https://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/issue/feedStudents' Supplement of Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Dr. Arslan Manzooreditor@journalrmc.comOpen Journal Systems<p>Students' Supplement of Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College (SJRMC) is an official publication of Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU- formerly Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan). It was first published in 2017. It is open access, double-blind peer-reviewed journal. It is published biannually. It follows the <a href="https://publicationethics.org/files/u2/Best_Practice.pdf">Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)</a>, and <a href="http://www.icmje.org/icmje-recommendations.pdf">International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)</a> guidelines. ISSN (Print) 1683-3562. ISSN (Online) 1683-3570 Rawalpindi Medical University. Students' Supplement of Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College was first published in 2017. Till now, it has been published yearly.</p>https://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/172Individualized Learning System: The Efficiency of Tailored Learning2024-08-16T15:05:28+00:00Fatima Ziafaimszia123@gmail.com<p>Learning systems had been developed to intricate the needs, objectively and subjectively for traversing of the knowledge. Where the world has become more diverse and demands are ever-increasing, stepping out of one fit model of learning in this open-world classroom of knowledge and experience has potentiated the overall efficacy of the learning. The history of research made to explore more about behavioral phenomena of human learning and excelling started with behaviorism theory, then Pavlov theory, and many more, and the progress that the human mind has come up to is best termed as adaptability. Such like that student coming up with strategies that are unique to their needs has proven to be more effective in active learning and better outcomes. Research made breakthroughs in the recognition of the role of motivation, learning strategies, and academic emotions in students’ learning and performance proving students who believed in themselves and more pronounced emotions using metacognitive learning strategies, resulting in better efficiency in academic performance.<sup>1</sup></p> <p>Coming with different pedagogical strategies that students can opt for according to their desires include spaced repetition, active recall, or designing a perfect study system using productivity tips like second brain, time blocking, promodoro technique, and many more. These different modalities needed to be studied by students according to need. Where active recall works by memorizing and retrieving information at best by using some clue points and making a connection with the term and information related to it. This can be done using flashcards, organized notes, and mnemonics. Spaced repetition is the formulation of a study schedule over a defined period with some strategic placement of academic goals over a period of hours or days. In this way, information can be stored and revised again and again which will increase long-term retention in memory and efficiently reduce the time needed for study. Research on spaced retrieval showed that repeated retrieval and spaced repetition enhance long-term retention.<sup>2 </sup>One study showed how students cope with fast-paced integrated medical school curricula where the better outcome was more with solidifying feedbacked testing in the form of retrieval format testing.<sup>3</sup></p> <p>When there is an abundance of information that needs to be dealt with, building the second brain can be helpful for medical students especially. This was introduced by Tiago Forte, where there is an external digital way of organizing and utilizing knowledge. The second brain is the scribbled page of whatsoever information you hold on about a topic so that when have to tackle with the knowledge it is not the blank page to start with. Along with this, time blocking the whole day may be useful for students who are more towards balance in daily life in concordance with studies or when more than one task is to be done in a day, such that the whole day is divided into blocks and each block assigned with specific goal or task which also improve the focus, stability, and swiftness in performing tasks. This overall improves the organization and convenience of time management, which is reinforced by the study that claims that this methodology allows students to manifest a study session for effective self-regulated and better academic performance by time management tactics.<sup>4</sup></p> <p>These learning systems do not overshadow the classic learning methodologies but reinforce the better management of input of the knowledge and ultimately the. They also include such designs that are proven to be useful when the classic models are integrated with advancing technologies and innovations like e-learning and m-learning.<sup>5 </sup>With the provision of better resources in this era of advancement there is more understanding of personalized proficient ways of learning as some students prefer books, some prefer pictorial and some prefer audiovisual learning. This has been made clear with different research on learners' approaches to reading and writing.