Open Access Public Health and Health Administration Review

Diabetes in 2025: A Public Health Imperative for Prevention, Management, and Innovation

Dr. Bahadar Shah — 2025-04-21

Diabetes mellitus is a global public health crisis, with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimating 537 million adults affected in 2021, projected to reach 783 million by 2045 (IDF, 2021). This editorial synthesizes recent evidence (2021–2025) on diabetes types, their impacts on health and organs, prevention strategies, treatments, potential cures, and the role of physical fitness, urging public health administrators to address systemic inequities and scale innovative solutions. Diabetes’s escalating burden demands urgent action. Public health administrators must scale prevention through community partnerships and technology, ensure equitable access to advanced therapies, and fund cure research. Physical fitness, integral to prevention and management, requires integration into routine care. Critically, addressing SDOH and cost-driven disparities is paramount to reducing diabetes’s global toll. The time for transformative policy is now.

Effect of Diverse Nipping Dates on the Infestation of Helicoverpa Armigera on Chickpea Crops under Arid Climate Conditions of Dera Ismail Khan: A Public Health Perspective

Asma Batool — 2025-02-15

This research investigates an alternative management strategy involving different nipping dates in chickpea cultivation to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides for food legumes. The current study conducted during the 2022-23 that utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD). A total of six treatments, consisting of both nipping and non-nipping methods, were implemented starting December 1, 2022, with subsequent treatments applied at 15-day intervals (December 1, December 15, December 30, January 15, and January 30, 2023). A control group was maintained without nipping, allowing for natural growth, to assess the impact of pod borer infestation. The findings indicate that nipping at earlier dates significantly diminished pest infestations and improved grain yields compared to both later nipping and the control group. However, the study's findings may have limitations due to their dependence on specific environmental conditions and the focus on a single growing season, which could affect broader applicability. This research underscores the advantages of early nipping in enhancing yields and minimizing pesticide usage, contributing to sustainable pest management practices in arid regions. The results advocate for the implementation of early nipping within integrated pest management strategies in similar agro-climatic environments.

An analysis of the Relationship between Stress and Smoking Behavior among the Youth in the Indian Medical Colleges

Ahmed Ali Ajmal Pasha — 2025-02-17

The present study was conducted to check the smoking prevalence among the students. The purpose of the present study was to explore and analyze factors associated with smoking behavior among college students. The main objective of the research was to check the impact of stress on smoking behavior, to check the impact of peer smokers on smoking behavior of youth. To check the impact of attitude toward smoking among college students, to check the correlation between stress and addiction towards smoking, to check that how availability and affordability were playing role in smoking behavior. The present study was conducted in one private college i.e., Deccan Medical College Hyderabad, India. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample from the whole population. Total numbers of respondents were 30. The questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. In the current study, the data were analyzed using “Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) program.

Determinants of Quality of Nursing Care Using a HealthQual Model and its Impact on Patient’s Satisfaction and Loyalty

Hamida Amin — 2025-02-22

The healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformations, emphasizing patient-centered care and service quality. Patient satisfaction emerged as a key indicator of healthcare quality, extending beyond clinical outcomes to encompass interactions, facility conditions, and perceived empathy from healthcare providers, ultimately influencing patient loyalty. This study examines the factors affecting patient satisfaction within the HealthQual Model, with a particular focus on nursing care quality. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, 150 inpatients from a private hospital were surveyed through Google Forms. The collected data were analyzed using Smart PLS to evaluate the relationships between these variables. The findings indicate that tangibility, empathy, safety, efficiency, and care improvements significantly impact patient satisfaction. Moreover, a strong positive correlation between patient satisfaction and loyalty was observed, reinforcing the proposed hypotheses. These results suggest that nursing care quality plays a critical role in shaping the overall patient experience and fostering long-term commitment to healthcare providers. This study provides valuable insights into the interplay between nursing care quality, patient satisfaction, and loyalty. The findings have practical implications for healthcare administrators and practitioners, underscoring the need for targeted improvements in nursing services to enhance patient experiences and strengthen relationships with healthcare providers.

