Importance of Storing Medicines on Required Temperature in Pharmacies and Role of Community Pharmacies in Rural Areas: Literature Review

Vol. 6  Issue 2
Year:2016
Issue:May-Jul
Title:Importance of Storing Medicines on Required Temperature in Pharmacies and Role of Community Pharmacies in Rural Areas: Literature Review
Author Name:Sumera Aziz Ali, Savera Aziz Ali and Nadir Suhail 
Synopsis:
Medicines are the crucial tools to control and prevent various diseases. Ineffective medicines can cause wastage of resources. The efficacy of medicines gets affected due to improper storage conditions particularly the improper temperature. The objective of this review was to synthesize the findings regarding the storage of medicines on required temperature in Pharmacies and the role of community pharmacies, particularly in rural areas. An extensive literature review was carried by retrieving articles from various databases like Pub med, Google scholar and Science Direct and by using terms like 'temperature', 'pharmacy ', 'medicines' and 'storage'. Types of studies were descriptive studies, systematic reviews, and various WHO reports. Normal storage conditions mean storage in dry, well-ventilated place at temperatures of 15–25 °C or, depending on climatic conditions and properties of the drug; it might go up to 30oC. Furthermore, uninterrupted cold chain maintenance is required from the manufacturer till the dispensing of the medicines. Temperature monitoring devices must be used, in order to ensure the appropriate temperature of the medicines during transportation from one to another place. Medicinal products require appropriate storage conditions in order to ensure the quality and efficacy of medicines. Improper storage can increase the unnecessary burden on the economy of general population due to their poor efficacy. Strong monitoring of storage conditions is required to ensure storage practices in community pharmacies. Furthermore, ongoing training should be arranged for pharmacy owners to teach them about standard storage practices, particularly in rural areas.

Global Health Competencies Of Nurse Students In Philippines

Vol. 6  Issue 2
Year:2016
Issue:May-Jul
Title:Global Health Competencies Of Nurse Students In Philippines
Author Name:Hamzeh Y. Abunab, Wireen Leila T. Dator and Jose Reinhard C. Laoingco
Synopsis:
This study sought to assess the Global Health Competencies (GHC) of the fourth year nursing students in a selected School of Nursing (SON) and to determine integration of the GHC in the BSN curriculum. Descriptive cross-sectional design was followed in this study using self-rated assessment tool. GHC of students and integration of GHC in the BSN curriculum were assessed. Results revealed that (1) the students are moderately competent in the global burden of disease category with Weighted Mean Score (WMS) of 2.6; (2) competent in four categories of GHCs specifically, health implications of travel and displacements, globalization of health and healthcare; healthcare in low resource and healthcare as human right and development resource with WMSs of 2.88, 2.85, 3.04 and 3.28 respectively; (3) highly competent in social and environmental determinants of health with WMS of 3.46; the overall result implies that the student are competent in general with WMS of 3.02. Majority of the students claimed the GHCs are integrated into their BSN curriculum. Findings revealed that the SON is responsive to the students' training to develop competencies in meeting the challenges of global health.

Development Of A Tool To Measure Clinical Performance Of Nursing Students

Vol. 6  Issue 2
Year:2016
Issue:May-Jul
Title:Development Of A Tool To Measure Clinical Performance Of Nursing Students
Author Name:Maxie Martis
Synopsis:
Excellence in clinical performance is the hallmark of good healthcare and reflects aptitude, cognition, affect and skills. Over the years, attempts have been made to measure clinical performance of nursing staff and students in the patient care units. The preliminary tools developed for such purpose measured traits and tools developed after 1962, measured knowledge base, the amount of guidance required, time spent in teaching, dexterity and coordination. However, recent tools rate performance against patient care behaviors. Development of a valid tool to measure the clinical performance of nursing student in subsequent years of study in a graduate nursing programme had been the interest of the researcher. It was observed that though the curriculum was uniform throughout India, the assessment pattern varied between universities and institutions. This paper highlights the process as well as the challenges encountered in the process of development of the tool. These challenges might seem as opportunities for policy makers to reform the system of nursing education in India.