<sup>6</sup></p> <p>Therefore, a student struggling to get best best-suited environment and opportunity must study his circumstances and focus on developing a personalized learning story of his own while balancing with ongoing challenges of settling with every changing minute needs. However, the subjective aspect of learning also needs to be realized and people associated with education must open chances for students to opt for more proficient ways to improve their ultimate efficiency in the long term.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/173Anxiety, Insomnia and Somatoform Disorders in University Students of Punjab: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T15:16:16+00:00Ameer Hamza Mahmood-ul-Hassanmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comMuhammad Hassaan Khanmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comNehala Noozmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comMuhammad Amaz Tahirmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comAbdul Sannanmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comMuhammad Usman Alimuhammadamaztahir@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Somatoform disorders, Anxiety, and Insomnia have a very noticeable prevalence among the general population. All these conditions overlap in different settings and conditions. They can cause a constant state of morbidity and can decrease the response to certain treatments in different patients.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong>: Because, little or no research has been done on the relationship between somatoform disorders, anxiety, and Insomnia. Therefore, this study aimed to find the prevalence of somatoform disorders, Anxiety, and Insomnia in a specific population of university students in Punjab and find their relationship with each other.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> 849 enrolled students from different universities were reached online to fill in a self-administered questionnaire. All subjects were assessed and evaluated via Patient Health Questionnaire-15(PHQ-15), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Regression Analysis was done.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong> Out of 849 subjects,304 were males, and 545 were Females. Our study found that female subjects had a high prevalence of Somatization, Anxiety, and Insomnia. Moreover, these disorders were more prevalent in certain groups than in others. These groups include those females who live in hostels away from their homes for their university studies.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study warrants further research on a bigger and general population. Also, it encourages the health care providers to have a different approach to patients in general health care settings. With proper screening and a systematic approach, effective diagnosis, and treatment of not only one but three concurring diseases are possible. </p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/174Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Vaccine among Health Care Professionals of RMU and Allied Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T15:24:39+00:00Muhammad Sharjeel Ashrafshurgiel@gmail.comFatima Rasheedshurgiel@gmail.comQandeel Khurshidshurgiel@gmail.comZohaib Hassanshurgiel@gmail.comMaimoona Saleemshurgiel@gmail.comSana Bilalshurgiel@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cervical cancer, usually caused by HPV, is becoming a serious health risk and an emerging cause of death among women worldwide. More than 60 million females are at risk in Pakistan alone. Vaccination against HPV is one of the most effective methods to combat the issue but might yet be largely unknown in developing nations owing to its newness, and a thorough understanding of medical professionals’ awareness of it is lacking.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong>: The objectives of this study are to assess the health professionals’ knowledge of HPV, their awareness of the HPV vaccine, and their attitudes and practices associated with it.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional survey involving 278 medical practitioners from Allied hospitals. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling and their responses were gathered via a self-administered standardized questionnaire. The analysis was done using SPSS v27 to provide descriptive details, determine associations using chi-square tests and correlation analysis, and ascertain differences among categories using ANOVA.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: Many gaps and misconceptions were found about knowledge of the HPV vaccine. Only 47.5% were aware of the existence of the HPV vaccine in Pakistan, with numerous misconceptions about the target group. Despite these knowledge gaps, and though, only 6.5% of the professionals were vaccinated themselves, 64.8% expressed confidence in the vaccine's effectiveness, and 76.3% were willing to vaccinate their children.