Vol 13 Issue 1 April 2025-September 2025

Abstract: Background: Cervicogenic headache is secondary headache to a primary cervical musculoskeletal disorder. The prevalence is four times as higher as in women compared to men in the age group of 18 to 30 years, the myofascial release and deep neck flexor training will be effective in reducing the headache intensity, duration and long term effects and improvement in headache.

Objectives: To find the effectiveness of suboccipital myofascial release and deep neck flexor endurance training on reducing pain intensity and to improve muscle endurance, decrease neck symptom in subjects with cervicogenic headache.

Methodology: A experimental study consists of 30 subjects with cervicogenic headache who were selected based on selection criteria between the age group of 18 to 25 years and they were randomly allocated into two equal groups, Group A (experimental group) 15 subjects, whereas Group B ( control group) 15, with total duration of 3 times a week for 6 week, pre-test and post-test was measured by using numerical pain rating scale(NPRS), neck disability index9NDI) and deep neck flexor endurance test (DNFE) among college students.

Result: Based on statistical analysis Group A Showed better statistical significance in reducing pain, improve cervical muscle endurance and functional independence.

Conclusion: This will conclude that the suboccipital myofascial release and deep neck flexor endurance training for CGH among college going female students were more effective.

Keywords: Sub occipital myofascial release, cervicogenic headache, endurance training.

Title: EFFECTIVENESS OF SUB OCCIPITAL MYOFASCIAL RELEASE AND ENDURANCE TRAINING OF DEEP NECK FLEXORS FOR CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE AMONG COLLEGE GOING FEMALE STUDENTS - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Author: Dr. Mega., S. Manisha, Dr. Lokesh.R.

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 570-573

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 18-August-2025

Abstract: Epidemics amplify existing disparities in healthcare access, resource allocation, and health outcomes, disproportionately affecting low-income populations in the United States. Public health policies, while designed to mitigate disease spread and safeguard population health, often reveal structural inequities in their formulation and implementation. This review examines the interplay between public health policy, resource distribution, and health equity during epidemic responses, focusing on marginalized communities with limited socioeconomic and political capital. The analysis explores historical and contemporary examples, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to assess how emergency response strategies—such as vaccine distribution, testing accessibility, personal protective equipment (PPE) allocation, and public health messaging—impact health equity. It also evaluates policy frameworks through the lenses of social determinants of health, structural racism, and economic vulnerability, highlighting instances where targeted interventions either alleviated or exacerbated inequities. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature from epidemiology, public policy, and health economics, the review identifies gaps in equitable policy design and proposes evidence-based strategies to improve resource distribution during future epidemics. By addressing systemic barriers, fostering community engagement, and integrating equity metrics into policy evaluation, the paper aims to contribute to more just and resilient epidemic preparedness frameworks for vulnerable U.S. populations.

Keywords: Health equity; Resource distribution; Public health policy; Epidemic response; Low-income populations.

Title: The Impact of Public Health Policy on Resource Distribution and Health Equity during Epidemics in Low-Income U.S. Populations

Author: Peter Babajide Babatuyi, Paul Okugo Imoh, Emmanuel Uche Igwe, Joy Onma Enyejo