Healthcare Quality Enhancement through Implementation of E-Health Records in Saudi Hospitals: An Investigation into the Prospects and Challenges

Abboud Sabriya — 2025-04-13

The adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has become a cornerstone in modern healthcare systems worldwide, promising to enhance the quality of care through improved data accessibility, patient safety, and clinical decision-making. In Saudi Arabia, the Vision 2030 initiative has accelerated the digital transformation of the healthcare sector, with EHRs playing a pivotal role. This study aims to investigate the prospects and challenges of healthcare quality enhancement through implementation of e-health records in Saudi hospitals. This research article explores the prospects and challenges of implementing EHRs in Saudi Arabia to enhance the quality of care. The study employed cross-sectional research design, and a structured survey method was applied using a questionnaire that targets key stakeholders in Saudi healthcare institutions. Through overcoming barriers related to privacy, cost, and training, Saudi Arabia can leverage EHRs to significantly improve its healthcare landscape. The study highlights the potential benefits of EHRs, including streamlined workflows, reduced medical errors, and better patient outcomes. However, it also identifies significant challenges such as data privacy concerns, interoperability issues, and resistance to change among healthcare professionals. The article concludes with recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers to address these challenges and maximize the potential of EHRs in Saudi Arabia.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting among Healthcare Physicians in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Mahwish Raza — 2025-05-01

Because of the paucity of financial, infrastructural, and human resources in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), it is crucial to explore the current knowledge gap and pharmacovigilance practice to adequately deploy resources. To determine the knowledge and practices of ADR among HCPs, we distributed pre-defined questionnaire forms among 1500 HCPs representing 11 LMICs between April 2017 and March 2020. The data was analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22, and frequency and percentages were presented for categorical variables, whereas the comparison of Pakistan and other LMICs was evaluated by performing a χ2 test. P-value 0.05 was taken as the level of significance between responses. Among 1246 (83%) responses, the majority, 846 (68%), had >3 years of work experience and were males, 805 (64%). Total 788 (63%) responders correctly identified the International Conference for Harmonization-ADR definition, 578 (47%) indicated that all type of reactions should be reported, 167 (14%) believed that anyone can report ADR and only 17 (1.4%) correctly indicated that Drug-Drug Interactions, Medication-errors & Drug-Food Interactions can likely cause ADRs. A total of 562 (45%) participants reported at least one ADR during their practice, and 269 (48%) preferred reporting in their institution. The study findings suggested that HCPs from LMICs have relatively better knowledge about ADR than its reporting. The ADR reporting culture can further be improved through training, awareness programs, and by identifying potential barriers to underreporting.

Integrating Mental Health Support in Pharmacy Practice: Assessing the Impact of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Anxiety and Depression Outcomes

Syed Mahnoor Shah — 2024-05-04

The increased prevalence of anxiety and depression across the world makes it imperative to ensure that there are readily available and effective treatments in this sphere. Community-based pharmacists are particularly noted for their potential for early-intervention activities in mental health. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of mental health interventions delivered by pharmacists on patient experiences and care concerning anxiety and depression in community pharmacy. A multi-site, quantitative-intervention study was carried out on twelve different pharmacies using 100 adult participants employing self-administered PHQ-9 and GAD-7 instruments. There was also a marked improvement in the depression and anxiety scores, with the two groups recording a PHQ-9 value of 13.2 compared to 8.1 and a GAD-7 value of 12.5 compared to 7.3. These results suggest that there is a benefit to providing mental health services in pharmacies, enhancing primary care where there are deficiencies, and providing easily accessible, non-hospital-based care that might be more effective for those with mental health issues.

