Consumption and knowledge of dietary supplements among young adult women in Lahore, Pakistan

Dietary supplements containing essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs are widely used to enhance overall nutrition and health. This study aimed to assess the consumption patterns and knowledge of dietary supplements among young adult women in Lahore, Pakistan. This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months at Lahore College for Women University; young adult women aged 18 to 25 years who were enrolled in any bachelor’s degree program were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. The following data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire: demographic information, supplement usage, and perceptions. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 to calculate frequencies and percentages. Of the 333 questionnaires distributed, 303 were returned, resulting in a response rate of 90.99%. The mean age of the 303 participants was 23.06 ± 0.058 years, with 98.35% being unmarried. Most participants reported a monthly household income between 50,001 and 75,000 PKR (73.59%) and were predominantly in their fourth (44.22%) or fifth year (43.56%) of study, mainly in health sciences disciplines (72.28%). A majority (83.80%) reported taking dietary supplements, primarily for health enhancement (58.66%), improving bone and joint health (32.68%), and increasing muscle mass (37.01%). Supplements were mostly purchased from pharmacies (85.04%) and taken under the advice of doctors or nutritionists (74.80%). Common supplements included vitamins, calcium, and multivitamins, with most participants taking one supplement at a time (84.25%) and consuming them daily (35.04%) or 2-3 times per week (27.95%). Notably, 72.44% perceived benefits from taking supplements, and 49.61% intended to repurchase them. Concerns about potential side effects or interactions were also substantial (58.66%). This study revealed that young adult women in Pakistan frequently use dietary supplements for various health benefits, primarily by purchasing them from pharmacies and following healthcare professional advice. Despite positive perceptions and intentions to repurchase, concerns about safety and interactions remain

The financial burden of knee osteoarthritis patients: a study of healthcare costs and expenses

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent disease among the elderly population that results in joint degeneration, leading to reduced mobility and challenging daily living. Patients can choose from various treatment options depending on the stage of joint degeneration. In developing countries such as Pakistan, it is crucial to comprehend the financial burden borne by patients and their families due to this condition's high prevalence. Therefore, this exploratory study aimed to assess the financial burden of knee OA patients seeking healthcare services by analyzing the healthcare costs and expenses incurred by them. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 112 knee OA patients undergoing any treatment modality from public and private hospitals in Lahore. A semistructured questionnaire collected patients' sociodemographic information and overall out-of-pocket health expenditures. Descriptive statistics and the Mann‒Whitney U test were utilized for data analysis. The patients' mean age was 53.69 ± 11.73 years, with 10.26 ± 4.83 years of education. Stage III knee OA was the most common diagnosis (30.36%), followed by stage IV (28.57%), stage II (22.32%), and stage I (18.75%). The direct medical cost was significantly higher [United States dollars (USD) 2,590.97] among patients who underwent surgery than among those who opted for alternative treatment procedures (USD 192.10) (p = 0.001). Similarly, the indirect medical cost was significantly higher (USD 371.75) among patients who underwent surgery than among those who chose other treatment options (USD 23.66) (p = 0.001). The overall cost of illness was 6.02 times higher among patients who had surgery (USD 3,050.93) than among those who opted for other treatment modalities (USD 507.19) (p = 0.001). The study’s findings provide insights into the financial burden borne by knee OA patients' families, emphasizing the need for policymakers to intervene. By understanding the costs of illness borne by patients and their families, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to alleviate the financial burden and improve access to healthcare services for knee OA patients

Knowledge of rheumatoid factor in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: a survey of family physicians in Punjab, Pakistan

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that requires timely diagnosis and intervention. As frontline healthcare providers, family physicians must have a clear understanding of the diagnostic utility of rheumatoid factor (RF) and its limitations to ensure early recognition and appropriate referral of RA patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over three months to assess the knowledge of family physicians in Punjab, Pakistan, regarding the diagnostic role and interpretation of RF in RA. Stratified random sampling was used, and a structured questionnaire was distributed to 300 physicians, with responses collected via Google Forms. The questionnaire evaluated demographic variables and knowledge of RA diagnostic criteria, RF specificity, and related clinical interpretation. The knowledge scores were classified as good (≥ 75%), moderate (50–74%), or poor (< 50%). Data analysis was performed via SPSS version 24, with chi-square tests used to examine associations (p < 0.05). The results revealed that only 27.76% of the participants demonstrated good knowledge. Most respondents had moderate (50.95%) or poor (21.29%) knowledge. Significant associations were observed between knowledge level and factors such as physician age, graduation cohort, experience, type of medical college, involvement in RA patient care, and private practice (p < 0.05). This study revealed significant gaps in family physicians’ knowledge regarding RF’s diagnostic value in RA. Targeted educational interventions and updated clinical training are essential to improve early RA detection, enhance referral practices, and improve patient outcomes at the primary care level

Ankle sprain risk and contributing factors among women wearing high heels at work