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 554-569

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 16-August-2025

Abstract: Recent studies have explored the implications of geophagy, particularly its impact on the gut microbiota, which is a complex community of microorganisms’ essential for digestion, metabolic function, and immune system development. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, and disruptions to this microbial community can lead to health concerns. Among the numerous microbial groups present in the gut, Firmicutes, a dominant bacterial phylum, are particularly important due to their role in fermenting dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which provide energy to the host and promote gut health. This study focused on the analyses of stool samples from infants that practice geophagy in the designated study area for the presence and prevalence of Bacillus firmicutes using cultural and biochemical methods. Stool samples were aseptically collected from infants aged 7 to 12 months using sterile, leak-proof containers.  A total of two hundred (200) stool samples were collected from ten sampling locations, 20 samples per location in three IDP camps. Each sample was sealed and appropriately labeled. The samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis. The bacteriological analysis of stool samples showed that the overall prevalence of Bacillus spp in the study area was 65.5%. Two locations within Daudu camp 1 (DU1G and DU1E) recorded the highest prevalence (85% and 80% respectively) among children of ages 7-12 months while location 1 of the Daudu camp 1 (DU1A) had the lowest (35%). Prevalence was below the overall value at Daudu camp 2 but higher at Uikpam camp (75%). Among the three IDP camps, prevalence was highest at Uikpam (75%), followed by Daudu camp 1 (66.4%) and lowest at Daudu camp 2 (57.5%). The study concluded that, overall prevalence of Bacillus spp in infant stool samples at the IDP camps was 65.5%. This prevalence suggests a strong link between environmental exposure specifically soil ingestion and microbial colonization of the infant gut.

Keywords:  metabolic function, microbial community, health concerns, biochemical methods.

Title: Bacteriological Analysis of Infant Fecal Samples in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Author: Ihula D. H., Iheukwumere C. C., Ugbogu M., Olasan O. J.

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 547-553

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 09-August-2025

Abstract: Background: The most prevalent musculoskeletal condition is trapezitis, which primarily affects the upper trapezius muscle due to overuse or strain.

Aim of The Study: The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of ischemic compression and dynamic stretching on pain in subject with upper trapezitis.

Materials And Methods: A total of 40 subjects were chosen from APCOPT and assigned to two groups, namely the ischemic compression group along with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (n=20) and the dynamic stretching exercises group along with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS (n=20), based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and cervical range of motion (CROM) were used as outcome measures

Result: The mean value of ischemic compression at the post-test was found to be higher than the mean value of dynamic stretching exercises.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that ischemic compression is more effective than dynamic stretching exercises in reducing pain associated with upper trapezitis.

Keywords: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), upper trapezitis, Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Cervical Range of Motion (CROM).

Title: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ISCHEMIC COMPRESSION AND DYNAMIC STRETCHING ON PAIN IN SUBJECTS WITH UPPER TRAPEZITIS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Author: Dr.Bharath.M., V.Bharanidharan, Dr. Lokesh.R.

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 542-546

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 08-August-2025

Abstract: Background:  Tennis elbow is one of the most frequently occurring musculoskeletal conditions affecting lateral aspect of elbow which results from repetitive stress. Various therapeutic interventions are available for the treatment of tennis elbow. This study was an initiative to prove the effectiveness of kinesiotaping along with conventional therapy for patients with tennis elbow.                                                                                                                                 

Aim of The Study:  The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of kinesiotaping along with conventional physiotherapy for patients with tennis elbow.

Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients were chosen with the age group of 20-60 years with tennis elbow from APCOPT and they are equally assigned into two groups. GROUP-A (n=15) were treated with kinesiotaping along with conventional therapy (Ultrasound, Cryotherapy, Stretching Strengthening and Deep transverse friction massage).GROUP-B: (n=15) were treated with conventional therapy alone, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate pain and Patient rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEEQ) to evaluate pain and functional disability were used as outcome measures.

Result: This study states that Kinesiotaping along with conventional physiotherapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone for patients with tennis elbow.                                                                                                                             

Conclusion: Based on the statistical analysis this study concluded that Kinesiotaping along with conventional therapy shows clinical and statistical significant improvement than Conventional therapy alone on reducing pain and disability in patients with tennis elbow.                                                                                                                                     

Keywords: Kinesiotaping, Ultrasound, Conventional therapy, VAS, PRTEEQ.                                                                                                        

Title: EFFECTIVENESS OF KINESIOTAPING ALONG WITH CONVENTIONAL THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH TENNIS ELBOW – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Author: Dr. Bharath.M., G.Bhavani, Dr. Lokesh.R.

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 537-541

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 08-August-2025

Abstract: Background: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder; affecting people of all ages, with poor sleep quality being particularly common among college students. Non-pharmacological remedies are becoming increasingly important. For undergraduate physiotherapy students, academic burdens and clinical postings often contribute to poor sleep quality, which can negatively impact cognition and academic performance. Non-pharmacological remedies, such as circuit training and brain gym exercise. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of these two interventions in addressing poor sleep quality and cognition challenges in students.