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study revealed a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding HPV among doctors, but it was somewhat lacking in the case of nurses and paramedics. Significant gaps in awareness about HPV vaccination and its practices were identified. Tailored interventions, increased affordability, and comprehensive education campaigns are pivotal to bridging these gaps and informed vaccination practices should be advocated</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/175Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Migraine among University students of big cities of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T15:32:12+00:00Ameer Hamza Mahmood-ul-Hassanmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comNehala Noozmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comMuhammad Amaz Tahirmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comMeriam Luqman muhammadamaztahir@gmail.comMuhammad Hassan Khanmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.comSaad Mohamed Khaledmuhammadamaztahir@gmail.com<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric illness manifested in the form of obsessions and compulsions, and migraine is a common illness characterized by intermittent headaches that are episodic causing variable range of disability. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that may be associated with migraines.</p> <p><strong>Objectives:</strong> This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of migraines and explore the potential association with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>220 subjects enrolled in different universities in Pakistan were approached through an online questionnaire made by using scales for assessment of Migraine (Migraine Screening Questionnaire) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Y-BOCS). The distribution of data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Median was calculated for quantitative variables as data was nonparametric. Frequency and percentages were calculated. The p-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results determined that Migraine was significantly greater in females. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was not significantly different in males and females(p-value>0.05). Cronbach’s alpha value indicated significant reliability of the Migraine Screening Questionnaire (MSQ) and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsion Scale (YBOCS).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>According to our study, females are more likely to suffer from migraine while OCD prevails in both genders with varying frequencies in different stages of life. Some studies suggested a three-fold increased chance of migraine in females after puberty due to hormonal imbalance.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/176Level of Birth Preparedness among Pregnant Women in Allied Hospitals of RMU, Rawalpindi2024-08-16T15:47:42+00:00Fatima Khalidfatimakhalid0099@gmail.comMohammad Qasim Abbasfatimakhalid0099@gmail.comAyesha Tanvirfatimakhalid0099@gmail.comAyesha Sarwarfatimakhalid0099@gmail.comMoniba Iqbalfatimakhalid0099@gmail.comAfifa Kulsoomfatimakhalid0099@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: Birth preparedness is a comprehensive approach to timely utilization of skilled maternal and neonatal healthcare, addressing high maternal mortality rates in developing countries. Increased awareness about birth preparedness can facilitate early decision-making, ensure safe pregnancies, and minimize delivery-related complications.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong>: To assess the level of birth preparedness among pregnant women in allied hospitals of RMU and to identify various factors associated with birth preparedness.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: This cross-sectional study involved 270 third-trimester pregnant women from allied hospitals of RMU. Participants completed a self-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with frequencies and percentages calculated for categorical variables. The Chi-square test determined associations between birth preparedness and numerous factors, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: Of the total 270 pregnant women, 40.7% were found to be prepared for birth. The factors significantly associated with birth preparedness were the mother's education (p=0.045), the husband's occupational status (p=0.012), family income (p=0.000), increasing age of the women (p=0.004), and the last place of childbirth (p=0.016).</p> <p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The level of birth preparedness in Rawalpindi, Punjab, stands at 40.7%. To enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes, it is essential to bolster counseling on the benefits of birth preparedness. This can be achieved through awareness programs led by community health workers.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/177Contingencies of Self-worth and its Impact on Mental Health and Cognitive Vulnerability among undergraduate medical students: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T16:20:16+00:00Ayesha Rizwanayesharizwan967@gmail.comNoor ul Ainayesharizwan967@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In social psychology, it's well established that people strive to maintain and enhance their self-esteem. The contingencies of self-worth refer to the seven domains where individuals primarily invest their self-esteem: Academics, Appearance, Approval from others, Competition, Family Support, God's Love, and Virtue. People aim to achieve success and avoid failure in these areas, as they are deeply invested in maintaining a positive self-image.</p> <p><strong>Objective: </strong>To study the Contingencies of Self-worth among undergraduates</p> <p><strong>Materials and Method:</strong> A Cross-sectional (Descriptive), Survey-based Study was conducted from the 18<sup>th</sup> of July to the 7<sup>th</sup> of September 2022 on uundergraduates of Riphah International University. A sample size of 378 was determined out of which 69 males and 309 females participated. The data was collected using questionnaires with Cronbach's alpha values of .862 and .798 respectively.