Handling Challenging Emotions In Nursing Care

Vol. 6  Issue 2
Year:2016
Issue:May-Jul
Title:Handling Challenging Emotions In Nursing Care
Author Name:Komal Jiwani 
Synopsis:
The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of emotions with respect to the patient's condition, circumstances during which patients exhibit these emotions and the strategies to provide holistic good quality nursing care accordingly. To analyze the issue, comprehensive literature review was carried. Research articles were reviewed from 2007 to 2015 and data was extracted from Science Direct, SAGE, and Google scholar search engine. Literature review showed that most patients fear diseases and their outcomes. Therefore, they exhibit negative emotions (anxiety, anger and depression). Patients undergoing invasive procedures exhibit more anxiety than patient with chronic diseases who experience depression. While perceived inadequate care due to staff shortage, late diagnosis, long waiting in an emergency, uncontrolled pain and terminal illness evoke anger in patients. Anger, anxiety and depression are interlinked with each other and can also be observed in one situation. If anger is not directly expressed by a patient, it turns back into self and leads to depression. If anxiety is ignored, it can also lead to depression. To deal with patients' anxiety, health education, informed consent, proper orientation of hospital, proper communication and music or relaxation therapy are found significant. Counseling and teaching of coping strategies for patients are core to alleviate or reduce depressive feelings of patients; while patients' anger can be dealt through maintaining patience, calm attitude and empathetic communication of nurses. Emotions are normal and natural part of our daily life. Increase in the emotion beyond their usefulness or control is harmful for health. Anger, anxiety and depression are generally observed emotions in hospital settings. This requires proper treatment modality and nursing intervention to convert them into healthy emotion. Maladaptive practices for emotion regulation can further deteriorate emotional, psychological, and health aspect. Therefore, to function better in life, one needs to understand their reactions.

Depression Among Afghan Women: A Public Health Concern

Vol. 6  Issue 2
Year:2016
Issue:May-Jul
Title:Depression Among Afghan Women: A Public Health Concern
Author Name:Wais Mohammad Qarani 
Synopsis:
Depression is one of the main public health concerns, globally which affects both men and women. However, it is found higher in women as compared to men, particularly in countries such as Afghanistan, where cultural and traditional practices, poverty, conflicts, social inequality, and quality of life are the main concerns and contributing factors towards depression. In the Afghan context, women are the front line victims suffering from depression; and it is reported to be almost twice prevalent in Afghan women as compared to the women of its neighbored countries. Depressive disorders have a negative impact on an individual and may lead to functional impairment and contribute towards discrimination and stigma within the community. Therefore, stakeholders have the responsibility to design strategies to address the physical and psychological aspects concerning the wellbeing of the Afghan women.

Cardiac Arrest: A Need To Understand The Determinants Of Basic Life Support- A Nursing Perspective

Vol. 6  Issue 1
Year:2016
Issue:Feb-Apr 
Title:Cardiac Arrest: A Need To Understand The Determinants Of Basic Life Support- A Nursing Perspective
Author Name:Hina Nizar Karim
Synopsis:
Cardiac arrest is the most serious scenario, both in-hospital and out of hospital. Studies have shown that arrest victim requires an immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for better health outcome. Since in-hospital nurses are the front line staff who first witness the cardiac arrest patient, it is very important for nurses to perform effective and immediate CPR. Literature has reported that nurses and medical staff possess poor retention of BLS skills and theory after a few months of training sessions. Since BLS is mandatory for nursing staff as they witness the arrest first; different teaching methods should be adopted for better retention. However, it's been found that, content and training of BLS lack standardization among different organizations.

