Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences

Impact of Lockdown Restrictions on Mental Well-being in Adult Population not Infected with Covid-19

Priyanka Verma — 2025-09-30

The worldwide effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to considerable physical and psychological strain. To curb the transmission of the virus, India implemented a nationwide lockdown, which created new challenges to mental health. The objective of this research is to investigate the mental health challenges faced by individuals in India during the nationwide lockdown. A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 participants in the physiology department of MGM Medical College and Hospital. The study used the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 questionnaire to assess participants’ levels of depression, anxiety, and stress before and during the lockdown in two age groups: 19–30 and 31–50 years. The results indicated a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and stress levels during the lockdown compared to before it. The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown had a profound negative impact on the mental health of the participants.

To Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Cases of Spinal Cord Injury by Screening Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Dyslipidemia – Prospective Study

R.M. Kamakshi — 2025-09-30

Aim: To assess cardiovascular risk in spinal cord injury (SCI) by screening IGT and dyslipidemia. Purpose: With advances in acute care and management of septicemia, renal failure, pneumonia, and Cardiovascular complication is the leading cause of death in SCI. Physical inactivity, increased abdominal fat promotes insulin resistance and dyslipidemia promoting cardio vascular morbidity. Methodology: The sample size of 100 is considered with inclusion and exclusion criteria defined for SCI cases Parameters considered are (a) Fasting lipid profile, (b) HbA1C, (c) OGTT. Results: Based on the analysis, patients had hypo as well as hyperglycemia in addition to dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Metabolic abnormalities act as a multiplier effect for increasing the CV risk.

Adherence of Anti-Epileptic Drugs in Pediatric Age Group in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mousumi Das — 2025-09-30

Objectives: In this cross-sectional study, the aims were to analyze the adherence of anti-epileptic drugs in pediatric age group. Comparison with age, gender, disease duration, education status of parents, etc., was considered. Non-adherence to epilepsy medications can interfere with treatment and may adversely affect clinical outcomes, although few studies have examined this relationship. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted over 200 patients for 6 months in outpatient basis pediatric department in Rajindra Hospital associated with Government Medical College, Patiala, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Punjab. The patient diagnosed by the pediatrician with epilepsy who fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria was enrolled after taking informed consent. Adherence was noted using Morisky adherence questionnaire at clinical visit. Results: In this study, a total 200 children were enrolled. Our study results showed that majority of the patients had medium (96.48%) medication adherence to prescribed treatment. In high adherence group, most of the patients were graduate (35.48%) followed by primary education (35.29%). In high adherence group, there were more patients present in the age group of ≤5 years (45.24%). In our study, low and high adherence group was more associated with who have positive family history. Conclusion: In the present study, majority of the patients had medium medication adherence to prescribe treatment. In high adherence group, most of the patients were graduate followed by primary education also in this group more patients present in the age group of ≤5 year who have positive family history.

Pancreatic Cancer, Ascites, Diet, Bioactives and Ayurveda Efficacy: Mini Review and a Case Report

Hema Kulkarni — 2025-09-30

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies, often associated with late diagnosis, resistance to chemotherapy, and complications such as malignant ascites. Ayurveda and functional foods have shown promise in both adjuvant and recovery roles, amid interest in integrative oncology. We review a case study and the literature to find promising action pathways. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the anti-carcinogenic activity of the four most important herbs using literature, which were used sans chemo- or radio-therapy or allopathic drugs to improve the well-being and prolong life without pain of a 80 year old male PC patient in Pune city by 6 months. Results and Discussion: The use of Ayurvedic herbs and their bioactives includes (1) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra – glycyrrhizin, isoliquiritigenin, and licoflavone (A)), (2) Giloy/Heart-leaved moonseed (Tinospora cordifolia – berberine, octacosanol, and polysaccharides), (3) Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare – anethole and flavonoids), and (4) Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida – Cucurbitacin, Terpenoids, and Vitamin C). These are known in the literature to cause apoptosis in cancer cell lines, improve oxidative status by blocking free radicals, boost immunity, and wound healing. Conclusion: The said herbs seem promising medicines in addressing PC, including ascites. Their integration with the current treatments of chemotherapy and radiotherapy demands research.

Ayurvedic Management of Avabahuka (Frozen Shoulder) – A Systemic Review

Bharat Bhalara — 2025-09-30

Avabahuka, commonly known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a musculoskeletal disorder, which is primarily attributed to the vitiation of Vata Dosha, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The prevalence rate of frozen shoulder is 2–5% in the general population, with a higher incidence in over the age of 40 years. Our Acharya’s described the various treatment approaches in Samhitas, which pacify Vata Dosha and alleviate symptoms of Avabahuka. This review article summarizes research on Avabahuka (frozen shoulder) management through Ayurvedic interventions. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Ayush Research Portal, J-Gate, and Shodhganga, for relevant articles published between January 2000 and December 2024. The search focused on studies evaluating the efficacy of Ayurvedic management for Avabahuka. Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, before-and-after studies, and single-group clinical studies assessing various Ayurvedic modalities. Despite many studies remaining unpublished (gray literature), evidence-based medicine is crucial for optimal patient care. We reviewed 241 studies (January 2000–December 2024) from various search engines. Among these, 85 studies involved clinical interventions. This review highlights the efficacy of various Ayurvedic interventions in managing Avabahuka by alleviating pain, stiffness, and restoring mobility, and emphasizes the need for further evidence-based research.