</p> <p><strong>Result: </strong>Dependency of self-worth in undergraduates was seen to be highly dependent on these domains<strong>. </strong>It was seen that appearance had a positive correlation with body image dissatisfaction (r 0.155, p<-0.05). While Approval from others had a negative correlation with Competition (r -0.352, p<0.05), Decision making (r -0.330, p<0.05), Challenging (r -0.492, p<0.05), Body image satisfaction (r -0.431, p<0.05), and Contention in life (r -0.288, p<0.05), as well as with Psychiatric disorders (r 0.111, p<0.01). Family Support had a positive correlation with Contention in life (r 0.153, p<0.050). God’s love also had a positive correlation with contention in life (r 0.217, p<0.05) and a negative correlation with psychiatric disorders (r -10.139, p<0.05)</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Dependency of self-worth based on one's appearance and approval from others had delirious impacts on the personality of an individual and it led to body image dissatisfaction, pessimism, and psychiatric disorders mainly depression, anxiety, and social phobia. However, those with strong religious beliefs were least likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/178Health-seeking Behavior of People in Twin Cities of Pakistan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T16:26:53+00:00Tayyaba Yamintayyabayamin141999@gmail.comFatima Khaliqtayyabayamin141999@gmail.comAfaq Khalidtayyabayamin141999@gmail.comRamish Ihtishamtayyabayamin141999@gmail.com<p><strong>Background</strong><strong>:</strong> The pandemic presents a novel area for research, and making use of this opportunity makes this study crucial for assessing trends in health-seeking behavior during this period. The findings are significant for authorities, as they can inform policy development aimed at improving public health responses. Specifically, the study focuses on examining the general public's response to health-related issues during the pandemic, exploring reasons for avoiding medical consultations, assessing the prevalence of self-medication, and analyzing the relationship between self-medication and socio-demographic variables.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong>: This study is focused on determining the response of the general public to health-related issues during the coronavirus pandemic, evaluating the reasons for avoiding medical consultation, assessing the frequency of self-medication, and finding the relation of self-medication with socio-demographic variables.</p> <p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A self-developed questionnaire was used, and data collection was conducted online through Google Forms. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS 25.0 software. Categorical data such as gender, socioeconomic status, education level, and self-medication practices were presented as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was employed to determine the correlation between self-medication practices and categorical factors like gender, age, socioeconomic status, and education level, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Most respondents did not consult doctors about their symptoms and instead resorted to self-medication. Many participants also used telemedicine during this duration due to fear of getting infected by COVID-19. A significant positive association was found between self-medication practice with age, socioeconomic status, and education.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlighted that patients were resistant to visiting hospitals during a pandemic. Government healthcare providers should ensure that patients feel comfortable while going to hospitals and should arrange some campaigns to spread awareness about the adverse effects of using self-medication.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p> </p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/179Assessment of Patient Satisfaction in Tertiary Care Allied Hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T16:41:49+00:00Marium Younusmariumyounus789@gmail.comMuhammad Adil Kamal Khanmariumyounus789@gmail.comAzaz Anwarmariumyounus789@gmail.comAreesha Fatimamariumyounus789@gmail.comFareeha Azammariumyounus789@gmail.comAreeb Abbasimariumyounus789@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: Patient satisfaction is considered to be a performance measure for the quality of health care services. It is important to maintain a standard of quality care as this has a direct impact on the clinical outcomes of patients.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in allied hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University from April to October 2022. A total of 365 patients from all three allied hospitals of RMU were interviewed through a self-structured questionnaire. A convenience sampling method was used. The data collected was entered and analyzed through SPSS version 25. Frequencies and percentages were used to denote the results.</p> <p><strong> Results</strong>: The mean age of the participants was 32.4 years. The mean patient satisfaction score of Benazir Bhutto Hospital was significantly higher than Holy Family Hospital (p= 0.008). The mean patient satisfaction score for District Headquarters Hospital was 90.27. 