Strategies for Coronary Artery Disease Prevention at Ayub Teaching Hospital: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions

Dr. Arshad Ali — 2025-05-07

CAD is still a pressing global health issue and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity; its incidence is increasingly observed in developing countries, including Pakistan. The paper aims to explore the CAD prevention plan within ATH, analyzing its successes and failures, barriers, and positives, and future planning to reduce this disease. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to collect data from CAD patients, high-risk individuals, and healthcare providers regarding awareness, preventive practices, medication compliance, and perceived barriers to CAD prevention. The findings show that there is low awareness of CAD, particularly among high-risk groups, failure to follow necessary lifestyle changes, and issues around medication use. Lack of financial resources, low levels of health literacy, and the overall shortage of primary healthcare facilities were identified as the primary challenges affecting prevention. Lack of patient compliance, shortage of resources, and a heavy workload were attributed by most healthcare providers as some of their major challenges in CAD management. However, increased interest was prevalent in community-based prevention programs, telemedicine, and low-cost healthcare services, which point to potential obstacles. Thus, the development of an effective system to fight CAD requires a multi-faceted approach based on the organization of special targeted public health programs, increasing accessibility in healthcare, and utilizing information technologies. Improving primary health care, employing preventive cardiology, and reforming policies will reduce CAD rates in Pakistan in significant ways. The findings of this research are valuable to guide future activities to improve CAD prevention at ATH and to establish national-level policies for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME): Evaluating Its Impact on Patient Outcomes and Behavioral Change in Urban and Rural Populations

Muhammad Waqar Ali — 2025-05-14

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) has emerged as a critical intervention for improving glycemic control and enhancing the quality of life for patients with type2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluates the effectiveness of DSME programs in influencing patient outcomes and behavioral change across both urban and rural populations in Pakistan. With rising diabetes prevalence and limited health literacy, particularly in rural areas, understanding the contextual effectiveness of DSME is vital for public health planning. A comparative, quasi-experimental research design was adopted, with data collected from two major tertiary care hospitals in Karachi and Peshawar (urban) and two district-level public hospitals in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (rural). A total of 300 adult patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Participants received DSME interventions over a 12-week period, including dietary counseling, insulin adherence, physical activity planning, and blood glucose self-monitoring. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using HbA1c levels, a standardized Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ), and behavioral self-care surveys. Findings revealed statistically significant improvements in HbA1c levels and diabetes knowledge scores in both groups (p < 0.05), with urban participants showing a slightly higher behavioral compliance rate. However, rural participants displayed notable gains in self-care awareness, highlighting the potential for impactful change when access is improved. The study concludes that DSME is a highly effective tool for improving diabetes management in diverse populations. Expanding these programs through primary care units and community health workers could greatly enhance chronic disease control in Pakistan.

The Identification of Dengue Virus through Sero-Epidemiological Methods in Individuals of District Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Muhammad Zeeshan — 2025-05-15

This study aimed to evaluate the serological characteristics of patients infected with dengue in 2024 at District Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In 2024, a total of 100 individuals visited the hospital. Blood specimens from patients in the pathology laboratory. The data on dengue infection was obtained from the District Health Office in Tank. In the designated dengue patient ward, a patient with dengue fever who was showing little symptoms was admitted. For a period of five months, beginning in August and ending in December, the data was collected from hospitals. It was necessary to utilize a distinct form to consider the gender and history of the users. Furthermore, the Immunochromatographic Technique (ICT) was used in the laboratory screening of a patient suspected of having dengue fever. The collected blood samples underwent screening for Dengue infection utilizing the BIOLINE Dengue NS 1 Ag+Ab Combo Test. A total of 100 blood samples underwent screening. Out of the total samples, 28 tested positives for dengue fever, representing a percentage of 28%, while 72 samples, accounting for 72%, were found to be negative. Regarding patient age groups, 22 patients were found positive for Dengue infection, aged between 15 and 35 years, representing 78.57%, which constitutes most Dengue-infected patients. A significant epidemic of Dengue severity among patients was seen in September and October, attributed to the wet and post-rainy season. It is determined that biological, environmental, pharmacological, and educational strategies should be employed to combat illness. In addition, there is a requirement for the formation of teams to investigate the true origin of dengue disease and its potential effects on the residents of the region.

