent in males in comparison to female medical practitioners. Among the dental practitioners where the prevalence of hoarding was higher in the males while that of ordering and doubting was higher in the females.

Development and Validation of Student Engagement Questionnaire

Introduction: Medical students drop out rate in Pakistan is very high. In our country, only 84% of students graduate, which is significantly lower than the average for developing nations. Class engagement, has been identified as a solution to the failures, dropouts and motivational lacking of students. Being multifaceted construct, the problems of defining engagement have also led to inconsistencies in measurements too. Most of the previous student engagement questionnaires had lack of information regarding their reliability and validity, transparency and auditability. They were long and complex to understand and only measures the behavioral and social engagement. So there is a need to develop questionnaires that is short, freely available and can easily be understood by all stakeholders involved in teaching and learning. Aims &amp; Objectives: To develop a questionnaire to assess the engagement of undergraduate medical students during classroom activities. Place and Duration of Study: This was mixed method study, conducted at the University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore between November 2022 &amp;May 2023under the guidelines of AMEE Guide 87. Material &amp; Methods: After receiving consent, the first draft of the questionnaire was distributed to 14 clinical and basic science subject experts, as well as medical educators, for qualitative and content validation. To determine the response process and to address any misunderstandings regarding the significance of questionnaire items, cognitive interviews with six students were conducted. Responses from 210 undergraduate medical and dentistry students were used to gauge reliability. SPSS version 23 was used to evaluate the questionnaires, a p-value of ?0.05 was considered significant For the scale, an internal consistency of between 0.50 and 0.70 according to Cronbach's alpha was deemed sufficient Results: There were 14 experts who gave qualitative expert validation. The initial student engagement questionnaire contained 49 items to measure 5 theoretical constructs, and were modified to make them more comprehensible and applicable. The questionnaire’s overall scale validity index was 0.84. After the cognitive interviews, there were just twenty items left. Content validation was finished in two rounds with 20 final items, yielding acceptable values of SI- CVI 0.83 &amp; CCA 2.8. After the questionnaire had undergone pilot testing, 210 students filled it out, and the reliability of the survey was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, which came out to be 0.721. Conclusion: Medical colleges can use this valid and reliable student engagement questionnaire to assess students' emotional, behavioral, and cognitive involvement in class.

Curriculum implementation challenges: Development and validation of an integrated curriculum implementation challenges tool.

To develop an instrument to identify the challenges faced by faculty while implementing an integrated curriculum in an undergraduate dentistry program. The study was conducted between September 2020 and October 2021 at the University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD), University of Lahore (UOL). A preliminary questionnaire, developed through literature review and faculty interviews was sent to 10 medical education experts for content validation via the Delphi technique. Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated for individual items (I-CVI) as well as for the composite scale (S-CVI). A panel agreement of more than 75% was considered as the criterion for the inclusion of items in the questionnaire. Cognitive pretesting of five faculty members was conducted and pilot testing was subsequently done with 27 faculty members. The reliability of the tool was determined by Cronbach's alpha. After the Delphi process, the final Integrated Curriculum Implementation Challenges (ICIC) questionnaire had 42 items. S-CVI was 0.87 and the cut-off value for I-CVI was taken as 0.78 as the criterion for item deletion. Cognitive interviews and pretesting revealed good item interpretation. Cronbach's alpha for this tool was 0.87. ICIC is a useful instrument with good reliability and content validity. It can be used to identify the presence and extent of challenges faced by the faculty while implementing an integrated curriculum.

The influence of social media on English language learning and academic performance at undergraduate level

This research article imparts new and current knowledge about the essential characteristics of the influence of social media especially Facebook, and YouTube on the English language learning and academic performance of BS English students. The questionnaire was used as a research instrument to collect the data from the sample students. The questionnaire was developed online using the Google drive option. The developed questionnaire was shared with sample students through WhatsApp, Email, and social media. The sample of this study was 64 students of the University of Lahore who were studying in the BS English program. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. The nature of this research was quantitative. The descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the collected data to get the results. The analyzed data revealed the findings concerning grammatical and vocabulary problems, health issues, poor results, assignments, exams, and downloading of material relevant to English language structure and use. The researcher concluded that social media influences English language education permanently. Future researchers should use and implement large sample and broader area.

