Digital Commons Network^™

Menstrual Hygiene Amongst School Girls: Still A Messy Business, Naghma Rizvi, Saleema A. Gulzar, Tazeen S. Ali, Syeda Aleena Fazal, Alishah Aziz Gulzar, Yasmin Parpio, Rimsha Hirani

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Menstruation has become a taboo topic among adolescent females, affecting their reproductive health, particularly in more traditional South Asian nations such as Pakistan. The study highlights the societal silence surrounds menstruation, which leads to detrimental practices and attitudes among school-age females. The study reveals the sociocultural, psychological, and educational challenges that teenagers encounter. The presence of myths and misconceptions adds to unsanitary habits, which undermine education and reproductive health.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in urban Karachi. The participants were 850 unmarried school-going female adolescents aged 13 to 19. The data were collected using a pre-coded questionnaire. …

The Effectiveness Of Nurse Assistants Training Programme On Safe Motherhood: A Study On Bhutanese Nurse Assistants, Jureerat Kijsomporn, Nualyai Pitsachart, Phayong Thepaksorn, Ling Shing Wong, Vinodhkumar Ramalingam, Voon Wan Niu

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: This study aims to investigate the ability of nurse assistants in midwifery care in Bhutan to apply their knowledge and skills after attending the training programme.
Methods: A qualitative methodology was utilized in this study, in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide questionnaire with five nurse assistants, three district health officers, and two medical doctors from hospitals. The interviews (n=10) were conducted on-site at basic health units in URA and Tang, Bhutan.
Results: The data analysis of their perceptions yielded three major categories: (1) Confirmability, the Quality of knowledge and skills of the program; (2) Credibility, Effectiveness, and comprehensiveness …

Balancing Life After Spousal Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating The Mental Well-Being And Life Satisfaction Of Martyrs’ Wives, Mehreen Aslam, Ambreen Tharani, Yasmin Parpio, Rafat Jan

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: The wives who have lost their spouses in conflict zones are known as martyrs’ wives. After sacrificing the martyrs’ lives, their wives not only face the traumatic experience of losing their loved ones, but this loss may substantially affect their physical, socioeconomic, and emotional health. It may serve as a "vulnerability factor," raising the risk of depression.
Objective: To assess the levels of life satisfaction and mental well-being within the wives of martyrs residing in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the mental well-being and life satisfaction of martyrs’ wives living in Karachi Pakistan. …

Stress And Its Associated Factors In Mothers With Preterm Infants In A Private Tertiary Care Hospital Of Karachi, Pakistan, Salima Akbar, Yasmin Parpio, Sumia Andleeb Abbasi, Tazeen S. Ali

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Background: Preterm births are the leading cause of death worldwide. Preterm births not only have devastating effects on the newborn, but they also have psychological effects on the mothers. Identifying stress related to preterm births, and the factors associated with the stress among mothers with preterm infants is of great importance, for providing sound care to the newborns and their mothers. The aim of this protocol paper outlines an extensive approach to assess the level of stress and its associated factors among mothers with preterm infants.
Methods: An analytical cross sectional study design will be used to achieve the study …

Hypertonic Saline For Ischemic Stroke: A Review, Rameen Ata Bajwa, Angelina Jessani, Hanan Farzand Raja, Bisma Aziz

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT

Background and objective:

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical complication of ischemic stroke. This review article summarizes existing literature pertaining to the role of hypertonic saline (HTS) in lowering ICP in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods:

Studies were selected using a comprehensive search of several research databases. Studies conducted in adult (aged 18 and older) human patients receiving HTS osmotherapy for elevated ICP were included, encompassing a wide range of neurological conditions and various administration methods, durations, and concentrations of HTS.