Objective: To ascentain the effectiveness of circuit training and brain gym exercise on sleep and cognition in collegiate with poor sleep quality.

Method: The study design is comparative study. This study includes 30 participants selected with the age group of 18-27 years and there are selected under selection criteria. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups which as circuit training Group A and brain gym exercise Group B respectively. The intervention of the study was 8 weeks thus 4 sessions per week of 30 minutes per session and treatment duration of 4 weeks. The participants were assessed with PSQI, ISI (poor sleep quality) RDT, SG, SC-WT (cognition) at the beginning and at the end of the 4^th week.

Result: the data analysis of pre-test and post-test showed a significant outcome of reduced sleep scale and increased cognition test. Thereby it improved the overall sleep quality of the participants.

Conclusion: both CT and BG exercises improved sleep quality and cognition performance. CT showed significantly greater improvement, making it the preferred intervention for enhancing cognitive abilities in individuals with poor sleep quality. Therefore, circuit training helped in improving sleep quality as well cognition.

Keywords: Poor sleep quality, Circuit Training, Brain Gym Exercise, PSQI, ISI, RDT, SG, SC-WT.

Title: EFFECTIVENESS OF CIRCUIT TRAINING AND BRAIN GYM EXERCISE ON SLEEP AND COGNITION IN COLLEGIATES WITH POOR SLEEP QUALITY – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Author: Dr. Arun B, Monisha S, DR. Lokesh R, Dr. Bharath M

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 531-536

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 07-August-2025

Abstract: Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headaches, usually affecting one side of the head. It is often accompanied by the symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound and is more prevalent in females than in males, with global prevalence of about 12%. Migraine is found to be seventh cause of the disability worldwide. This study aimed to compare the effect of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Facial Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (FPNF) on severity and sleep quality in patients with migraine. A comparative study was conducted with 30 participants aged 18 – 25 years Selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were divided into two groups Group A (n=15) received Craniosacral therapy (CST) and Group B (n=15) received Facial Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (FPNF) severity was assessed using Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), and sleep quality was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between Group A and Group B, as indicated by the unpaired t- test values for the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) (t=2.9136) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (t=2.4973). These results suggest notable variations in treatment effectiveness between the two groups.The study concluded that craniosacral therapy is more effective than facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in alleviating migraine – related disability and improving sleep quality in individuals with migraine.

Keywords: Migraine, craniosacral therapy, facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, migraine disability, sleep quality, MIDAS, PSQI.

Title: COMPARING THE IMPACT OF CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY VERSUS FACIAL PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION ON SEVERITY AND SLEEP QUALITY IN PATIENTS WITH MIGRAINE

Author: Nithyasri N, Manoj Abraham Manoharlal, Akila Venkatachalam

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 522-530

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 06-August-2025

Abstract: Against the backdrop of Vietnam's rapidly aging population, this study investigates the role of informal, family-based mental health education for older adults in Ho Chi Minh City. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey with 255 participants in Districts 5 and 12, the research assessed the frequency and perceived effectiveness of specific mental health support activities provided by family members. The findings reveal that these activities occurred only "occasionally" and were considered "moderately" effective. A significant paradox emerged: the act of "listening and sharing," despite being highly frequent, was rated as the least effective, highlighting a considerable gap between supportive intentions and the actual capacity to help. Comparative analysis indicated that residential area, living arrangements, and gender were statistically significant factors in the provision of mental health education, whereas age and educational attainment were not. The study concludes that the family serves as a vital yet constrained channel for mental health education. Future interventions should therefore focus on enhancing the capacity and skills of family members—not just target the older adults directly—to empower them as more effective educators.

Keywords: Mental health education, older adults, family support, urban Vietnam.

