Objective. To compare the knowledge of antibiotic resistance between medical and nonmedical university students of Lahore. Methodology. An observational cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among students of Lahore, Pakistan, from November 12, 2021, to December 13, 2021. The convenience sampling method was used to select students. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Results. 52.9% medical and 42.25% nonmedical students knew about antibiotics. 24.1% medical and 18.3% nonmedical students do not take antibiotics without a prescription. 40.6% medical and only 19.3% nonmedical students knew about the course of antibiotics. Medical students let the minor ailments recover naturally compared to nonmedical students who visit the doctor more often. Both groups complete the course of antibiotics without a significant difference. 49% medical and 27.9% nonmedical students knew that bacteria can develop resistance against antibiotics. Most nonmedical students responded that antibiotics can work even after resistance. Medical students have better knowledge about the relationship of resistance with overuse and misuse. Conclusion. The knowledge of antibiotics and compliance to therapy of the nonmedical students were less than those of the medical students. Medical students were aware of the pattern of taking antibiotics because of their educational background. There is a dire need for awareness regarding antibiotic use in this group to conserve treatment options for future use.
The current study aims to explore the number of registered anticancer medicine in Pakistan and the price variation of these single-ingredient medicines. A data-based study was conducted between March 2021 and May 2021. Pharmaguide (Mobile Version 2020 -2021), Druginfosys.com and Medicialstore.com.pk were used to derive the price of anticancer medications sold in Pakistan. The difference in minimum and maximum costs of each formulation was calculated, and the price variations in 81 anticancer medicines belonging to 14 different categories were analysed. There were 115 formulations registered for these 81 anticancer medications. Estimations in price difference revealed that topotecan (4mg / ml) had the highest price variation, while the lowest price variation of 4.01% was observed for abiraterone acetate (250mg). Price variations among different anti-cancer brands marketed in Pakistan are noticeable and substantial, therefore necessitating action from the drug regulatory authority of Pakistan, not only to gain awareness on this issue, but also to set pricing thresholds to make the prices of anti-cancer medications more affordable. In addition, external reference pricing and reimbursement programs partially sponsored by the government or insurance companies can be a possible way to control the price variation of anti-cancer drugs.
BackgroundBreast cancer has a high incidence rate, emphasizing the necessity of enhanced information on health-related quality of life (HrQOL) in this population of patients. The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the QOL experienced by patients in Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on women with breast cancer, and four instruments were used on a random sample of 130 Pakistani women: FACIT-B Version 4 questionnaire,WHO causality assessment scale, Naranjo’s algorithm, and a demographic/clinical characteristics section. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.ResultsThe patients’ mean age was 49.10 (standard deviation (SD) 10.89); 98.5% were married. The mean score was 18.34 for physical wellbeing (SD 5.92; interquartile range (IQR) 11), 16.33 for social/family wellbeing (SD 6.3; IQR 11.25), 13.6 for emotional wellbeing (SD 3.55; IQR 6), 17.13 for functional wellbeing (SD 3.73; IQR 6), and 24.86 for breast cancer subscale (SD 3.64; IQR 4). The study found that the age, entitlement, recurrence, marital status, salary, number of doses, duration of cancer treatment, and chemotherapy sessions were significantly related to QOL terms in the assessment of the FACIT-B scale. The WHO causality evaluation scale determined that 78.1% of the responses were “probable” and 20.1% were “possible”. According to Naranjo’s algorithm assessment scale, 80% of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were “probable”, whereas 18.4% were declared “possible”. Chemotherapy-induced anemia was the most often reported ADR in 64.6% of patients, followed by chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (61.5%).ConclusionHealthcare practitioners must acknowledge and take into account the significance of QOL in addition to therapy for breast cancer patients in order to enhance their health. The findings of this study will aid in filling gaps in current unknown knowledge and identifying sites where patients require additional assistance. Because cancer and chemotherapy clearly have a negative impact on individuals’ QOL, oncologists must concentrate on strategies that help cancer patients during their sickness and treatment while also enhancing self-care and QOL. Those with cancer will benefit from emotional wellbeing and adaptation to their disease.
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