The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

Relationship between Antenatal Care Utilization and Post-partum Complications in Mothers; Evidence from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey Data - 2019

2025-01-27T13:43:59+05:00

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth represent significant milestones in women’s lives, accompanied by both joy and challenges. Access to quality antenatal care is essential for ensuring the well-being of mother and child. Objective: To analyze the relationship between antenatal care utilization and postpartum complications among mothers of reproductive age using Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey Data 2019. Methodology: In this study data from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2019 of all the Provinces was used. The ethical approval for the PMMS 2019 survey was obtained from The National Bioethics Committee of Pakistan, the Demographic and Health Surveys Program and the ICF Institutional Review Board. All respondents provided written informed consent before participation during the PMMS 2019 fieldwork. A sample consisted of 6,907 women aged 15 to 49 years who delivered a baby during the last three years before the survey and had at least one antenatal care visit. Women of reproductive age with incomplete or missing data on antenatal care visits were not included in this study. The data was analysed using the SPSS 23 version. The data following normal distribution, were computed by mean and standard deviation. However, if the data were skewed, we instead determined the median and interquartile range. Then bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the associations between independent and dependent variables using chi-square statistics or cross-tabulations. Results: The outcome variable in this study was post-partum complication and independent variables include antenatal care services, maternal age, parity, gravidity, birth attendance, place of delivery, history of pregnancy and previous labour complications, intra-natal complications and post-partum care. Conclusion: Women with non-standard antenatal care and visiting private facilities have a high prevalence of post-partum complications. Healthcare providers should implement policies and develop appropriate health education plans to prevent avoidable maternal complications. Additionally, raising awareness about the negative impact of high parity on obstetric outcomes within the community is crucial.

Predictors of Renal Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2025-01-29T12:27:59+05:00

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is typically a chronic disorder, the third most common reason for death worldwide but a significant figure of patients experience exacerbations, which are characterized as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms imposing a change in treatment. Objective: To find the predictors of renal dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methodology: It was a descriptive observational study and data was collected from the Services Hospital Lahore over a four-month duration. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 143 patients aged between 30 to 60 years of both genders. Patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to GOLD definition. Excluded patients were patients with acute kidney injury or recent episodes of renal dysfunction from the past 3 months, patients already diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or having renal replacement therapy or mentally retarded patients. The data was analyzed through SPSS version 27. Quantitative variables were described using the mean and standard deviation, whereas frequencies and percentages were utilized for qualitative aspects. The Institutional Review Board reviewed the research proposal to ensure it adheres to ethical guidelines and protects participant rights. Results: There were 99 male patients, which is a total population of 69.2%, while there were 44 female patients, which is a total population of 30.8%. There is a significant result between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity and urine output. There is a significant result between urine output and hypoxia. The p-value is considered as significant <0.005. Conclusion: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can cause systemic inflammation, hypoxia and hypercapnia, as well as comorbid conditions that have a significant impact on kidney functions. Derangements in urea and creatinine levels have been linked to poorer outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, including increased mortality and lower quality of life.

Association of Hand Physical Activity with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Packing Workers

2025-01-30T13:23:10+05:00

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common work-related musculoskeletal disorder, particularly among individuals engaged in repetitive hand movements, such as packing workers, yet the specific association between hand physical activity and carpal tunnel syndrome in this population remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the association of hand physical activity with carpal tunnel syndrome among packing workers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 packing workers from various factories in Sialkot, Pakistan. Workers aged 18 to 35 years, both male and female, were included. Pregnant females, individuals with other hand abnormalities, or those younger than 18 or older than 35 years were excluded. Data collection was done using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire and the provocative Phalen test. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while the Spearman test was used for inferential statistics to evaluate the correlation between CTS and hand physical activity. The results, including the sum of BCTQ scores, were displayed in charts, tables, and graphs. Results: Among 323 packing workers, carpal tunnel syndrome prevalence was 68.8% in males and 31.6% in females. Age-wise, 63.8% of subjects were aged 25–35 years, while 36.2% were aged 18–25 years. Due to non-normal data distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test), the Spearman’s test was applied, showing a significant association between hand physical activity and carpal tunnel syndrome (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among packing workers, with a significant negative correlation between hand physical activity and this syndrome. Findings confirm a strong association between hand physical activity and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Association of Lifestyle and Dietary Factors of Young Children with Diarrhea in Pakistan: An Evidence from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018