Faulty Eating Pattern Among Adolescents Of Junior College, S'o'a University

Vol. 6  Issue 1
Year:2016
Issue:Feb-Apr 
Title:Faulty Eating Pattern Among Adolescents Of Junior College, S'o'a University
Author Name:Sailabala Mohanty and Epsita Biswal
Synopsis:
Today adolescent and youth account to 1.8 billion of the total world’s population and the future economic development of the country rests on future adults who are healthy enough. Nutritious food is required to maintain an optimum health during the adolescence. But peer pressure is very high during this period. They need to be in step with the trends but they belong to the peer group taking in non-nutritious foods like pizzas, burgers, coffees, aerated drinks, chocolates and also other roadside junk foods. They may also start skipping meals or possibly under-eat or over-eat developing poor eating habits. A descriptive approach was undertaken in this study. 100 samples are selected using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and rating scales. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The study reveals that, 23% samples have poor eating habits, 74% have fair, and only 3% belong to the excellent eating habits group. The study also find out that, there is a negative co-relation between the eating habits and the eating disorders as the r value is (-0.061) and also a highly significant difference was found between the eating habits with age, sex and Body Mass Index (p<0.05).

Randomized Controlled Intervention For Reduction Of Tobacco Use Among Security Guards

Vol. 6  Issue 1
Year:2016
Issue:Feb-Apr 
Title:Randomized Controlled Intervention For Reduction Of Tobacco Use Among Security Guards
Author Name:Pinki Das and K. Jayakrishnan
Synopsis:
Tobacco addiction is a global epidemic that is increasingly ravaging countries and regions that can least afford its toll of disability, disease, lost productivity and death. The present study was conducted i) to assess the level of tobacco use among the security staffs ii) to check the effectiveness of brief intervention module in the reduction of tobacco use among security staffs in the experimental group. The present study was a true experimental study and the Randomized Control Trial pre-test post-test only design was used in the 60 samples at IMS & SUM Hospital among two different groups i.e. the experimental group and the control group. WHO ASSIST V3.0 questionnaire was used for data collection along with 1 month follow-up. A module was prepared on 5A's strategy of brief intervention by using the principles of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Relapse Prevention Therapy (RPT) to reduce the tobacco use. Finally, the result concluded the paired 't' test between the pre-test and post-test experimental group regarding the level of tobacco use, which shows significant difference at p<0.05 indicates the level of tobacco use among the security staffs was significantly reduced after giving a brief intervention. The application of brief intervention module shows a significant difference in the level of tobacco use in the experimental group.

Effect Of Low Fowler's Position On Back Pain And Vascular Complications Following Trans-Femoral Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Vol. 6  Issue 1
Year:2016
Issue:Feb-Apr 
Title:Effect Of Low Fowler's Position On Back Pain And Vascular Complications Following Trans-Femoral Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Author Name:Jogindra Vati, Tintu K. Mathew and Yash Paul Sharma
Synopsis:
Cardiac catheterization remains the gold standard diagnostic test and evaluation for coronary heart diseases. The aim ° of this study was to investigate the effect of low fowler's position (30 ) on the severity of back pain and local vascular complications following transfemoral cardiac catheterization. A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is the design principle used here. The study was conducted in the Advanced Cardiac Centre of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. A total 60 patients scheduled for elective transfemoral diagnostic cardiac catheterization were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group (n=30) and the experimental group (n=30). Data were collected through the self developed 'Interview schedule, 'Numerical pain intensity scale', and 'Vascular complications assessment' tools after checking its validity and reliability. Low fowler's position protocol and the protocol for assessing vascular complications were also developed. Both groups were restricted to bed rest for first 2 hours following the procedure in supine position with the affected leg straight and immobilized. After 2 hours, patients in the control group (n=30) were receiving conventional care in supine position and patients of the experimental group (n=30) were restricted to bed rest in low fowler's position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 degree. Severity of back pain was assessed at regular time intervals of 2, 4, 6 hours of post cardiac catheterization. Local vascular complications (hematoma, ecchymosis, and bleeding) were assessed at the time of removal of dressing at 12 hours after catheterization. The experimental group patients significantly had less back pain than the control group (p<0.01) at 4 hours and 6 hours after cardiac catheterization. The control group patients (on supine position) significantly developed ecchymosis as compared to the experimental group (on low fowler position) (p<0.02) at the time of removal of dressing from the puncture site. None of the patient developed hematoma in both groups. There was no major bleeding in any of the groups. Nursing patients in low fowler's position at 30 degree during the early hours after cardiac catheterization can minimize the severity of back pain and ecchymosis.