86.58% of patients were satisfied with the medical care they received in these hospitals and 80.27% of the patients believed the doctor spent adequate time on their check-up. 66.3% of patients were unsatisfied with the availability of drinking water on the hospital premises.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The majority of the patients were satisfied with the services provided and the attitudes of medical professionals. There were, however, complaints about the standard of hygiene, lack of medicine, and the long waiting time. Appropriate measures should be taken to improve the conditions in the Allied hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University to ascertain the provision of quality care and improve health outcomes.</p> <p> </p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/180The Prevalence, Pattern, Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior regarding Tobacco Use among border Students of Public Sector Medical University: A cross-sectional study2024-08-16T16:47:28+00:00Ali Abdul Basitab7197139@gmail.comHamza Akbarab7197139@gmail.comSaeed Lehrasabab7197139@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Smoking is one of the most common problems among students globally. It severely impacts smokers' health and leads to addiction. This study investigates the prevalence, attitude, and beliefs about smoking among students living in dormitories at Rawalpindi Medical University.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Method:</strong> A self-administered questionnaire, based on the Global Association of Tobacco Survey covering sections of prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and behavior along with the pattern of tobacco smoking was distributed to 249 students living in hostels of Rawalpindi Medical University.</p> <p><strong> Results:</strong> In general, the predominance of smoking among students living in quarters was 38.1% with more among males at 45.3% as compared to females at 7.7%. Most students have correct knowledge of the smoking hazards, but still, there should be awareness sessions to motivate students to quit this bad habit. A positive attitude toward quitting smoking was observed. 41.3 % of participants also use other drugs besides tobacco. This thing is alarming and appropriate steps should be taken to eradicate this.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion and recommendations: </strong>The percentage of smokers among students living in Dormitories of Rawalpindi Medical University was significantly high. Students know the negative aspects of smoking and they have a positive attitude towards quitting. It may be useful to train students about techniques or methods so that they can combat stresses of various types. Counseling sessions should be arranged for medical students, to reduce smoking practices among students living in dormitories.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/181Relationship between self-esteem and academic performance among medical undergraduates in Rawalpindi Medical University; A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T16:55:46+00:00Maryam Rubababdulwahabali4376@gmail.comAbdul Wahab Aliabdulwahabali4376@gmail.comSidra Hamidabdulwahabali4376@gmail.comMaryium Rizwanabdulwahabali4376@gmail.comMaryam Zafarabdulwahabali4376@gmail.comMaryam Shaukatabdulwahabali4376@gmail.comMaryam Adilabdulwahabali4376@gmail.com<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study was conducted to assess the relationship between self-esteem and academic performance of undergraduates.</p> <p><strong>Study design: </strong>Descriptive cross-sectional study.</p> <p><strong>Place and duration of study: </strong>Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi from June to September 2023.</p> <p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 309 students, comprising 113 males and 196 females, participated in the study. To assess their self-esteem and academic performance, we administered the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale and cumulative scores of grade point average (CGPA), respectively. The data analysis involved using Pearson’s correlation and t-test to determine statistical significance.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings revealed a significant positive relationship (r=0.124*) between self-esteem and academic performance. Additionally, we discovered significant differences between male and female students in terms of self-esteem and academic performance scores.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Female students outperformed their male counterparts in academic achievements and exhibited higher self-esteem levels.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/182Rheumatologic Manifestations in Hepatitis C Patients: A Multicentric Study2024-08-16T17:02:32+00:00Musharaf Khalid Bhuttamusharafkhalid1011@gmail.comAmir Abbas Rindmusharafkhalid1011@gmail.comSuha Tayyab Buttmusharafkhalid1011@gmail.comHamna Attiquemusharafkhalid1011@gmail.comMaheen Nazirmusharafkhalid1011@gmail.comShumaila Mumtazmusharafkhalid1011@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that about 180 million people are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). One in every 20 Pakistanis has been already infected with this infection. With confusing rheumatological signs and symptoms of arthritis and Hepatitis C, timely diagnosis and treatment have become a challenge for clinicians. <br><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to determine the Rheumatological Manifestations in Patients diagnosed with Hepatitis C, and to investigate the relationship of rheumatological manifestations with the chronicity of hepatitis C.