High heel use in professional environments is a common occupational norm for women, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and fashion industries. However, extended and repetitive use may increase the risk of ankle injuries. The objective of this exploratory cross-sectional study was to examine the factors associated with a history of ankle sprain among women wearing high heels at work. A total of 203 participants were recruited from selected workplaces in Lahore, Pakistan, via a nonprobability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic information, footwear usage patterns, pain symptoms, occupational standing duration, and ankle sprain history. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between ankle sprains and heel height, duration of heel wear, type of heel, workplace footwear requirements, and the presence of pain during high heel use (p < 0.05). Women wearing heels ≥ 10 cm and those wearing stilettos were more likely to report a history of ankle sprain. Logistic regression analysis revealed that standing more than 4 hours per day (OR = 3.803), footwear requirements at work (OR = 3.534), and pain during heel use (OR = 9.893) significantly increased the odds of experiencing an ankle sprain, whereas increasing age (OR = 0.789) and being married (OR = 0.304) were associated with lower risk (p < 0.05). Ankle sprains led to productivity loss in more than 75% of the participants, with the majority missing 1–5 workdays. These findings highlight the occupational health risks of high heel use, with prolonged standing, footwear mandates, and early pain symptoms identified as key predictors of injury. Implementing preventive workplace measures—such as ergonomic footwear policies, scheduled standing breaks, and employee education—may help reduce ankle injury risk among women in professions requiring high heels

Prevalence of coccydynia in postpartum women: a cross-sectional study in Lahore, Pakistan

Coccydynia, a condition characterized by pain in the tailbone region, is frequently exacerbated by childbirth and particularly affects women due to increased pelvic stress and changes in posture during and following delivery. The condition, which resembles a cuckoo’s beak in shape, disproportionately affects females and those with obesity and can arise from various causes, such as trauma, infections, and degenerative diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of coccydynia among postpartum women in Lahore, Pakistan, and to provide epidemiological data to better inform clinical practices and patient education for managing this debilitating condition. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2023 involving 163 postpartum women aged between 20 and 40 years who were recruited from five private hospitals in Lahore using nonprobability convenience sampling. Participants underwent clinical examinations and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that incorporated historical health data and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to assess coccygeal pain intensity. Clinical examination revealed that 88.34% of the participants were diagnosed with coccydynia, confirming the prevalence of this condition among the sample. The mean age of the participants was 25.89 ± 4.33 years. The average body mass index (BMI) was 22.46 ± 4.44, indicating a predominantly normal weight group. Common symptoms included pain worsening after prolonged sitting, reported by 85.89% of participants, and significant tenderness during tailbone palpation, reported by 82.82%. The prevalence of coccydynia in postpartum women highlights the need for focused attention to this condition in clinical practice. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted preventative measures and treatment strategies, specifically for postpartum women, to mitigate the impact of coccydynia. Further research is recommended to explore broader preventative strategies and refine treatment protocols to ensure better care for affected women

Prevalence of internet addiction and its associated factors among adolescents in private education institutes in Sargodha, Pakistan

As digital connectivity has become an integral part of daily life, internet addiction has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among adolescents. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of internet addiction among adolescents, assess its severity, investigate the associations between sociodemographic factors and internet addiction levels, and examine the correlation between adolescents' age and the severity of internet addiction. This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 200 adolescents from private education institutes in Sargodha, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on sociodemographic indicators, and the validated Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire was adopted to assess the occurrence and severity of internet addiction. The data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® software. The results revealed that among the 200 participants, 42% were male and 58% female, with nearly half (47.5%) being aged 13–15 years. Most (57.00%) owned a personal mobile device, whereas 47.5% had a laptop. Furthermore, 39.5% of the participants used the internet for one hour or less per day, whereas 30% reported using it for 2–4 hours daily. Only 8 participants stated that they did not use any social media applications. The study highlights significant internet addiction patterns. Many participants stayed online longer than intended (12.5% always, 16.5% often), whereas 34.5% neglected household chores. Internet dependency was evident, with 14.5% preferring online excitement over intimacy and 26.0% receiving complaints about excessive internet use. Sleep disturbances affected 25.0% of the study participants, whereas academic impacts were reported by 14.5% of the participants. The IAT results revealed that 8.5% of the participants had full control, 54.0% had mild, 36.0% had moderate, and 1.5% had severe addiction. Chi-square analysis revealed no significant associations between addiction severity and sex, age, or device ownership (p > 0.05), but the duration of internet use per day was significantly associated with addiction severity (p = 0.030). Age was weakly but significantly correlated with internet addiction (p = 0.04). The study concluded that a significant proportion of adolescents experienced moderate to severe internet addiction. These findings highlight the urgent need to implement measures to promote healthy digital practices among adolescents