Correlational Study On Nurses' Performance In Secondary Private And Government Hospitals In Albay, Philippines

Vol. 6  Issue 1
Year:2016
Issue:Feb-Apr 
Title:Correlational Study On Nurses' Performance In Secondary Private And Government Hospitals In Albay, Philippines
Author Name:Joven T. Loyola
Synopsis:
This study was conceptualized in order to determine the factors that affect the performance of nurses in secondary private hospitals in Albay, Philippines and to find out the level performance of nurses in the said hospitals as perceived by nurses and patients alike. It further made a comparison with the findings of a similar study made among government hospitals. Twenty-six nurses and 146 patients from seven secondary private and government hospitals served as respondents of this investigation. Specifically, it sought to present: 1) the demographic profile of the nurse-respondents in terms of (a) age, (b) sex, (c) religion, (d) civil status, (e) salary, and (f) the number of years in service; 2) the demographic profile of the patient-respondents in terms of (a) age, (b) sex, (c) civil status, (d) highest educational attainment, and (e) diagnosis; 3) the factors that affect the performance of nurses in terms of (a) nurse-related factors; (b) patient-related factors; and (c) environmental factors; 4) the level of performance of nurses in providing nursing care to patients as perceived by the respondents; 5) whether there is a significant difference between the level of performance of nurses in secondary private and government hospitals in Albay; and 6) the measures that may be proposed to enhance the performance of nurses in rendering quality nursing care to patients. According to the results of the T-test used to correlate data from the current study and data from Veloso's study, there is a significant difference between the level of performance of nurses in private secondary hospitals and that of nurses in government secondary hospitals.

Comparison Between Two Nursing Theories: Rogers And Leddy

Vol. 6  Issue 1
Year:2016
Issue:Feb-Apr 
Title:Comparison Between Two Nursing Theories: Rogers And Leddy
Author Name:Layla Rahim
Synopsis:
This article is focused on the major features of the Martha Rogers grand theory and Susan Leddy's Human Energy Model, a middle range theory. Roger's theory talks about Human being and the environment as energy fields, while Leddy's Human Energy Model explains the three aspects of universal essence: matter, information and energy. The article is based on a real case scenario. The aim of this paper is to compare the above mentioned theorists, impact on the outcomes and their relationship with the clinical scenario in their own approaches.

Art Therapy: An Innovative Approach In Mental Health Settings

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: Art Therapy: An Innovative Approach In Mental Health Settings
Author Name:Afsheen Amir Ali Hirani, Lubna Ghazal, Zahira Amir Ali Khalfan and Khadija Shafiq Dossa
Synopsis:
Art therapy is one of the therapies which is used along with other psycho-pharmacological therapies in the recovery and rehabilitation of the psychiatric clients. The aim of this paper is to elucidate the importance of art therapy in the clients' assessment and evaluation of their progress in response to their treatment in a mental health setting. In this observational study, the art therapy was used as an intervention in a mental health setting and the clients' responses were noted. The paper presents various clinical observations of clients with different art therapies and its positive effects on clients with different mental health diagnosis. Art therapy was found effective to enhance a clients' focus, attention span and reality orientation. This therapy also helped them to enhance their reflective thinking, express their inner feelings, identify their moods, and to build a therapeutic relationship with staff and other patients. In addition, art therapy also improved problem solving and decision making capabilities in mentally ill clients. In conclusion, this therapy is found effective to evaluate clients' progression of treatment and counseling sessions. Thus, it can be one of the useful tools for a healthcare professional to promote mental health of clients.