Title: Family-Based Mental Health Education for Older Adults in Ho Chi Minh City: A Situational Analysis

Author: Vu Thi Minh Phuong, Nguyễn Thanh Bình

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 514-521

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 30-July-2025

Abstract: Background: Sex is inseparable from human being. In today's digital era, internet pornography have facilitated its widespread consumption, raising concerns regarding compulsive use patterns. Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), formally recognized in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), encompasses Problematic Pornography Use (PPU), may impact in adverse mental health and impaired interpersonal relationships. This literature review aims to synthesize current evidence on the psychological and relational impacts of CSBD, with a focus on online pornography addiction.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords included “compulsive sexual behavior disorder”, “compulsive sexual behavior”, “PPU”, and “hypersexuality.” Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed articles and empirical studies published in national and international journals addressing mental health and interpersonal relationship outcomes associated with CSBD.

Results: Thirty five peer-reviewed studies were included. The findings consistently indicate that compulsive engagement with PPU is associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including heightened anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Furthermore, individuals with CSBD exhibit significant difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy sexual relationships, characterized by diminished real-life sexual satisfaction and increased relational strain.

Conclusion: PPU as a manifestation of CSBD, is intricately linked to deteriorations in mental health and the erosion of intimate relationships. The desensitization to natural sexual stimuli contributes to emotional disengagement and relational discord, underscoring the necessity for early identification and therapeutic intervention strategies.

Keywords: Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), Problematic Pornography Use (PPU), Hypersexuality, Internet Pornography Addiction, Mental Health.

Title: The Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Consequences of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD); Problematic Pornography Use - A Literature Review

Author: Kadek Ratih Pradnyaswari, I Gde Yudhi Kurniawan

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 507-513

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Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 28-July-2025

Abstract: Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder with clinical manifestations often influenced by sociocultural factors. In societies where beliefs in ancestral spirits and mystical phenomena are deeply ingrained, psychotic symptoms may take culturally specific forms. Understanding these cultural contexts is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective, patient-centered care.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 36-year-old Balinese male diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, whose psychotic symptoms were strongly influenced by the local cultural concept of melik. The patient experienced persistent delusions of spiritual possession, believing himself to be spiritually unique and targeted by black magic. He also reported daily auditory hallucinations instructing him on various actions. These symptoms caused significant distress and impaired his ability to function normally. Treatment included pharmacological intervention with risperidone and culturally sensitive supportive psychotherapy to address both the psychopathology and the culturally embedded beliefs.

Discussion: Although the patient’s beliefs were consistent with the culturally accepted notion of melik, they also displayed hallmark features of psychosis—loss of reality testing, fixed non-negotiable delusions, and functional decline. The DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview underscores the importance of differentiating between culturally normative experiences and pathological symptoms. In this case, incorporating cultural understanding into the clinical assessment facilitated accurate diagnosis and guided a respectful yet effective treatment approach.

Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in the evaluation and management of psychosis, allowing clinicians to distinguish between culturally normative beliefs and psychopathology, thereby ensuring both empathy and diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Paranoid schizophrenia, Cultural beliefs, Melik, DSM-5.

Title: The Impact of Cultural Beliefs in Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Case Report

Author: Kadek Ratih Pradnyaswari, Komang Wiswa Mitra, I Dewa Gede Basudewa, I Ketut Arya Santosa

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 502-506

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 25-July-2025

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) is commonly associated with forward head posture (FHP), characterized by a reduced craniovertebral angle (CVA). Mechanical connection between hamstring tightness and cervical spine posture through the posterior kinematic chain. Myofascial release (MFR) targeting hamstring tightness may influence cervical alignment and pain perception in individuals with CNSNP and FHP. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of myofascial release along with conventional therapy on hamstring tightness and forward head posture in subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain among IT workers.

METHODOLOGY: Pre and post experimental study that includes 30 subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group A received conventional therapy alone and group B received myofascial release along with conventional therapy. The treatment duration was 6 weeks. The outcome measures were numerical pain rating scale that measures the pain, craniovertebral angle that measures the forward head posture and active knee extension test that measures the hamstring tightness.