</p> <p><strong>Material and methods:</strong> The cross-study was carried out at hepatology clinics of the three allied public sector hospitals situated in Rawalpindi for 2 years due to the pandemic. 114 patients of either gender were recruited. Patients were evaluated for different rheumatological features throughout history and examination. Patients with Hepatitis C, HCV positive were included and patients with HBV and Paraneoplastic syndrome, previously known as musculoskeletal disease, CKD, DM, were excluded.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 114 patients, 52 were male and 62 females. Duration of diagnosis of 37 patients less than 6 months and of 77 patients more than 6 months. The study showed a significant relation between duration since diagnosis(chronicity) and positive ultrasound findings, including fatty liver and cirrhosis, arthralgias, sicca symptoms, numbness and paresthesia and a significant relation between inflammatory arthritis and ALT levels. SICCA symptoms manifestation also showed a significant relation with a high SSS fibromyalgia score and high bilirubin levels.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>With chronicity of Hepatitis C, patients manifested more Rheumatological signs and symptoms confusing the diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis.</p> <p> </p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/183Anxiety Disorders and Nicotine Use among Undergraduate Students of Public Sector Medical University: A Cross-Sectional Study2024-08-16T17:10:15+00:00Ayesha Nighatayeshanighat978@gmail.comMuhammad Ibrahimayeshanighat978@gmail.comAqsa Bibiayeshanighat978@gmail.comAli Haiderayeshanighat978@gmail.comShafna Saifayeshanighat978@gmail.comMuhammad Abdul Rab Faisal Sultanayeshanighat978@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental health issue across many countries and multiple studies have shown that rates of smoking and nicotine practices are increased in individuals with anxiety disorders.</p> <p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objectives of our study are to evaluate the prevalence of nicotine use, the association between nicotine practices and anxiety levels as well as various anxiety disorders among medical students of Rawalpindi Medical University.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study involved 232 participants. Participants were selected through a non-probability convenient sampling technique and data was collected through a printed self-administered questionnaire and Hamilton, K10, DAAS scales. The responses were recorded, and data was analyzed.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 232 participants, 43(29.1%) of males reported nicotine use, while no female was involved in nicotine practices. Nicotine consumption was not substantially correlated with age. Compared to non-users, who reported 2.1% and 28.6% anxiety, nicotine users reported higher levels of anxiety, with 65.5% reporting moderate anxiety and 9.3% reporting severe anxiety. Anxiety disorders like fears, insomnia, intellectual difficulties, and depression were significantly associated with nicotine use. Other anxiety disorders showed no significant association.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study identifies a significant association between nicotine practices and anxiety levels as well as various anxiety disorders.</p> <p> </p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/184Surgical Strategies for Gallbladder Disease in Cirrhotic Patients: A Comparison of Open versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy2024-08-16T17:14:11+00:00Mahnoor Junaid Malikmahnoormalik1728@gmail.comNayyab Junaid Malikmahnoormalik1728@gmail.com<p>In Pakistan, chronic liver disease is a serious health issue. Hepatitis B and C viruses are the most frequent causes prevalent in Pakistan. One study indicates that 4.3% of people have hepatitis B surface antigen seropositive status and 6% have hepatitis C antibody seropositive status. As a result, the number of people who eventually have cirrhosis rises.<sup>1</sup> Patients with cirrhosis may develop gallstones because of hemolysis, enlarged spleen, decreased biliary acidity, decreased gall bladder function, metabolic liver disease, and increased secretion of unconjugated bilirubin because of increased viral hepatitis and chronic liver disease. Due to this, the number of patients requiring surgery who have cirrhosis and symptomatic gallstones has grown.<sup>2-5 </sup>The frequency of gallstones in liver cirrhosis patients is at least twice that among the general population, ranging between 25 and 30 percent, and it often appears following a prolonged period of cirrhosis. Cholecystectomy is thus the most typical surgical technique used on patients with cirrhosis but with known complications such as post-operative hemorrhage, liver failure, renal failure, infection after surgery, and poor wound closure.<sup>6-8</sup> Patients with cirrhosis and symptomatic gallstone disease also were reluctant to have elective cholecystectomy due to the higher risks As a result, there was a consensus that only those with symptomatic gallstone surgery are recommended.<sup>9,12-18</sup></p> <p>One of the key factors in determining the best course of treatment, i.e., whether to opt for open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is the severity of cirrhosis, which is determined using the Child-Pugh classification.