Oxidative stress a potent risk factor for thyroid diseases in young pregnant females.

Objective: To evaluate the potent role of oxidative stress in thyroid disease development and progression in young pregnant females during 1st and second trimesters compared with matched healthy pregnant females of the same gestational age. Study Design: Cross-sectional Comparative study. Setting: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Pakistan. Samples were collected at the Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM), Faisalabad, and the Department of Obstetrics at DHQ Hospital, Chiniot. Period: July 2019 to July 2021. Material &amp; Methods: Thyroid disease- comorbid pregnant women and euthyroid pregnant women were compared for serum levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidants. The markers were evaluated between 68 healthy subjects in Group A and 43 subjects in Group B known for having thyroid diseases. Blood samples were taken under highly sterile conditions after gaining written consent from all subjects and stored at –8°c to –30°c. A spectrophotometer at 532nm was used to measure serum concentrations of oxidative stress markers. ELISA kits were used to determine serum levels of triiodothyronine, thyroxin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Data was analyzed using independent student t-test, multiple logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis using SPSS version 25. Results: Group A and Group B had a mean age of 26.07±4.88 and 29.19±4.17 years, respectively. Pregnant women having thyroid dysfunction had decreased superoxide dismutase levels (0.05±0.01 nmol/ml) than group A (0.06±0.01). Other indicators of lipid peroxidation showed a non-significant mean difference compared between both groups (p&gt;0.05). Multiple linear regression studies revealed healthy pregnant women with a positive thyroid medication history had higher SOD levels among group B than those without antithyroid medicine, with a Beta coefficient of +0.26 and p=0.04. According to ROC curve analysis, the Superoxide Dismutase biomarker area under ROC was 67.25% at p=0.002. Thus, it may be used as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker. A cutoff value of 51.5pg/ml was proposed, at which sensitivity is 79% and specificity is 69%. It can be a diagnostic and predictive biomarker. Conclusion: The results of the current study concluded that oxidative stress can be considered a potent risk factor for the development and progression of thyroid disease in young pregnant females.

Association between COVID-19 Infection Susceptibility and ABO Blood Groups and Rhesus Antigen

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly contagious disease that has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, leading to widespread impacts. Objective: To investigate the potential relationship between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to the coronavirus. Methods: This study was conducted at The University of Lahore between April and September 2021. Blood groups of 528 SARS-CoV2-positive patients admitted to various hospitals in Punjab was calculated by both forward and reverse blood grouping technique. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean age was found to be 41.5 years, with a range of 16-90 years, among which 63.3% were male (n = 334) and 36.7% (n = 194) were female. The data were categorized according to blood group type. A+ (13.4%), A- (8.5%), B- (8.7%), B+ (22.5%), O+ (19.5%), O- (4.9%), AB+ (11.9%), and AB- (10.4%). A, B, and AB were associated with high susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, i.e., 75.5% (n = 399), and less frequent in the O blood group, 24.5% (n = 129). RH (D) ve+ type blood group was highest at 67.5% (n = 356) in COVID-19 patients as compared to the RH (D) –ve type blood group at 32.5% (n = 172), respectively. Conclusions: Individuals with blood groups A, B, and AB have been observed to be more susceptible to COVID-19 than those with blood group O. Similarly, individuals who are RH positive are considered more vulnerable to coronavirus than those who are RH negative.

Sociotropy-Autonomy, Self-Criticism And Self-Esteem In Individuals With Or Without Depression.