RESULT: Using unpaired ‘t’ comparison of post-test values of group A and group B of the t value in numerical pain rating scale shows 5.48, craniovertebral angle shows 12.21 and active knee extension test shows 2.46.

CONCLUSION: This study concluded that there is significant result in myofascial release along with conventional therapy on reduction in pain, hamstring tightness; and forward head posture improvement among subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Keywords: Craniovertebral angle, Forward head posture, Hamstring tightness, Flexibility.

Title: EFFECT OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE ALONG WITH CONVENTIONAL THERAPY ON HAMSTRING TIGHTNESS AND FORWARD HEAD POSTURE IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC NECK PAIN AMONG IT WORKERS

Author: Arun kumar selvam, Sri Shankar Marimuthu, Manoj Abraham Manoharlal, Gomathi Gopalkrishnan

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 495-501

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 23-July-2025

Abstract:  While unmet need for family planning (FP) in Rwanda has decreased to 14% among married women, it remains 37% among sexually active unmarried women. Thus, factors, reasons for not using contraceptives and intentions for future use are not well documented. We aimed to assess factors associated with the unmet need for FP, reasons and intentions for the future among sexually active unmarried women in Rwanda.

Researcher-designed data abstraction form was used to conduct a secondary data analysis using Rwanda demographic and health survey (RDHS) 2019/2020 which had surveyed on 12,949 households, of whom 417 were sexually active unmarried women. Sociodemographic characteristics, reasons and intentions are presented using frequencies and percentages. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with the unmet need for FP at 95% CI, with a probability value of ≤0.05.

Out of 417 unmarried women, 156 (37%) were with an unmet need for FP. The majority   aged between 15–24 years (n=155, 37%), protestants (n=224, 54%), richer wealth index (n=105, 25%), owned medical insurance (n=320, 77%) and 264 (63%) had between one to four children. Factors associated with unmet need for FP were: being richer (aOR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23–0.91; p=0.025), richest wealth category (aOR= 0.435; 95% CI: 0.2091–0.905; p=0.026), multiparty (aOR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.13–0.42; p<0.000) and nulliparous (aOR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11–0.59; p<0.001). Amongst the 97 women who had provided reasons for not using FP, most cited were having infrequent sex (n=46, 47.4%), nulliparous (n=11, 11.3%) and fear of side effects (n=7, 7.2%). While 73.1% (n=114) of women had the intention to use FP in future.

One in three unmarried women had an unmet need for FP. Richer, richest, nulliparous and multiparous are less affected than their counterparts. Thus, need for tailored social behavioural change messages on FP for each female subpopulation (poor wealth categories and those with one to four children) when designing public health programs to address their FP unmet needs.

Keywords: family planning, intentions, unmarried women, unmet needs.

Title: Factors Associated With Unmet Need for Family Planning Among Unmarried Women in Rwanda: A Cross Sectional Study

Author: Rosine Bigirimana, Japheths Ogendi, Egide Freddy Muragijimana, Dieudonne Ndatimana, Amedee Fidele Ndibaza, Richard Kalisa

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 485-494

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 23-July-2025

Abstract: Early initiation of breastfeeding is essential for infant health and development, yet it remains suboptimal in many settings. This study assessed breastfeeding knowledge and practices among postpartum women at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital in Rwanda, aiming to identify factors influencing timely breastfeeding initiation. Using a cross-sectional design, 300 postpartum women were surveyed through structured questionnaires covering breastfeeding knowledge, practices, and socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and multivariable models, were employed. Results showed that 56.7% of women correctly identified the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. However, misconceptions were prevalent, with 27.7% believing in a longer duration and 12.8% thinking it should be shorter. Regarding practice, 64.5% of participants-initiated breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, while 35.5% delayed due to beliefs such as colostrum being harmful (49.2%) or concerns about insufficient milk (44.9%). Socio-demographic factors such as religion, residence, and occupation significantly influenced early initiation, with Muslim women and those delivering at referral hospitals more likely to initiate early. Support from healthcare professionals and family strongly correlated with positive practices, while cultural influences, particularly from elders, contributed to misconceptions. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and enhanced support systems to improve breastfeeding knowledge and early initiation practices among postpartum women in Rwanda.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Postpartum Women.