<sup>9</sup> The conventional therapy for symptomatic gallstones before the development of laparoscopy was open cholecystectomy, which had disastrous postoperative consequences. The advent of less invasive surgery has made cholecystectomy a technique that even patients with cirrhosis may undergo. The Child-Pugh class is a major factor in postoperative complications, with class C patients experiencing the highest levels of these problems.<sup>17</sup> According to a study by Francesca et al., for patients with symptomatic gallbladder lithiasis and severe liver cirrhosis, especially Child-Pugh (C-P) score A and B; laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is regarded as a safe, gold-standard surgery.<sup>10</sup></p> <p>The topic of whether cirrhotic patients could benefit from this less intrusive technique has come up since the advent of LC. It is commonly recognized that in comparison to open cholecystectomy, laparoscopic surgery (LC) enables noncirrhotic patients to experience shorter hospital stays and operating periods, quicker postoperative rehabilitation, fewer wound problems, and lower overall expenses.<sup>19-22 </sup>In 2003, Puggioni and Wong<sup>22</sup> carried out a meta-analysis comprising studies of patients with cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They concluded that there are several benefits of using the laparoscopic technique for cholecystectomy, including less blood loss, a faster recovery period, and shorter hospital stays. On the contrary, compared to non-cirrhotic patients, cirrhotic patients had a greater index of conversion to open surgery, longer operation times, more severe bleeding, and higher morbidity rates, even though LC is a safe technique. Similarly, according to some findings in 2023, LC is considered a realistic and generally safe treatment option for cirrhotic patients who have symptomatic gallstones. Even yet, compared to individuals without cirrhosis, the surgery is still extremely challenging and complex, and it is associated with a large morbidity, particularly bleeding complications.<sup>23,24</sup></p> <p>A study finding by El-Awadi et al. has verified that, for most patients with Child classes A and B and symptomatic gallstone disease, LC is a safe surgical technique. The benefits of LC include shorter anesthesia and surgical times, shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and fewer problems during and after surgery. The process is still rather intricate and challenging, which is associated with a higher rate of morbidity than in individuals without cirrhosis. But to get these benefits for individuals suffering from cirrhosis, this treatment should only be carried out by a skilled laparoscopic surgeon.<sup>25</sup> In addition to that the study by Currò et al. found that patients with acute cholecystitis who had Child-Pugh grade C cirrhosis were able to benefit from such as the implantation of a percutaneous cholecystostomy tube; because of its increased safety and relatively low morbidity, this technique has been thought of for several years as the treatment of choice for reducing infectious complications and alleviating the symptoms of acute cholecystitis<sup>18</sup>.</p> <p>Hence concluding that an elective LC being the safest of all should be considered for every patient with Child class A and B cirrhosis having symptomatic gallstone provided that the procedure is performed by a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon and for those patients with Child class C cirrhosis and other treatment approaches such as implantation of a percutaneous cholecystostomy tube should be opted.</p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical Collegehttps://supp.journalrmc.com/index.php/public/article/view/185Distinguishing Weber from Pseudo Weber Syndrome: A Diagnostic Dilemma- A Case Report2024-08-16T17:20:55+00:00Ahmad Akhtar Rashidtrino.aar@gmail.comHamza Khantrino.aar@gmail.comAkhtar Rashidtrino.aar@gmail.comRehan Gilltrino.aar@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Weber Syndrome is typically characterized by ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy and contralateral hemiparesis, commonly resulting from mesencephalon (midbrain) lesions. However, we present a unique case of a patient exhibiting classic Weber Syndrome symptoms that were ultimately attributed to distinct underlying causes, leading to a diagnosis of Pseudo-Weber Syndrome.</p> <p><strong>Case Presentation: </strong>The patient presented with left-sided hemiparesis and upper motor neuron facial paralysis, initially suggesting a clinical diagnosis of Weber Syndrome. Further radiological investigation revealed a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct with internal capsule involvement as the primary cause of the hemiparesis and facial paralysis involving the contralateral lower half of the face. Additionally, the oculomotor nerve symptoms were traced to uncal herniation, rather than a mesencephalon(midbrain) lesion.</p> <p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case underscores the importance of thorough radiological assessment in patients with Weber Syndrome-like presentations, highlighting the diagnostic challenge in distinguishing Weber from Pseudo-Weber Syndrome. Understanding the varied aetiologies behind similar clinical presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.</p> <p> </p>2024-08-19T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Student Journal of Supplement of Rawalpindi Medical College