Promoting Wellbeing Through Positive Psychology

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: Promoting Wellbeing Through Positive Psychology
Author Name:Mir Hassan and Muhammad Younas
Synopsis:
In our lives, in spite of happy moments, at certain moments, we feel somewhat depressed, sometimes we are in stress and also at times not being able to concentrate and above all, sometimes we feel that, we all are a bit mad. Positive psychology can be defined as the scientific study of what makes the life most valued. It is a psychological science that is concerned with the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals and groups; it is interested to build the worst of an individual’s life by repairing the abolished part and is also concerned with fulfilling and flourishing the lives of normal people (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000, p. 5). It works for individuals and groups at various levels; which include individual level, group level, and subjective level. At the individual level, it is concerned with positive individual attributes, such as love, courage, spirituality, personal skills, talent, wisdom, etc. Whereas, at group level, it talks about a group or institutional benefit, development, responsibility, living standard, ethics, law, and patience. Moreover, the subjective level is about experiences; satisfaction and good deeds of past, happiness and fulfillment of present and positive hopes for the future (Seligman, 2004). There is no mark division between mental health, and illness but rather placed somewhere on a continuum and it continues throughout an individual’s life. Health is a continuum, where absolute disease and absolute health is opposite of each other (Langius-Eklöf, 2004).

Palliative Care: Addressing Physical And Spiritual Needs Of An Elderly Client.

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: Palliative Care: Addressing Physical And Spiritual Needs Of An Elderly Client.
Author Name:Faiza Rafiq Makhani
Synopsis:
Palliative care is not only to address the holistic needs of the patient rather than, it implies patient centered care at the terminal stage of the disease process. Sometimes, obtaining this goal becomes more difficult, when the patient is suffering from complex physiological phenomena of human being that is "aging". Together with this multiple chronic illness is also another important aspect from the care point of view. However, this is the responsibility of the nurse to look upon all these issues in order to satisfy the patient's needs. In this paper, physical and spiritual needs of a patient is being addressed with the interventions that can be done looking upon the patient's condition at the terminal stage of his illness.

Educational Needs Of Tuberculosis Patients Based On Their Experiences In Karachi, Pakistan

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: Educational Needs Of Tuberculosis Patients Based On Their Experiences In Karachi, Pakistan
Author Name:Muslim Shah, Yasmin Parpio, Raisa Gul and Asho Ali
Synopsis:
This study aimed to explore the educational needs of tuberculosis patients, based on their experiences in Karachi, Pakistan. Moreover, this study aimed to understand the challenges that the TB patients face in managing their disease. This research study was guided by a qualitative exploratory descriptive design. The purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants for the study, and a total of ten TB patients was recruited from two TB treatment and diagnostic centers. The data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data analysis for the study was done manually by following the five steps of content analysis, as discussed by Creswell (2013). Two major categories and associated sub-categories emerged from the analysis of the participants' narratives. The first category comprises perceptions and misperceptions of TB patients about their disease process, in terms of signs and symptoms, causes and spread, complications, and its treatment. The second category discusses the impact of TB on patients' lives; the financial hardships and the challenges faced by TB patients, such as those related to physical, psycho-social, sexual, and marital life. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health issue globally, and Pakistan is included in high TB burden countries. This study highlights that educational needs for TB patients are very important. The burden of TB can be reduced in Pakistan, and the care of TB patients can be improved through effective training of health care professionals. Moreover, further research and awareness programs at different levels can play a pivotal role in controlling and reducing the spread of this disease.