Results:

We found HTS to reduce ICP in ischemic stroke patients, on par effectively, and in some studies, …

Functional Movement Disorders: Understanding, Approach And Diagnosis, Hudaibiya Ayub, Talbiya Ayub, Rasheed Azhar

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT

This commentary offers a comprehensive examination of Functional Movement Disorders (FMD) and explores recent advancements in our understanding and treatment of these intricate syndromes. FMDs challenge clinicians due to their variable nature and diverse clinical presentations, often intertwined with psychological factors. Impairments in motor intention and agency must be considered when providing care. Recognizing that non-motor symptoms can have a major impact on a patient's quality of life is equally important. Recognizing FMDs as multi-faceted conditions requiring multidisciplinary care allows consideration of cognitive, social, and demographic aspects.

Role Of Minimal F-Wave Latency In The Electrodiagnosis Of Polyneuropathy, Areeba Qaiser, Safia Bano, Muhammad Imran Khan, Ahsan Numan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective:

Polyneuropathy is a debilitating condition that causes damage to more than two peripheral nerves in the body. The objective of this research was to detect the role of minimal F-wave latency as compared with other nerve conduction parameters for the electro-diagnosis of polyneuropathies.

Methods:

In this descriptive, prospective cross-sectional study, 80 consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of polyneuropathy (both acute and chronic) between July and December 2023, presenting to the Neurology Department at King Edward Medical University were enrolled. Patients with clinical diagnosis of cervical/lumbar radiculopathies, plexopathies, compressive myelopathy , neuromuscular junction diseases, motor neuron disorders, …

Age-Stratified Mosaic Of Neuropathies: A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Prevalence And Patterns In Different Age Groups, Sana Ghous, Anjlee Shankar, Abdul Qadir Baloch, Dipanty Khastoori, Tahira Maqsood, Alam Ibrahim Siddiqui

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective:

Neuropathies pose significant challenges in diagnosis and management due to their heterogeneous etiologies, varied clinical presentations, and differential prevalence across age groups. The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of neuropathies among patients in various age brackets, highlighting prevalent neuropathic types and their clinical implications.

Methods:

From September 18, 2018 to September 17, 2019, 405 patients from Neurology Ward of Chandka Medical College Hospital in Larkana were included in this retrospective cross-sectional comprehensive analysis. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of these patients were conducted in the electrophysiology department. The study cohort was stratified into …

Beyond The Mosquito Sting: Guillain-Barre Syndrome Following Malarial Seasonal Surge, Sana Ghous, Alam Ibrahim Siddiqui, Abdul Rahman Soomro, Abu Bakar Shaikh, Sajjad Hussain Jalbani, Abdul Ghafoor Magsi

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT

Background and objective:

Malaria, a prevalent disease most commonly caused by Plasmodium vivax and falciparum, frequently leads to intricate neurological complications. The objective of this study was to study Guillain-Barre syndrome as a prevalent neurological manifestation of malaria.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken at Neurology Department of Chandka Medical College Hospital in Larkana, from April 2023 to September 2023 during the seasonal peak of malaria. The study included 20 patients who met the specified criteria. SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis.

Results:

Among the 20 patients who developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome following malaria infection, 18 exhibited …

Effects Of Maternal Subclinical Hypothyroidism On Neurodevelopment Of Offspring- An Animal-Based Study, Sabah Farhat, Syeda Sadia Fatima, Mehir Un Nisa Iqbal, Fazal Arain

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT

Background and objective:

Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including cognitive and neuropsychiatric effects. This study aimed to assess the impact of maternal SCH on young rats, examining behavioral and gross brain structure changes, and evaluating reversibility after levothyroxine treatment.

Methods:

This experimental animal study was conducted at the Aga Khan University for a duration of 10 months. The study was approved by the Ethical committee for Animal Care and Use. Fourteen female Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into Treated (induced with SCH, treated with levothyroxine), Untreated (induced with SCH, no …

Utility Of Pudendal Nerve Electrodiagnostics In Cases Of Bladder-Bowel Dysfunction- A Retrospective Study From A Tertiary Care Center In Pakistan, Hina Imtiaz, Ayisha Farooq Khan, Zuha Alvi, Dureshahwar Kanwar

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

Electrodiagnostic studies play a crucial role in identifying neurogenic and non-neurogenic causes of bladder and bowel dysfunction. Such data is scarce in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate utility of pudendal nerve assessment in bladder-bowel dysfunction.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was carried out at the neurophysiology lab in Aga Khan University Hospital. Patients referred for electromyography/nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) for pudendal nerve assessment from June 2013 to June 2023 were included. Clinical data, EMG/NCS results, and demographic information were analyzed using SPSS.

