Stress levels and their risk/protective factors among MSc Public Health students

There is increasing evidence that university students are particularly susceptible to feelings of stress. Given that many post-graduate healthcare students work with patients, the negative outcomes associated with feelings of stress may also impact upon the patient population. This study investigated the prevalence and risk/ protective factors of self-perceived stress among 43 international public health post-graduate students. Results revealed that almost all participants scored in either the moderate or high stress level category, with South-Asian students scoring particularly high stress scores. Headache frequency, sleep duration and feeling the need for a holiday were the explanatory variables most strongly associated with stress. The results support and add to previous literature which suggests that international students are particularly susceptible to feelings of stress. Suggestions on the management and prevention of stress are proposed, while ideas for future research to build upon this study's findings are considered

Exploring factors contributing to low uptake of the NHS Breast Cancer Screening Programme among Black African women in the UK

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United Kingdom (UK) accounting for about 15% of cancer deaths. The National Breast Cancer Screening Programme in the UK was introduced in 1988 to assist with early detection and better management of breast cancer. Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women however have a low uptake of the National Breast Screening programme when compared to their White counterparts. Within the BME group, Black African women have the lowest uptake of screening services and are more likely to have an advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis, leading to poorer survival rates than White women. This study aimed to explore the factors that lead to low uptake of the National Breast Cancer Screening Programme  among Black African women living in Luton and present action points to local breast cancer services. Using a qualitative research design, six focus groups were conducted with a total of twenty-five Black African women residing in Luton between May and June in 2013. Data was analysed thematically using the framework approach. Four main themes emerged across the focus group discussions: knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and risk factors, prevention of breast cancer and awareness of the NHS breast screening service, delays in attending the NHS breast screening service and suggestions for improving information on breast cancer and the NHS breast cancer screening service. The findings from this study suggest the need for more targeted information on breast cancer and screening services for Black African women. This could help improve the uptake of the NHS breast screening service, promote early help-seeking behaviour and improve breast cancer outcomes for this ethnic group.

The prevalence and under-reporting of needle-stick injuries among dental healthcare workers in Pakistan: a systematic review

Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a major occupational health problem among dental healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan, which places them at a significant risk of acquiring blood-borne infections. However, not all NSIs are reported, leading to an underestimation of the actual prevalence. The harmful impacts of NSIs on the healthcare delivery necessitate an urgent need to measure its actual prevalence. Objectives. The aim of this study was to review literature to estimate the prevalence and reporting rates of NSIs among dental-HCWs in Pakistan. Methods. 713 potentially relevant citations were identified by electronic databases and hand searching of articles. Nine primary studies were subsequently identified to be included in the review. Results. The results of the included studies indicate that the prevalence of NSIs among Pakistani dental-HCWs was between 30% and 73%. The rate of reporting of NSIs was between 15% and 76%, and the most common reason was found to be the lack of awareness regarding the reporting system, or of the need to report NSIs. Conclusion. It is evident from the review of the included studies that there is a significantly high prevalence and a low rate of reporting of NSIs among dental-HCWs in Pakistan, suggesting the need to setup an occupational health department in dental settings, for preventing, managing, recording, and monitoring NSIs

Lung carcinoma: its profile and changing trends

BACKGROUND: Lung Carcinoma is the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an incidence of 1.3 million cases per year. This study was undertaken to determine prevalence of various histological types of lung carcinoma and to analyse their changing trends with time. METHODS: This is a retrospective analytical study. A total of 330 cases of lung carcinoma were analysed from 2003 to 2008. Cases from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) were included in this study. Furthermore, only cases of lung carcinoma were considered while other malignancies were excluded. RESULTS: Squamous Cell carcinoma was found in 42.7% of cases. Overall male to female ratio was 2.67:1. Prevalence of Squamous Cell carcinoma increased from 32% to 57.9% while that of Small Cell carcinoma increased from 12% to 17.1%. Unspecified type showed decrease from 36% to 5.3%. Increase in the prevalence of Squamous Cell carcinoma was found in both males and females while change in the prevalence of Small Cell carcinoma was found on!y in males. CONCLUSION: Squamous Cell carcinoma was the most prevalent variant of lung carcinoma in our region, followed by Adenocarcinoma. Male to female ratio across different histological patterns did not show significant variation. Increase in the prevalence of Squamous Cell carcinoma was statistically significant in both males and females while in case of Small Cell carcinoma change in its prevalence was also significant in males

Community and individual identity of the Kashmiri community : a case study of Luton

A thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of LutonThis thesis is the study of the relationship between individuals and communities in the context of racialised minorities in the United Kingdom. The research examines the ways in which individuals belonging to the Kashmiri community articulate and manifest 'Kashmyriat' in conditions of diaspora. Specifically, the research is an investigation of the core features of Kashmiri identity. These were selected as being identifications based on culture, religion and the territorial identification with the land of Kashmir, the nature of culture conflict between individuals and community and differences between generations of Kashmiris and the role of gender identity in 'Kashmyriat'. The central premise is that identity is constantly updated, multiple and redefined in relation to contextual changes through a process of enculturation. Results of the research suggest that culture, religion and territorial identification with the land of Kashmir are central core features of Kashmiri identity in Luton. The younger generation appear to be maintaining a distinct and separate identity based partly on shared culture, religion and terrirotial identification with the land of Kashmir with the older generation whilst they are redefining their identity in response to the contexts in which they have been born and brought up. Gender identities appear to be less significant as part of overall identity development. Theoretically the thesis is an exploration of identity and its relationship to cultural identity among migrants. In this thesis I rely on qualitative ethnographic work as well as the quantitative research methodology of Identity Structure Analysis (ISA) to try and draw a textured analysis of Kashmiri identity transformation in the wake of immigration to Luton. Using the notion of enculturation the thesis sets out to deepen and make this concept more academically rigorous. Enculturation is deployed as a means to understanding the process of identity transformation. Results of the research suggest that culture, religion and affiliation with the land of Kashmir. Whilst they share the first two with other South Asian ethnicised communities in the United Kingdom it appears that the territorial affiliation with the land of Kashmir which can be translated as political identity is currently their self-defined identity. This is marking the Kashmiris as a national community whose individuals and collectivities centre their identity on 'Kashmyriat'

Fashion and Feminism: Role of Clothing in Shaping Feminist Discourses and Identities

Fashion has consistently served as a powerful medium for self-expression, identity formation, and social commentary. This research delves into the intricate relationship between fashion and feminism, investigating how clothing has been both a reflection of feminist ideologies and a catalyst for social change. The study traces feminist movements across history, showing how fashion- from suffragette symbolism to 70’s unisex styles to digital-age activism -has expressed and shaped gender politics. The research focuses on the symbolic, practical, and performative dimensions of fashion in feminist movements, exploring how clothing challenges societal norms, asserts individual and collective agency, and fosters solidarity within and across communities. It critically examines the duality of fashion as both a tool for empowerment and a site of potential compromise, where commercialism and patriarchal influences may dilute feminist intentions. By employing a mix method approach—including quantitative and qualitative interviews with activists and designers, content analysis of media representations, and archival studies of feminist artifacts, Results show that fashion plays a significant role in self-expression and it helps individuals express their empowerment and identity. However, concerns for commercialization dilutes feminist messages increasing its susceptibility to commodification. Other influencing factors include social, economic, cultural and other social factors. The study contributes valuable insights to the discourse on fashion and feminism and underscores the need for raising awareness how market forces can exploit feminist ideals that might help individuals make informed choices and push for ethical and purpose-driven fashion

Risk Factors for Injury to Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Surgeries - A Tertiary Care Centre Experience

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroid surgery. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place And Duration Of Study: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sindh Government Lyari General Hospital / Shaheed Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College and Dr Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences from   July 2014 to August 2018.  Methods: Every patient with goiter (multinodular / solitary nodule) admitted for primary or revision surgery with normal vocal cord movements were included in this study, while patients having hoarseness due to impaired vocal cords movements were excluded from this study. Results: Out of 120 Patients 28 (23.33%) were operated for Total Thyroidectomy, 4 (3.34%) had Near total thyroidectomy and 49(40.83%) for Right lobectomy with isthmusectomy, 35(29.17%) for Left lobectomy with isthmusectomy and 4(3.3%) cases operated for recurrent goiter. Transient unilateral vocal cord paralysis occurred in 5 cases, became permanent in 3 cases. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis was seen in revision thyroidectomy in 1 case. Conclusion: With this study we have tried to evaluate the relation of injury to RLN and type of surgery performed. It can be concluded that thyroid surgery, if performed by expert surgeons carries low risk of injury to RLN. Lobectomies have a slightly lower risk of nerve injury compared to total thyroidectomies. In revision surgeries RLN are at greater risk. Careful dissections of nerve make an important pillar in preservation of RLN during surgery. Keywords:  Thyroidectomy, Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy, Risk Factors

Complementary and alternative medicine in oncology nursing

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased globally, particularly among oncology patients. This study investigated the knowledge, experience and attitudes of oncology nurses towards CAM. A quantitative study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, where 132 oncology nurses were surveyed. The survey revealed that more than 50% of nurses had never heard about many of the CAM therapies used in Pakistan. Approximately 65% of the nurses had knowledge about prayer and less than 30% had experience of CAM education or training. In addition, the majority of nurses had seen patients using CAM and felt that their health status could be enhanced with the use of CAM. This study showed that oncology nurses had a positive experience of and attitude towards CAM, although they needed to enhance their knowledge of it to maximise patient satisfaction and quality of care