The Effect Of Hoku Point Massage With Ice On Venipuncture Pain In Children With Thalassemia

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: The Effect Of Hoku Point Massage With Ice On Venipuncture Pain In Children With Thalassemia
Author Name:Abazari Faroukh, Batool Pouraboli, Maryam Rostami, Younes Jahani and Mohsentavanaei
Synopsis:
This paper assess the effectiveness of Hoku point massage with ice on the severity of venipuncture pain in children with thalassemia. This was a double-blind, two-group clinical trial. Eighty six Thalassemic children who were eligible to participate in the study were selected from children referring to Kerman Samen Alhojaj Medical Center consisted the study population. By using a convenience sampling method, they were placed into experimental (Hoku point massage with ice) and placebo (touching ice marble on fake point of the back of the hand) groups by random allocation. Data was collected using a questionnaire about the child's demographic information and FLACC (Faces, Legs Activity Cry Consolability) behavioral pain scale. Descriptive and analytical statistics using software SPSS v. 22 were used to analyze the data. Finally, the results show that average pain score in the experimental and placebo groups was 0.65 ± 0.75 and 2.56 ± 1.58 respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between these two groups in terms of pain severity (p = 0.0001). According to the results, ice massage at Hoko point is an effective method to relieve the venipuncture pain in children with thalassemia.

Chromo Therapy: Healing Power Of Colors

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: Chromo Therapy: Healing Power Of Colors
Author Name:Sembian N and Malar Kodi Aathi
Synopsis:
The body is an outward expression of that which is taking place within the mind, the soul (subconscious), and the spirit (super conscious) of the individual. Thus, any healing technique which deals only with the physical body and the energy field of the individual tends to accomplish one thing keeping this in mind, the authors look at how color can help jumpstart the tired or diseased body. Color healing, known as Chromo therapy, can be implemented in a number of ways. The ancients built great halls of color healing, where the individuals entered and were bathed in light, that was filtered through various colored glass panels or windows. Chromo therapy or color therapy involves the use of color to achieve overall good health and to treat some diseases. Useful in treating emotional and physical problems related to sleep, chromo may involve exposure to colored lights, massage oils or ointments colored, meditation and visualization of certain colors or wearing certain clothing colors. Color channels were used for healing in ancient Egypt, China and India. Energy (spiritual) healers often supplement their healing work with color healing. As they lay their hands on the patient, they mentally direct specific color rays into the patient's aura and body.

Parvovirus B19 In Pregnancy

Vol. 5  Issue 4
Year:2016
Issue:Nov-Jan 
Title: Parvovirus B19 In Pregnancy
Author Name:Akoijam Mamata Devi
Synopsis:
Parvovirus B19 causes prolonged epidemics of erythema infectiosum. Infection causes clinically significant anemia in individuals with high red cell turnover, including the fetus. Transmission can occur via the respiratory route, hand-tomouth contact, blood products, and vertically from mother to the fetus. The virus replicates in rapidly proliferating cells, such as erythroblast precursors. In healthy hosts, the virus can cause a range of clinical manifestations, including erythema infectiosum (ie, fifth disease), transient aplastic crisis, chronic red cell aplasia, myocarditis, arthropathy, and nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Approximately 40% women of childbearing age are susceptible, and annual seroconversion rates vary from 1.5% during endemic periods to 10-15% during epidemics. Infection occurs in around 50% of susceptible women exposed at home and 20-30% following occupational exposure (for example, at a primary school). Maternal infection in the first half of pregnancy is associated with a 10% excess fetal loss and hydrops fetalis in 3% of cases (of which up to 60% resolve spontaneously or with appropriate management). No congenital abnormalities or long-term sequelae have been attributed to parvovirus B19 infection. The overall risk of serious adverse outcome of occupational exposure to parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy is low (excess early fetal loss in 2-6/1,000 pregnancies and fetal death from hydrops in 2-5/10,000 pregnancies). It is not recommended that, susceptible pregnant women be excluded routinely from working with children during epidemics.

