Afghanistan Journal of Medical Sciences

Girls’ Education Ban as a Threatening Factor to Public Health

2023-08-08T06:57:48+00:00

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Exploration of acute coronary syndrome among patients in the internal ward of Herat Regional Hospital, Afghanistan

2023-07-26T14:10:46+00:00

Background: Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and sudden cardiac death, collectively responsible for 1.8 million deaths annually, are significant contributors to mortality associated with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). This study aims to comprehensively investigate patient profiles, including age, gender distribution, blood pressure levels upon admission, presence of secondary diseases, and medications used, and analyze their potential associations with different types of acute coronary syndromes.

Methods: This Medical Record Review conducted a thorough review of medical records of patients admitted to the internal medicine ward at Herat Regional Hospital with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome between 2016 and 2021. A total of 500 patients were randomly selected from admission records, and 359 cases were confirmed to have acute coronary syndrome.

Results: Among the studied patients, 202 (56.3%) were male. More than half of the patients, 194 (54.0%), presented with high blood pressure at admission, and 266 (74.1%) had a history of secondary diseases. The identified types of ACS among patients were Unstable Angina (46.6%), ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) (39.8%), and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) (19.6%). Significant relationships were observed between the type of acute coronary syndrome, gender, blood pressure at admission, and the presence of secondary diseases.

Conclusion: At Herat Regional Hospital, acute coronary syndromes are classified as Unstable Angina, STEMI, and NSTEMI. Approximately one-third of initially diagnosed acute coronary syndrome cases had a different final diagnosis. High blood pressure is prevalent among patients with acute coronary syndrome at Herat Regional Hospital. Accurate classification and determination of the type of acute coronary syndrome at the time of initial diagnosis should consider gender, blood pressure at admission, and the presence of secondary diseases.

Knowledge and Practices of Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene Among Schoolgirls in Herat, Afghanistan

2023-07-27T12:07:02+00:00

Background: Adolescence is a critical phase in girls' lives marked by significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes, including the onset of menstruation. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to menstruation among schoolgirls in Herat, Afghanistan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among female students in Herat, Afghanistan, ranging from fifth to twelfth grades, with a total of 998 participants.

Results: Among the participants, 51.8% were in the age group of 9 to 14 years. The overall knowledge level was 52.2%. Among those who had experienced menstruation, 67.7% demonstrated a high level of awareness.

Conclusion: The study revealed lower knowledge and practices regarding menstruation among schoolgirls in Herat province compared to other countries. It strongly recommends implementing awareness programs focused on menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Additionally, incorporating topics about menstruation and its natural processes into school curricula is advised.

Quality of Life among Hospitalized Patients at Herat Maternity Hospital – Afghanistan

2023-07-30T05:17:31+00:00

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept that encompasses various dimensions of individuals' physical, mental, and social well-being. This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among hospitalized patients at Herat Maternity Hospital in Afghanistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 155 hospitalized patients at Herat Maternal Hospital's obstetrics and gynecology ward from September 23, 2022, to October 12, 2022.

Results: A total of 155 female participants took part in the study, with 54.2% falling between the ages of 18 and 25. The physical component achieved a score of 87.1, while the mental component scored higher at 47.1. Among employed individuals, the physical component was reported as good for 20%. However, families with a monthly income ranging from 4000 to 8000 Afghanis had a concerning situation, with 85% reporting poor conditions.

Conclusion: The study highlights that the quality of life among hospitalized patients at Herat Maternity Hospital, in terms of both physical and mental aspects, is lower compared to similar patients in other countries. Identifying factors that contribute to undesirable impacts on patients' quality of life, both physically and mentally, is crucial. Prioritizing targeted interventions to enhance their overall well-being and prevent complications is essential.

Quality of life of inpatients in the mental health ward of Herat Regional Hospital: a cross-sectional study

2023-07-14T17:56:45+00:00

Background: Quality of life is a vital parameter for assessing the impact of severe psychiatric conditions on patients, significantly influencing their overall well-being. This study aims to comprehensively examine and evaluate the quality of life among inpatients in the Mental Health Ward of Herat Regional Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 23, 2022, to October 12, 2022, involving 147 inpatients from the Mental Health Ward of Herat Regional Hospital.

Results: The study included 147 participants, with the majority (59.9%) falling within the 15-28 age range, and 20.4% were male. Among the respondents, 79.6% reported poor physical health, while 20.4% of hospitalized patients reported good mental health. Regarding gender, females (84.6%) exhibited worse physical health compared to males. Moreover, individuals with limited literacy (unable to read and write) had a lower physical health score (82.3%). Among unemployed participants, only 37.5% reported good physical health. Females (82.9%) also showed worse mental health compared to males, with a statistically significant correlation observed between gender and mental health.

Conclusion: The quality of life of inpatients in the Mental Health Ward of Herat Regional Hospital was found to be lower in both physical and mental dimensions compared to hospitalized patients in other countries. Identifying factors contributing to the poor quality of life among patients is of paramount importance. Targeted interventions are needed to prevent morbidity and mitigate factors impacting the quality of life of these patients.