An Investigation into the Critical Public Health Issue: The Incidence of Enteric Fever (Typhoid Fever) among Febrile Patients

Dr. Bakhtawar Soomro — 2025-05-23

Enteric fever, like typhoid, had the highest morbidity in Asia, accounting for nearly 93% of global cases. Poor hygiene, poor sanitation and sewerage systems, over population are the key contributing factors. The precise epidemiological data regarding typhoid fever in Islamabad is currently unavailable; thus, this study was conceived considering this gap in knowledge. One thousand clinical isolates, irrespective of age and gender, were obtained from typhoid fever suspects who visited Mufti Mahmood Memorial Teaching (MMMT) Hospital between July 2024 and December 2024. Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) were conducted to identify acute (IgM) and chronic (IgG) stage antibodies in the serum of suspected patients. The results indicated that 314 (81%) patients tested positive for IgM antibodies, 70 (18%) for both IgM and IgG, and notably, no samples were positive for IgG alone. Seropositivity for IgM by gender was 129 (37%) males and 219 (63%) females. Among individuals with both IgG and IgM positive antibodies, 31 (42%) were male and 43 (48%) were female. The significant prevalence of typhoid fever among febrile patients attending the hospital signifies that it is a critical public health issue within the spectrum of febrile illnesses in Dera Ismail Khan. Preventive measures, including immunization programs, enhanced sanitary standards, clean water supply, and adequate sewage systems, should be prioritized for typhoid management in metropolitan areas such as Dera Ismail Khan.

A Public Health Perspective on Optimizing Biofertilizer Application for Sustainable Plant Growth: Evaluating Soil Health, Yield Performance, and Microbial Interactions in Crop Agriculture

Umair Sarfraz — 2025-05-23

Chemical fertilizers are overused, so people across the world are now looking for environmentally friendly ways to cultivate crops. The impact of biofertilizer use on soil, crop production and microbiological activity is studied in wheat and maize. The work was completed in different parts of Pakistan, where four combination approaches were assessed: a control, NPK fertilizer, biofertilizer-only and an approach of 50% NPK joined with biofertilizer. Biofertilizer and combined treatments increased soil organic carbon, nutrients, bacterial and fungal population and activity levels of enzymes more than the control and NPK-only plots. Moreover, important benefits could be seen in plant development, as the root length, shoot height, chlorophyll levels, and total grain yield all improved. The inclusion of treatment in the experiment slightly improved maize and wheat yields by up to 100% and 82.1%, respectively. The use of biofertilizers led to a significant rise in the population of helpful genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium, which improved nutrient use and the plant’s tolerance to stress. Evidence of many microorganisms being linked to high crop numbers supports the idea of the importance of biology in soil for sustainable farming. According to these results, using efficient biofertilizers can help boost crop output, protect the soil, and support the overall balance of the environment, providing an eco-friendly alternative in farming.

Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis among the Local Population of South Waziristan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Dr. Bakhtawar Soomro — 2025-05-25

In Pakistan, particularly in South Waziristan, cutaneous leishmaniasis is a severe public health concern that is an emergent tropical disease. This investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CL in this area. The research was carried out between October 2024 and December 2024 at the District Headquarters Hospital (DQH) located in South Waziristan, Wana. Microscopic slides stained with Giemsa were prepared from needle aspirates, and data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Microscopic testing revealed that 440 (55%) of the 800 clinically suspected patients were positive. Among the 440 patients, 242 (55%) were males and 198 (45%) were females. The abrasions began on the face and spread to the upper and lower extremities. The age category of 5–10 years was the most significant, comprising 202 individuals, or 45% of the total population. One lesion impacted 81.32% of the patients, whereas 13.2% exhibited two lesions and 5.6% had three lesions. A significant frequency of CL was seen from April to August, whereas the lowest incidence was recorded from November to December. The research finds that participants have limited understanding of etiology, risk factors, and treatment options related to CL. There is an immediate and pressing need for an increase in awareness and education throughout the population to minimize the burden of the disease and its impact on the economy. An increase in education and awareness is also necessary.