Influence Of Educational Environment On Academic Performance Of Nursing Students

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title: Influence Of Educational Environment On Academic Performance Of Nursing Students
Author Name:Maxie Andrade, Rubiya I Shekh and Thankamma M.S 
Synopsis:
The context of learning, the educational environment and the learning styles have an influence on the academic performance. While the context of learning and learning styles are individualistic, the educational environment provided by an institution is generic. The aim of this study was to assess the education environment as perceived by the learners. The objectives of the study were to describe the educational environment and academic performance and identify the relationship between educational environment and academic performance. A cross sectional survey was held in December 2013, in one of the nursing institutions in India offering diploma and graduate nursing program. The Participants were the enrolled students available on the day of data collection and consented to the study. The total score obtained in the board/university examination was the measure of academic performance. The total score obtained from the administration of Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) was regarded as the educational environment. The Karl Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between educational environment and academic performance. The educational environment was perceived as 'more positive' by 84.84% of graduate (n=66) and 76.66% of diploma nursing students (n=90). However, the relationship between education environment and academic performance was not statistically significant among graduate (r= 0.006, p= 0.97, n=44) and diploma (r= 0.145, p=0.22, n=73) students. Nursing students should make effective use of the educational environment.

The Effect of Breast Milk Odor on First Breast Feeding Time and Weight Gain in Premature Infants

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title: The Effect of Breast Milk Odor on First Breast Feeding Time and Weight Gain in Premature Infants
Author Name:Batool Poor Aboli, Atefeh Shamsi and Sedigheh Iranmanesh 
Synopsis:
This study examines the effect of breast milk odor on the first breast feeding time and weight gain in premature infants. This experimental study was conducted on 92 premature infants less than 33 weeks of age. There were 46 infants in the control group and 46 infants in the intervention group. The study was conducted at two neonatal intensive care and premature units of a university hospital in Northern Iran from April 6 to September 6, 2013. The study was conducted over a four and a half month period. Demographic profiles were extracted from the infants' medical records. A checklist of recorded data from the same study was made available. Prior to initiating the research, we received the necessary approval from relevant organizations. Parental permission was obtained by signing a consent form. A pad impregnated with the mother's milk and olfactory stimulation of premature infants with this pad reduced the first breastfeeding duration. The mother's breast sucking was more effective and initiated over a shorter time in the intervention group compared to the control group. Olfactory stimulation of breast milk odor influenced strengthening feeding competence of infants and reduced the duration of time for the first breast feeding.

Nursing Shortage In Pakistan: A Growing Challenge For The Healthcare System Of The Country

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title: Nursing Shortage In Pakistan: A Growing Challenge For The Healthcare System Of The Country
Author Name:Muhammad
Synopsis:
The Nursing shortage is becoming a real global challenge. Since, Pakistan is facing the dual burden of communicable and chronic diseases, the country is facing an acute shortage of the healthcare workforce, especially, the nursing shortage. There is a lack of adequate educational institutes besides of basic facilities in existing schools and colleges of nursing. Additionally, the rate of enrollment is not encouraging to satisfy the growing healthcare needs of the country. Moreover, a large number of qualified nurses leave the country in search of better opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the shortage of nurses in the country and to compare local nurse to patient ratio with internationally recognized standards. In addition, it includes causes, significance and impacts of nursing shortage on patients' care. Moreover, some strategies and recommendations have been proposed to overcome the issue of nursing shortage.

Hepatitis C in Pakistan: An Alarming Threat

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title:Hepatitis C in Pakistan: An Alarming Threat
Author Name:Nighat Karim, Kausar Karim, Mehreen Nizar, Saba Kabani, Kiran Nawaz and Anita Sultan
Synopsis:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most widespread infectious diseases. It is becoming a major public health problem of developing countries, including Pakistan that has the second highest prevalence rate of HCV ranging from 4.5% to 8% (World Health Organization).There are various determinants that are contributing to the rising trend of hepatitis C in Pakistan. The most prevalent cause includes reuse of syringes and needles, usage of unsterile equipment, especially by local dentists and barbers, multiple sex partners, unscreened blood transfusions, unavailability of proper health care delivery system, and lack of awareness. The general public is either infected with the virus or they are most vulnerable of contracting it, due to several malpractices and misperceptions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take preventive measures at primary, secondary and tertiary level to tackle this widespread disease.