Results:

Twenty patients (11 male and nine female) were included. Five …

Evaluation Of Stroke Awareness And Risk Factor Prevalence Among Students At A Public Sector University In Quetta, Anjum Farooq, Muhammad Essa, Muhammad Saleem, Abdul Aleem, Muhammad Rizwan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability. Improving stroke knowledge among medical students will help to improve stroke care and its prevention. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of risk factors and stroke awareness among university students.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among students at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University in Quetta. An eleven-question multiple-choice survey was administered to assess participants' knowledge of stroke-related concepts. The initial study was conducted using descriptive statistics. Additionally, a supplementary screening for common risk factors linked to stroke was included in the study, which involved blood pressure, …

Frequency Of Risk Factors For Stroke In Young Pakistani Population, Faizan Aslam, Atif Maqsood, Adeel Rauf, Kashif Nawaz, Azam Aslam

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

There is paucity of data regarding risk factors of stroke in young Pakistanis. The objective of this study was to identify the frequency of risk factors for ischemic stroke in the young Pakistani population.

Methods:

This was a retrospective Cross sectional study conducted at Aziz Fatima Hospital Neurology outpatient’s department between January 2022 to April 2022. All patients presenting with an ischemic stroke within the past month and age between 20 and 49 years were included. Data was collected from patient notes using a table which listed the patient’s demographic information and risk factors. All the patients …

Assessment Of Care-Arrangement Of People With Dementia In Karachi By 10/66 Protocol, Qurat Ul Ain Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and objective:

Pakistan is a low middle-income country (LMIC) in South Asia with a rising aging population. This study aimed to understand care-arrangement and resources of people with dementia (PWD) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods:

This cross-sectional mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) study was carried out using 10/66 protocol for dementia patients. Data collection for the study was done from September 2016 till August 2017.This assessed characteristics of patients and caregivers, the economic impact of caregiving, and resources available to care for people with dementia (PWD).

Results:

One-hundred-nineteen PWD and their caregivers were included in the study. The average gross national …

Hip Healthy Swaddling: A Commentary, Mehreen Aslam

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Swaddling, the practice of covering babies to align the legs, prevent hip movement, carries a risk of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH).Correct swaddling techniques, emphasizing hip flexibility, mitigate risks and are promoted globally. Cultural shifts, as seen in Turkey and Japan, reflect awareness of swaddling's impact on hip health. In certain cultures, 90% of mothers swaddle infants for comfort, predominantly to keep legs straight, but traditional swaddling contributes to hip dysplasia risk, contrasting with the recommended technique allowing free limb movement. Proper education on swaddling is crucial, aligning with health benefits and reducing DDH occurrences. Recommendations include routine hip …

Strengthening The Integration Of Midwifery In Health Systems; A Leader-To-Leader Collaboration, Erlandsson K, Borneskog C, Pedersen C, Ternström E, Byrskog U, Tamang L, Niraula G, Mehra D, Mehra S, Sharma S, Lindgren H

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Barriers and facilitators for quality midwifery care exist on different levels in the health systems. After decades of challenges and varied degrees of success, a stakeholder leader-to-leader collaboration could provide added value through knowledge sharing on how to integrate the midwifery cadre into an existing health system. Initiated by The Midwifery Society of Nepal, Dalarna University Sweden and MAMTA - Health Institute for Mother and Child India, a research network focusing midwifery has been formed. The background, purpose and activities of this network has been described in this News and Events paper.