Title: Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practice among Postpartum Women at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, Rwanda

Author: UMUKUNZI Liliane, Dr AMANUEL KIDANE Andegiogish, KYAMUSOKE BORAUZIMA Kyame, MBILA WABENYA Christine, MUGANZA KULYA Gabriel

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 473-484

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 21-July-2025

Abstract: Introduction: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer death. Breast cancer in Nigeria and other developing countries is characterized by late presentation and poor outcome mostly due to ignorance, superstition, self-denial, fear of mastectomy and unavailability of treatment facilities.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the duration of symptom of breast disease before presentation to the hospital and to correlate the duration with tumour stage.

Methodology: This is a prospective study carried out at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku-Awka. The study span from January, 2021 to December, 2023. All pre-menopausal patients presenting with histologically confirmed breast cancer who have not received any form of intervention were recruited into the study. The patients were all evaluated clinically and data recorded in the study proforma.

Results: A total of 147 female patients were recruited. The age of the study population ranged from 24 to 54 years with a mean of 40.92±7.98 years. The duration of breast lump before presentation range from 1-36 months with a mean duration of 10.02±8.06. 39(26.5%) out the total presented within five months of noticing a lump in their breast and 36 patients out the 39 have breast masses within 10cm in size. 108 (73.5%) patients presented six months and above after noticing a lump with 51 of them presenting with breast masses greater 10cm in widest diameter. The size of the breast masses and the duration showed a positive correlation, Pearson’s correlation +0.575 (0.00).

Conclusion: The study shows that majority of the breast cancer patients in our environment present more than 6 months after noticing their symptoms and this correlates with the size of the tumour at presentation.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Presentation, Duration.

Title: DURATION BEFORE PRESENTATION FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN A LOW RESOURCE ENVIRONMENT

Author: Madubogwu, Chimezie Innocent

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 469-472

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 21-July-2025

Abstract: Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is more prevalent among other knee conditions and often associated with altered biomechanics, including excessive foot pronation. The tibialis posterior muscle plays a major role in maintaining the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. So strengthening this muscle and conventional therapy are widely used to reduce pain and improve the foot arch. But there are a limited number of studies available specifically on the effect of tibialis posterior strengthening along with the conventional therapy to reduce pain and improve medial longitudinal arch of foot arch among the patellofemoral pain syndrome population. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tibialis posterior strengthening along with conventional therapy on pain and medial longitudinal arch of foot among patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Methods: Pre and post experimental study that includes 30 patients. They were divided into two groups. Group A received tibialis posterior strengthening along with conventional therapy and Group B received conventional therapy alone. The treatment duration was 6 weeks. The outcome measures were Numerical Pain Rating Scale measures the pain and Navicular Drop Test measures the medial longitudinal arch of foot.

Result: Using unpaired‘t’ comparison of post test values of Group A and Group B of Numerical Pain Rating Scale shows t value 5.48 and Navicular Drop Test shows t value 10.83 respectively.

Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a notable improvement in tibialis posterior strengthening along with conventional therapy on pain reduction and improve medial longitudinal arch of foot among patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Keywords: Patellofemoral pain syndrome, pain, medial longitudinal arch of foot, tibialis posterior strengthening, conventional therapy.

Title: EFFECT OF TIBIALIS POSTERIOR STRENGTHENING ALONG WITH CONVENTIONAL THERAPY ON PAIN AND MEDIAL LONGITUDINAL ARCH OF FOOT AMONG PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

Author: Arun kumar selvam, Sri Shankar Marimuthu, Manoj Abraham Manoharlal, Vaishnavi Venkatesh

International Journal of Healthcare Sciences

ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)

Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 459-468

Research Publish Journals

Website: www.researchpublish.com

Published Date: 14-July-2025