Early Marriage Of Girls In Pakistan

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title:Early Marriage Of Girls In Pakistan
Author Name:Armish Aziz Rajwani and Nazish Hussain Ali Pachani 
Synopsis:
Marriage is a precious bond formed between a bride and a groom. In contrast, early marriages evokes challenge, especially for a girl. Sudden shift in roles, responsibilities and environment creates a stress. Their physical and psychological immaturity to deal with emerging demands leads to illnesses like; depression, sepsis, obstructed labor, HIV, etc. This issue is completely preventable, but its roots are deep down. Social, cultural, economical, and religious factors encouraging rural and semi-urban population of Pakistan for many decades. There is a need to re-pattern this practice. Educating girls and making them self-reliant is a key to its implementation. This paper would discuss about its severity, contributing factors, effects and some interventions that can be done to resolve its burden of the country and to achieve millennium developmental goals (MDG's).

Gender Selective Abortions Should Be Prohibited

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title:Gender Selective Abortions Should Be Prohibited
Author Name:Younas Masih and Salima Saleem Mithani
Synopsis:
100 million little girls, or maybe more than that lose their lives due to gender discrimination. If a woman gives birth to a baby girl, she would become an object of shame to her entire family. Also, the baby girl and the woman herself would be treated in ways unimaginable. This is not only a legal but an ethical issue which deeply effects the societies and its roots. The purpose of this paper compare the benefits as well as the negative aspects of the sex selection and its abortion. It also focuses on the roles of the nurses in education of the communities to reduce it, also recommendations are given to help in the reduction of these problems. The role of the leaders, nurses and religious persons is vital in reducing the increasing load of this phenomenon in the world and particularly in Pakistan.

On the Road to Therapeutics: Biological Mechanisms of Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease

Vol. 5  Issue 3
Year:2015
Issue:Aug-Oct
Title:On the Road to Therapeutics: Biological Mechanisms of Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease
Author Name:Dennis Relojo
Synopsis:
This paper has sought to explore and summarise more recent findings on the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have contributed to our understanding of these two devastating diseases. As the most common neurodegenerative disease, AD accounts for about two thirds of cases of dementia – ranging in various studies from 42 to 81 per cent of all dementia – with vascular causes and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Pick's disease and diffuse Lewy-body disease constituting the majority of the remaining cases. Meanwhile, it has been identified that PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, after AD. The cause of PD remains unknown, but epidemiological studies suggest an association with pesticides and other environmental toxins, and biochemical studies implicate a systemic defect in mitochondrial complex. In light of the current findings and issues on PD and AD, this paper highlights the range of therapies available for those afflicted with these diseases.

The Power Of Knowledge Facing The Power Of Position: Case Study About The Conflict Of Power

Vol. 5  Issue 2
Year:2015
Issue:May-Jul 
Title:The Power Of Knowledge Facing The Power Of Position: Case Study About The Conflict Of Power
Author Name:Adham Alarbeed, Diala Al Hakim
Synopsis:
Case Studies had been always used as a teaching strategy and it has been defined as an explanation of real life situations confronted by a person or persons in an organization of any kind. It has been featured as a way to aggravate the learners' critical thinking; to apply theory into practice; to train learners toward decision making; to enhance learner's cooperative learning skills; and to build partnerships among learners and teachers. This paper presents a case study about the conflict of power. The aim of this paper is to describe a situation in which leaders in nursing administrative positions faces a lot. Besides, the paper aims to provide a logical approach toward dealing with such situations. Furthermore, it aims to activate the critical thinking of the readers by providing a list of questions at the end of the paper in order to generate a discussion which in its turn enhances the learning process.