Out-Of-Hospital Births: A Small But Growing Phenomenon In High Income Countries: A Viewpoint, Céline Miani, Stephanie Batram-Zantvoort, Emma Pitchforth, Bethan Treadgold, Krista Johnston, Virginie Rozée, Christiana Macdougall, Clemence Schantz, Edwin Van Teijlingen

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Stress Among The Healthcare Providers In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Saba Zaidi, Syeda Areeba Tabassum

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Healthcare workers are considered high risk for stress. This study aimed to study the prevalence of stress among the health care providers in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital from July to December 2021. All healthcare workers in the vicinity of the hospital including doctors, nurses, allied health specialists, and other healthcare professionals who provide hands-on patient care were included in the study. Data was collected through a pre-designed questionnaire GHQ-12; related to stress symptoms and their impact on daily routine activities. It was in a Google …

A Comprehensive Electroencephalogram Audit In A Tertiary Care Center In Pakistan: Demographic Distribution, Referral Indications And Findings, Hina Imtiaz, Ayisha Farooq Khan, Dureshahwar Kanwar, Naima Javed, Sara Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective: Electroencephalography (EEG) is a widely employed non-invasive technique for recording brain electrical activity, pivotal for diagnosing various neurological conditions. The study aims to provide insight into demographic distribution, referral indications, and EEG findings in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 2,924 patients who underwent routine EEG evaluations over a three-year period. Data was collected from the EEG records after approval from the ethical review committee. Demographic variables, referral reasons, and EEG findings were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The study revealed a gender distribution of 41.35 % …

Factors Influencing The Headaches And Their Impact On Daily Life Of Medical Students, Saba Zaidi, Ayesha Abdul Samad

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

Medical students are considered high risk for headaches due to various triggers in their daily routine. The objective of this study was to assess the factors influencing headaches and their impact on the daily life of medical students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a sample of 242 participants who were selected through a convenient method of sampling. Data was collected from medical students of Liaquat National Medical College for a period of six months (January to June 2021). Data was gathered using pre-designed questionnaires that assessed demographic information, lifestyle factors (such as consumption of tea, coffee, and …

Factors Associated With Dropout From Outpatient Tertiary Mental Health Services, Nasir Mahmood, Uroosa Talib

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and objective: There is a paucity of mental health hospital-based studies from Pakistan that have observed the contributing factors of dropout. This study aims to understand contributing factors to dropouts from mental health services.

Method: This telephonic survey was conducted as a cross-sectional study from dropout outpatients of Karwan-e-Hayat Institute for Mental Health Care, a tertiary mental care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Using a simple questionnaire to assess socio-demographic variables, psychosocial assessment, and patient perspectives on treatment termination. A total of 158 participants out of 200 patients provided insight into their dropout experiences.

Result: Results revealed that younger adults, …

An Unaddressed Role Of Nurses: Barriers In Promoting Reproductive Health In Pakistan: A Commentary Paper, Rabab Vadivala, Arisha Amin, Sahar Jessani, Sara Hudani

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

Reproductive health has a significant impact on a person’s overall wellbeing. Despite this, it is not given major attention. Many people are still unaware of the importance of reproductive health, and one reason for this is the often-overlooked role of nurses in sexual and reproductive health. Nurses, midwives and lady health visitors are the healthcare professionals that play a pivotal role in promoting reproductive health. However, due to several factors, such as burnout among nurses and a lack of educational preparedness, this role of nurses remains unaddressed. This article discusses the general determinants that contribute to the underutilization of nurses …

Harvesting Health: Indigenous Mothers’ Resilience In The Face Of Climate Change And Maternal Nutrition Challenges In Rural Bajaur, Pakistan: A Study Protocol, Ihsan Ullah, Rafat Jan, Dilshad Begum, Kiran Mubeen, Laila Amir Ali Lalji

Journal of Asian Midwives (JAM)

No abstract provided.