To examine and predict the relationship among sociotropy-autonomy, self- criticism and self-esteem in individuals with or without depression. The cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted from November 2021 to July 2022 in various government hospitals and universities in Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised depression patients of either gender aged 20-40 years in group A. Healthy subjects matched for age and gender were enrolled in control group B. Data was collected using a demographic sheet predesigned in Urdu language, and the Urdu versions of Personal Style Inventory, Form of Self- Criticism/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 200 subjects, 100(50%) were males, while each of the two groups had 100(50%) subjects. The overall mean age of the sample was 27.93±5.23 years. Sociotropy-autonomy had a significant positive relationship with self-criticism (p<0.01) and a significant negative relationship with self-esteem (p<0.01). Self-criticism was significantly negatively correlated with self-esteem (p<0.01). Sociotropy-autonomy was a significant predictor of self-criticism and self-esteem (p<0.01). Inter-group comparison of the levels of sociotropy-autonomy, self-criticism and self-esteem were significant (p<0.05). Sociotropy-autonomy was a highly significant predictor of self-criticism and self-esteem. People with depression had high sociotropy-autonomy and self-criticism scores, and low scores in self-esteem.

A Comparative Study to Assess Hamstring Tightness in Individuals with and without Plantar fasciitis

Purpose: To compare hamstring tightness in individuals with and without plantar fasciitis&#x0D; Methodology: 369 individuals (male and female) was evaluated This, cross-sectional study included individuals with, and without plantar fasciitis. Data will be collected from hospitals in DHQ Wazirabad, THQ Gujranwala, Aziz Bhatti Gujrat. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. Goniometer was used for measuring range of motion for active knee extension. The data was collected under the rules and regulations of ethical committee of University of Lahore.&#x0D; Findings: This study's findings show that 50.27 percent of subjects had plantar fasciitis whereas 49.73 percent did not. Active knee extension test was used to determine whether participants had tight hamstrings. The results show that among the 49.73% of participants who did not have plantar fasciitis, 37.23% had negative results, while 12.50% had positive results. In contrast, among the 50.27% of participants who did have plantar fasciitis, 11.14% had negative results, while 39.13% had positive results.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study's goal was to determine if hamstring tension contributes to the development of plantar fasciitis. According to the current study, individuals with and without PF had their hamstring tightness evaluated. An active knee extension test was used to measure the tightness of the hamstrings. Following the completion of the current study, it was shown that patients with plantar fasciitis show higher hamstring tightness than individuals without plantar fasciitis.&#x0D; Recommendations: For study, it is recommended to gather data from several cities so that the conclusions may be generalized. Future research should examine additional risk factors for plantar fasciitis. The reasons of hamstring tightness should be addressed to reduce the chance of developing plantar fasciitis.

The cephalometric evaluation of the position of maxillary 1st permanent molar in class II division I malocclusion.

Objective: To conclude the sagittal position of the maxillary 1st permanent molar in class II division I malocclusion patients from lateral cephalogram. Study Design: “Descriptive” (“Cross-sectional study”). Setting: Dental OPD “Department of Orthodontics, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore”. Study Period: 1st December 2021, till 30th May 2022. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 160 patients ensuring the confidentiality of their diagnostic data, lateral cephalometric was exposed and cephalometric tracing was done by placing mate acetate paper for evaluation of sagittal and vertical dysplasia. For the selected sample, the distance between the distal cusps of the “Maxillary” 1st permanent molar to the PTV line (Pterygoid Vertical) was assessed (PTV-U6). Distance between the PTV lines (Pterygoid Vertical) to the Maxillary Centroid was also calculated. To compare the mean of the variables i.e. PTV-U6 and PTV-Maxillary molar Centroid a student t-test was applied with a P-value ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 23.69 ± 3.72 years with minimum and maximum ages of 18 and 30 years. There were 73(45.62%) male and 87(54.38%) female cases with a higher female-to-male ratio. The mean PTV-U6 was 20.83 mm ± 2.14 mm with minimum and maximum values as 17 mm and 24.50 mm. The mean PTV-molar centroid value was 28.70 mm ± 0.88 mm with smallest and extreme values of 27.10 mm and 30.10 mm. Conclusion: It was concluded that the sagittal station of maxillary 1st perpetual molar in class II division I malocclusion patients from lateral cephalogram was found, hence by keeping these values of the local population the strategies can be designed as it may be helpful for the patients that many unwanted extractions can be avoided and treatment will be planned as no extraction.