Annals of Allied Health Sciences

ASSOCIATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH, COGNITION, AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION WITH HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG STROKE SURVIVORS

Adekola J Odunlade — 2024-06-30

Objective: To assess the association between Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychological health, cognittion, and physical function among Nigerian community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Material & Methods: Data on depression, anxiety, cognition, disability, and HRQoL of 102 stroke survivors were assessed with validated instruments. Some important covariates, including post-stroke pain, stroke duration, and sociodemographic variables were assessed as well. Logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results: About 47.0% had moderate HRQoL, while the prevalence of depression and anxiety was 36.3% and 26.5% respectively. Low cognition was significantly associated with poor HRQoL (aOR =29.83; 95%CI =25.1–33.0, p<0.001)). Furthermore, patients with normal and borderline anxiety were more likely to have better HRQoL (aOR =0.10 (95%CI=0.05 – 0.19, p<0.001)) and (aOR =0.240 (95%CI=0.08 – 1.21, p=0.018)), respectively. Similarly, stroke survivors with normal depression level (aOR =0.16 (95%CI=0.07-0.63, p<0.001)) and low disability level (aOR =0.13(95%CI=0.05-0.42, p<0.001)) were less likely to have poor HRQoL.

Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and disability are independently associated with HRQoL among Nigerian community-dwelling stroke survivors.

USE OF MANUAL STRETCHING TECHNIQUES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN KARACHI: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Bhain Devi — 2024-06-30

Objective: To determine the use of manual stretching techniques in the management of plantar fasciitis among Physiotherapists in Karachi.

Material & Methods: A cross sectional survey study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Civil Hospital and Jinnah postgraduate medical center. About 153 Physiotherapists filled the self-administered questionnaire after providing informed consent. The self-administered questionnaire was designed to collect data.

Results: The most common frequent use of each therapy was hamstring stretch (50 % by 36 physiotherapists i.e. 28.6%), Soleus Stretch (70 % by 33 physiotherapists i.e. 21.6%), Gastrocnemius Stretch (70 % by 30 physiotherapists i.e. 20.0%), Standing Stretch on Wedge (30% by 36 physiotherapists i.e. 26.7%), Hallux Dorsiflexion to Stretch Plantar Fascia (30 % by 49 physiotherapists i.e. 32.7%), Seated Toe Extension Stretch (20 % by 50 physiotherapists i.e. 37.0%), Seated Great Toe Stretch (20 % by 43 physiotherapists i.e. 31.2%) and Prosetch (20 % by 50 physiotherapists i.e. 43.9%).

Conclusion: The present study concluded that the cure of plantar fasciitis is to facilitate out non-invasive, conservative methods such as manual stretching which is used as the best initial as well as long term therapy. It has shown better results in improving pain and also in complete recovery according to physiotherapists.

EXPLORING THE "PANNUS SIGN ": AN ULTRASONOGRAPHY FINDING FOR DETECTING PLACENTA ACCRETA SPECTRUM AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ADVERSE OUTCOMES: A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS AT AGA KHAN HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Asra Ahmad — 2024-06-30

Objective: To evaluate the utility of the sonographic “pannus sign” as an objective marker for identifying PAS in patients, its agreement with histopathology findings, and its association with adverse outcomes.

Material & Methods: A 39-months prospective chart review was conducted on patients diagnosed with PAS through ultrasound between March 2020 and June 2023. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were extracted for analysis. A single researcher recorded the presence or absence of placental pannus on grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound images. The diagnosis of PAS was confirmed through post-cesarean biopsy reports. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using the chi-square test.

Results: The maternal mean age was 32.37±4.31 years, with 64.71% having a cesarean history. The placenta previa was present in 86.30% of the patients. Pannus sign (PS) was positive in 69.60% of the patients, and a diagnosis of a PAS was made in 91.20% via biopsy. PS had a sensitivity of 69.89%, a specificity of 33.33%, a PPV of 91.55%, NPV of 9.68%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 66.67%. Moreover, the relationship between PS and two common surgical procedures, hysterectomy (p=0.534) and bladder repair (p=0.487), revealed no significant link between the two.

Conclusion: The pannus sign has moderate sensitivity and specificity but a higher risk of false positives. A positive placental pannus on ultrasound was not associated with hysterectomy or the need for urinary tract repair.

FREQUENCY OF FALLS AMONG GERIATRIC POPULATION IN THE TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS IN PESHAWAR

Sana Fatima — 2024-06-30

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of fall among elderly population in Peshawar.

Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a purposive sampling technique was used. The study sample was 280 subjects. The data collection took place in Peshawar and was collected from tertiary care hospitals. A modified questionnaire was used to collect the data. Study duration was 6 months.

Results: The study recruited 280 participants results showed 216 (77.1%) reported to experience fall. The most common age group that had fall was between 55-65 years that is 157 out of 280. There was significant association of fall with fracture (P-value0.02). The association of the use of pills with fall was also significant (P-value=0.032).

Conclusion: The study concludes that fall is a major problem faced by elderly population. Results in serious injuries and complications and fall are associated with several intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS AMONG DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN: AN INTERVENTION-BASED STUDY

Huma Atta — 2024-06-30

Objective: To find out the effectiveness of Dr. Stein behavioural modification strategies among Down syndrome children’s behavioural problems.

Material & Methods: We took a group of individuals (aged 8-16) having Down syndrome from national special education complex, Peshawar. They were assessed through the behavioural problem index to give us an idea on their behaviour problems, those with a behavioural problem were kept in therapy for further sessions to help them improve.

Results: A treatment plan was made according to the extracted behavioural problems of Down syndrome children. Dr. Stein recommended behavioural modification treatment strategies were used for behavioural modification of Down syndrome children (Routine, reward, choice, redirection and consistency). Pre-intervention (M=69.11, SD=6.27) and post-intervention (M=61.33, SD=6.51) conditions; t (8) =2.70, p=0.027.

Conclusion: After the successful completion of 9 sessions with Down syndrome children, their behavioural problems were reassessed. Results indicated that Dr. Stein behavioural modification strategy is an effective treatment plan for the modification of behavioural problems among Down syndrome children.