Chronic Hepatitis B, C, And Stroke; Association And Pathophysiology, Hamza Imran, Adnan Yousuf, Mohammad Wasay

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objectives:

Hepatitis infection may raise the incidence of stroke and other cerebrovascular abnormalities, according to several studies. However, its association is controversial. This review looked to compile the most recent research on the relationship between HBV and HCV, atherosclerosis, and stroke.

Methods:This article reviews the literature on the connection between hepatitis B and C viruses with stroke and atherosclerosis. The search included articles from PubMed, PakMediNet, and Google Scholar, as well as a Medline search using specific keywords and MeSH terms. A total of 2655 articles were identified. Out of these 2655 articles we identified 134 articles …

Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapies In The Management Of Unknown Onset And Wakeup Strokes: A Scoping Review, Saima Nazish

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT Background: The efficacy and safety of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) for the management of unknown time onset stroke (UTOS) and wake-up stroke (WUS) are in a debate. Objective:The objective of this review is to discuss the UTOS and its management with intravenous thrombolytic therapies. Data Sources: Databases searched included PubMed and Cochrane electronic databases and manual search. Study Selection and Data Extraction: 45 articles of potential relevance were selected. Results: 14 relevant papers were included. Most of studies including recent trials using Magnetic resonance imaging diffusion-weighted imaging fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (MRIDWI FLAIR) mismatch or Computed tomography …

Frequency Of Depression Among Patients With Parkinson Disease, Mohammad Lateef, Wasim Ikram Alvi, Abdul Malik, Neelum Jamal, Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Athar Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that affects a large number of individuals worldwide. One of the common non-motor symptoms associated with this disease is depression, which can pose challenges for both patients and their caregivers. The main objective of this research was to determine the frequency of depression among patients with Parkinson disease.

Methods:This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, between March 26, 2022, and September 30, 2022. Male and female patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnostic Criteria, who were …

Association Of Hyperuricemia With Ischemic Stroke In Adult Population, Ijaz Ali, Zaid Waqar, Bushra Khalid, Maryam Naseem, Soban Khan, Sajid Ali, Muhammad Tariq, Muhammad Adil, Hira Badar Abbasi, Mazhar Badshah

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

Stroke is the second most prevalent cause of dementia, the third biggest cause of mortality, and the top cause of disability globally. Hyperuricemia is frequently seen in patients with vascular risk factors. The objective of this study was to determine the association of hyperuricemia with ischemic stroke in adult patients presenting to neurology department of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:This was a case-control study of 200 patients, 100 patients with stroke and 100 unmatched controls were accessed for vascular risk factors and hyperuricemia. The setting was Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and study duration was …

Frequency Of Hyperlipedemia In Patients Coming With Ischemic Stroke In Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi, Bushra Ammad, Abdul Malik, Rabia Sana Muhammad, Maryam Javed, Hina Imtiaz

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and objective:

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability. This study was designed to determine the frequency of hyperlipidemia in patients with ischemic stroke visiting at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study and was done in Department of Medicine, LCMD/ Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 184 patients were studied during the study period of six months and all the consecutive patients were recruited who presented with acute stroke in the department of medicine from the duration April 1st 2022 to September 30th, …

National Guidelines For The Treatment Of Common Headaches Disorders In Pakistan, Abdul Malik, Sabrina Khan, Mohammad Wasay, Aziz Sonawalla, Samaira Younis, Faisal Mohammad Amin

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Frequency Of Tension-Type Headache In Patients With Migraine: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study, Haris Majid Rajput, Zahid Hussain Mir, Muhammad Fateen Rashed, Fiza Batool Almosvi, Mazhar Badshah

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

ABSTRACT Background and objective: Migraine is a common headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headaches which are usually unilateral. Migraine is the second most common headache disorder after tension-type headache. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of tension-type headache in patients with migraine. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad for a period of six months between 1st July 2018 and 31st December 2018. This study enrolled patients above the age of 12 years that were diagnosed with “Migraine without aura” or “Migraine with aura”. …