Biochemical Characterization and Antibiotic Profile against Salmonella Species Isolated from Milk and Milk Products

Samia Ijaz — 2025-05-30

Salmonella species are among the most common foodborne pathogens associated with milk and dairy products. This study investigated the microbiological characteristics and antibiotic resistance patterns of Salmonella spp. in milk, ice cream, and cheese samples collected from August to December 2024 in Layyah District, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 150 randomly selected samples (50 each of milk, ice cream, and cheese) were analyzed. Isolation and identification were performed using standard biochemical tests and further confirmed using the API 10S identification kit. Salmonella contamination was detected in 20% of milk samples, 10% of ice cream samples, and 6% of cheese samples. Among the isolates, Salmonella Typhi was the predominant serotype, found in milk (6 samples), ice cream (3), and cheese (2), followed by S. Paratyphi A in milk (4), ice cream (2), and cheese (1). Biochemical profiling revealed typical characteristics of Salmonella, including glucose fermentation with acid and gas production, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, and citrate utilization. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method indicated significant resistance, with notably low zones of inhibition for oxacillin (0 mm), polymyxin B (0.9 mm), trimethoprim (0.8 mm), and amoxicillin (0.5 mm), while imipenem (10.7 mm), ciprofloxacin (10.8 mm), and clindamycin (10.3 mm) showed moderate effects. The findings highlight the public health risk posed by contaminated dairy products and the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains. Strengthening food hygiene practices, ensuring responsible antibiotic use in dairy production, and implementing robust surveillance measures are essential to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Bio medical Innovations in sustainable Agriculture: Harnessing Biofertilizer, Biostimulants, and Microbial Interactions for Enhanced Crop Productivity: A Public Health Perspective

Noor F. Riaz — 2025-05-30

Innovations in the biomedical area are being increasingly applied to address issues in sustainable agriculture by the means of biogeochemical innovations that can replace synthetic agrochemicals with biofertilizers, biostimulants and beneficial microbial associations. This work looks at how these biomedical derived interventions can increase crop productivity, improve nutrient uptake and strengthen the base plant resilience to stress in the environment. The research integrates field trials with insights from microbiology and molecular biotechnology to show that the combined use of biofertilizers and biostimulants can increase crop yields by as much as 30% over conventional practice. The results provide evidence that microbial consortia, engineered with biomedical tools, are critical for soil health regeneration and sustainable crop intensification. These findings place biomedical science at the vanguard of helping to make climate-smart and eco-efficient agriculture a reality. This study strengthens the hypothesis that biomedical innovations, specifically the use of biofertilizers and biostimulants, represent a potent vehicle for achieving sustainable and resilient agriculture. These inputs are indicative of a transformative shift from chemically intensive agriculture and through improving soil health, increasing crop yields, strengthening nutrient efficiency and yielding economic returns, they fill an urgent need. Moreover, research integrating soil science, agronomy and molecular biology will be necessary to adapt and optimize these tools for use in the agricultural landscapes of the world.

Frontal QRS-T Angle as a Predictor of the Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease in Adults Presenting to a Tertiary Care Cardiac Hospital

Dr. Asif Dawood — 2025-06-06

The study aimed to determine the association between the frontal QRS-T angle and the complexity of coronary artery disease, as defined by SYNTAX I score in patients presenting with chest pain to a tertiary cardiac care hospital, excluding those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study employed has a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study was carried out at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC/NIHD), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 2022 to August 2024. A total of 387 patients were included in the study in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Frontal QRS-T angle (fQRST) is automatically calculated by ECG machines based on a standard 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG). SYNTAX I score was calculated to assess the anatomic complexity of the coronary vasculature through angiography. According to results, out of 387 patients, 135 had coronary artery disease, and 45 with critical disease. fQRST ranged from 0-180° (median: 15°). SYNTAX-I score ranged from 0-33 (median: 0). Spearman’s correlation analysis showed no statistically significant correlation between the fQRST, and SYNTAX-I score (rho = -0.011, p = 0.418). The study results conclude and suggest that fQRST may not be a good predictor of the complexity of coronary artery disease in our patients.