Assessment of over-the-counter medication use among pregnant women visiting public and private tertiary hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are considered safe when used as directed agents and are widely used for self-medication due to their accessibility and affordability. However, self-medication during pregnancy can lead to irrational drug use and potential complications. This study aimed to assess the use of OTC medicines among pregnant women visiting public and private tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted over three months in 2023 involving 170 pregnant women at public hospitals and 155 at private hospitals. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Familiarity with OTC medications was greater among pregnant women visiting public hospitals (56.50%, p = 0.036) than among those visiting private hospitals (54.40%). Most women from public hospitals perceived all OTC drugs as safe during pregnancy (64.20%, p = 0.009). The perceived critical period for drug use varied, with more pregnant women in private hospitals identifying the first trimester as critical (58.82%, p = 0.002), while the third trimester was more commonly perceived as critical by public hospital visitors (62.50%). The use of OTC medication before and during pregnancy was similar between groups (p > 0.05). A significant difference was observed in reading OTC medicine leaflets, with more private hospital visitors reading them (60.98%, p < 0.001). This study concluded that the proportion of OTC medicine use among pregnant women visiting public and private healthcare facilities in Lahore is moderately high. There were notable differences in the sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of OTC medication safety. Public hospital visitors were more familiar with OTC medications and believed in their safety during pregnancy, while private hospital visitors were more concerned about the first trimester and more likely to read OTC medicine leaflets. These findings highlight the need for targeted education and counseling to promote safe OTC medication practices among pregnant women

Students' perception of smartphones as a new modality to enhance health sciences knowledge

Smartphones are increasingly being used by health sciences students as a popular and effective learning tool, globally replacing traditional learning methods with advanced e-learning techniques. This study aimed to explore students' perception of smartphones as a new modality to enhance health science knowledge and whether this technology could assist them in accomplishing their educational goals. This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 222 undergraduate health sciences students using a convenience sampling technique and used Delone and Mclean's information systems (IS) success model to develop variables for five IS success constructs. The study results showed that most participants were females (70.27%), and students used smartphones for multiple purposes, with accessing learning content (weighted average = 4.58), text messaging services (weighted average = 4.48), and internet-based text messaging services (weighted average = 4.36) being the most reported reasons. Students' perceptions regarding most smartphone usage for education included educational purposes and understanding lectures/revising concepts. Using smartphones as an educational aid influenced students' perceptions of system quality, information quality, system importance, usefulness, and satisfaction. Our study highlights the significant role of smartphones in the daily lives of health sciences students and their positive attitudes toward using them as a tool for enhancing their knowledge. Students use smartphones to access learning content and other online resources, and our findings suggest that educators should incorporate them into the educational curriculum. Notably, our study found that students' average daily smartphone usage varied widely. These findings have significant implications for the educational system, as smartphones have become an essential part of the educational experience for health sciences students. However, future studies could investigate the potential negative effects of smartphone usage on academic performance and explore the correlation between smartphone usage and academic outcomes to better understand the impact of smartphones on education

Applications of nanotechnology in allergy and asthma

The increasing incidence of allergic diseases requires effective curative strategies for their alleviation. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a causal treatment technique instead of a symptomatic treatment technique for allergies. At present, AIT is being offered utilizing immunization response modifiers (IRMs) or adjuvants. The adjuvant helps in vigorous inaugral as well as long-term IR (immune response), thus enhancing the efficacy of AIT. The successful development of novel additives requires complete knowledge regarding the underdevelopment of novel and conservative additives. Hence, this review describes the applications of nanotechnology in allergic disorders, namely, allergies and asthma. The development of vaccines based on nanoparticles (NPs) is an important strategy for AIT because of their innate physicochemical characteristics, production ease and capacity to incite inherent immunity

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pelvic floor muscle exercises among pregnant women visiting public hospitals

Many countries are focusing on antenatal programs and developing strategies to ensure the availability of basic needs to pregnant women and prevent complications concerning childbirth. During the antenatal period, pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) reduce complications during labor or puerperium, benefiting the mother and the child. Therefore, the current study was designed to identify the gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PFMEs among pregnant women. This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 385 pregnant women using a purposive sampling technique aged 18 to 40 who visited major tertiary care public hospitals in their second and third trimesters. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semistructured questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographics, knowledge, attitude, and practices. The overall knowledge of the pregnant women was determined using the modified Bloom's cutoff point. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the collected data. Pregnant women's education levels varied widely, ranging from no formal education to graduate. Most of them belonged to low socioeconomic status families (84.16%), i.e., below Pakistani rupees (PKR) 15,000. Nearly half of the pregnant women were familiar with PFMEs (51.69%). They had relatively better knowledge about PFMEs regarding preventing urine leaks (43.38%), reducing back pain (40.00%), preventing excessive weight gain (46.49%), preventing swelling of extremities (47.01%), and increasing energy and stamina during pregnancy (40.52%). Moreover, 50.39% of pregnant women believed childcare activities barred them from performing PFMEs. However, a meager number of pregnant women (6.75%) were performing PFMEs. The overall knowledge of PFMEs among most pregnant women was poor (64.16%). The study observed various deficiencies in PFME-related knowledge among pregnant women and some difficulties performing these exercises. Only a meager number of the recruited sample reported the regular practice of PFMEs, indicating a dire need to increase the awareness and adherence of women in the local community