2025-02-15T01:13:18+05:00

Background: Globally childhood diarrhea accounts for 1.7 billion cases every year according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 report. According to the Federal Directorate of Immunization, the incidence of diarrhea is around 24% in Pakistan according to the stats provided by WHO. In Pakistan, childhood mortality and morbidity rates are also high due to multiple reasons. Among them, lifestyle and dietary factors play a vital role. Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between lifestyle and dietary factors and the prevalence of childhood diarrhea in Pakistan. Methodology: Data from the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-2018 was taken to check the association between the above-mentioned independent (lifestyle and dietary factors) and dependent variables (diarrhea). Data was analyzed using SPSS and univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis was done using descriptive statistics, chi-square statistics, and binary logistic regression. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were checked for normal distribution using histograms, with normally distributed variables reported as means and standard deviations. Skewed data was presented using medians and interquartile ranges. Chi-square statistics were used to test associations between dietary and lifestyle factors and the outcome variable (diarrhea). Binary logistic regression was performed to identify associations between multiple independent variables (dietary and lifestyle factors) and childhood diarrhea. Results: More than half of the mothers (56%) had no formal schooling. Very few participants (2.1%) had health insurance coverage. Regarding child food diversity, about 10% of babies consumed formula, 3.8% consumed yogurt, and 22.3% consumed eggs, with other food items being less frequently consumed. Significant predictors of childhood diarrhea included maternal (p=0.013) and paternal education (p=0.029), breastfeeding duration (p<0.001), health facility visit in the last 12 months (0.023), decision maker of child healthcare (0.019) and early introduction of non-breastmilk foods (p<0.001). Conclusion: Key factors influencing childhood diarrhea include maternal education, breastfeeding practices, and healthcare access, suggesting targeted interventions that could reduce childhood morbidity.

Effects of Kabat versus Neuromuscular Re-education Technique on Facial Disability and Synkinesis in Patients with Bell’s Palsy

2025-01-27T13:49:07+05:00

Background: Bell’s palsy is the most well-known cause of lower motor neuron facial paralysis and is considered the most frequent cranial neuropathy that originates from damage to the seventh cranial nerve. Objective: To compare the Kabat technique with the neuromuscular re-education technique in patients with Bell’s palsy. Methodology: Patients were recruited from the Mayo Hospital Lahore from May to December 2023. Written informed consent was taken before inclusion. The inclusion criteria were as follows: Patients aged between 20-60 years diagnosed with Bell’s palsy non-traumatic origin and onset from 0-6 months. Exclusion criteria were as follows: Psychiatric patients, non-cooperative patients, patients complaining of other neurological deficits, post-surgical patients, and neurotmesis. The current study was approved by the ethical committee of King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan with reference number 301/RC/KEMU, dated 2022-12-2, and the trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with registration number IRCT20220522054955N1 on 2023-01-23. The sample size was calculated using the following formula. Almost 70 patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy were included in this study. Random allocation concealment was carried out using sealed opaque envelopes. Results: After treatment, the facial disability index scores in Group A and Group B were 149.88 and 133.74, respectively. Moreover, the Facial Grading Scale scores in Group A and Group B were 82.02 and 58.08, respectively. The scores were statistically significant in group A compared to group B (p=0.00). Conclusion: The Kabat technique can show more significant results and can better improve the facial grading scale and facial disability index scores in Bell’s palsy patients than the neuromuscular re-education technique.