The Neuroprotective Effect of Sesame Seed Oil on Cuprizone-Induced Cerebellar Damage in Male Wistar Rats

A. J. Abimbola — 2025-09-30

Cuprizone (CZ) is a copper chelator often used in laboratory research to induce demyelination in animal models. It helps to study the processes involved in demyelination and remyelination, which are relevant to multiple sclerosis research and other demyelinating diseases. This study explored the effects of Sesame seed oil (SSO) on oxidative, histomorphological and behavioral changes in CZ-damaged cerebellum. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were purchased and acclimatized for a week. They were, however, grouped into four and administered the following, respectively; Group A received standard rat feed (control), Group B received 2 g of CZ per 1 kg of rat/day, Group C received 5 mL SSO per 1 kg of rat/day, and Group D received 2 g of CZ per 1 kg of rat/day + 5 mL SSO per 1 kg of rat/day. This was done consecutively for 3 weeks with the use of oral cannula. The animals were assessed for exploratory and locomotor activities while the cerebellum was processed for histology, assayed for catalase chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities with immunohistochemical using ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1). CZ treatment caused weight reduction, disruption of Purkinje cell layer, cellular degeneration, and reduction in CAT and SOD activities with IBA staining. However, these changes were ameliorated when co-administered with SSO. The results suggested that SSO contains potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help to alleviate the harmful effects of CZ in various regions of the body.

Orthorexia Nervosa: A Critical Review of an Emerging Disordered Eating Pattern

Anupreet Kaur Sobti — 2025-09-30

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is an emerging and controversial eating behavior characterized by an unhealthy obsession with consuming only foods perceived as healthy or pure. Although not yet officially recognized in diagnostic manuals, ON has garnered growing attention from researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals due to its increasing prevalence, especially among health-conscious populations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of ON by examining its conceptual evolution, diagnostic challenges, associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment approaches. An in-depth search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to synthesize current findings on the epidemiology, psychological and sociocultural determinants, and assessment tools used to identify ON. The review highlights the overlap between ON and other eating or obsessive-compulsive disorders, emphasizing the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and validated assessment instruments. Despite its focus on health, ON can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, psychological distress, and social isolation. The findings underscore the importance of increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the development of targeted interventions. Further research is needed to establish ON as a distinct clinical entity and to inform effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Impact of 24-hour Postural Care in Management of Scoliosis, Windswept Deformity, Hip Dislocation, and Subluxation in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review

Anju Khanna — 2025-09-30

Cerebral Palsy (CP) describes various challenges with movement and coordination caused by early brain damage which does not progress with age. CP is a lifelong condition and is usually associated with secondary complications across the lifespan. This review aims to explore the impact of twenty-four-hour postural care in prevention and management of secondary complications such as scoliosis, windswept deformity and hip dislocation or subluxation in children with cerebral palsy. The studies published between 2014 and 2025, in English language in databases PubMed and Google Scholar were included. 19 studies were reviewed which indicated use of postural care and control in preventing subsequent issues such as hip dislocation, contractures, windswept deformities, and scoliosis. Supported standing, weight-bearing exercises, and neurodevelopmental treatment were among the interventions that have been shown to increase comfort, involvement, and caring ease. Postural management has been shown to improve alignment, decrease hip migration, and thereby increase functional independence. While proactive and early postural control is encouraging overall, more research is needed to determine how best to use it and what will be its long-term effects. There seems to be a lacunae of information regarding use of 24 hour postural care in preventing complications in children with CP, what protocol to follow and addressing the most vulnerable CP children with severe motor deficits. A key component of long-term postural care will also be incorporating caregiver education and adjustments to everyday routines. All measures and ways which can help to prevent or prolong the incidence of secondary complications in individuals with CP are supposed to have a positive impact on the life of individuals and their family.

Beyond the Shaker: Quantifying Salt Intake in Tirana through Urinary Sodium Analysis

Ledio Collaku — 2025-09-30

Background: High salt intake is associated with high blood pressure and adverse cardiovascular health. To figure out average salt intake, we investigated the dietary salt intake from 24-h urinary sodium excretion with a random adult sample from Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty adults aged 18–75 years were randomly selected from a sample of 100000 people from 2 quarters of Tirana’s adult population. Anthropometric measures and sodium excretion in a 24-h urine collection were measured. The accuracy of urine collections was verified using creatinine excretion in relation to weight. Results: The mean Na excretions over 24 h were 202.54 (standard deviation [SD] 93.56) mmol/day. Urinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in men (223.85 [SD 106.51] mmol Na/day) than in women (190.80 [SD 83.96] mmol Na/d); P = 0,045. Average salt intake was 11.8 (SD 5.48) g/d, higher in men than in women (13.08 [SD 6.23] vs. 11,09 [SD 4.92] g/d, respectively). Salt intake increases slightly with increasing age, but there was no significant correlation between age and salt intake. It was also seen that salt consumption increased with increasing body mass index (r = 0.183, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Dietary salt intake in Tirana adults was high, which exceeds the World Health Organization recommended population nutrient intake. Reducing the intake of table salt and traditionally processed foods will be an important strategy to reduce sodium intake among our adults. A national program for reducing salt intake in Albania needs to be conducted through systematic efforts, including public education and involving the health-care sector and the food industry.