<div><p class="Els-Abstract-head">Abstract</p></div><p>Internationalization of higher education is the top stage of international relations among universities and it is no longer regarded as a goal in itself, but as a means to improve the quality of education.  The knowledge translation and acquisition, mobilization of talent in support of global research and enchantment of the curriculum with international content are considered to be the benefits of internationalization of higher education. Though, internationalization holds many positives to higher education, there are grave risks associated with this multifaceted and growing phenomenon. Negative aspects include commercial profit, academic colonization and difficulty in ensuring quality education. The current review has implications for educational policy makers to ensure positive and reciprocal benefits to the higher education institutions and the countries concerned.</p><p> </p>

This research has developed The Academic Achievement Risk Assessment Scale [AARS], for identification of the factors which influence performance of undergraduate (448 students); studying at three universities of Lahore, Pakistan. An 18-item scale, with five distinct factors was developed which included lack of motivation, dysfunctional parental practices, parental involvement in drug abuse or antisocial activities, difficulty with peers, and language barrier. The results revealed differences among low, medium and high academic CGPA groups as all five risk factors were significantly related to the low achieving group. The study has implications for teachers, counselors, and policy makers in the field of learning

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Background Pakistan has one of the highest rates of chronic liver disease (CLD) burden in the world. Poor and underserved patients of CLD in the country may suffer from limited health-seeking behaviors, but there is not much research in this area. The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing health-seeking behaviors in CLD patients to better plan support for these patients. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. Data was collected over a four-month period from May 2022 to August 2022. A total of 850 patients visiting the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre were part of the study. We used correlation tests and multivariate logistic regression to investigate the relationship between the health-seeking behavior and the independent study domains (economic stability, health literacy, social support, experiencing grief, mental health, healthcare service quality, and coping strategies). Results Main results suggest that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, non-viral liver disease, and cirrhosis have less health-seeking behavior, compared to patient with chronic viral hepatitis. Multivariate logistic regression results reveal that the following groups have lower odds for health-seeking behavior: (i) illiterate people; (ii) those living in rented homes; (iii) those belonging to nuclear families; and (iv) those with low monthly household income. The following study domains also show lower odds for health-seeking behavior: (i) health illiteracy; (ii) low health service quality; (iii) low ability to use coping strategies; (iv) grief; (v) lack of social support; (vi) mental health challenges; and (vii) economic instability. Conclusions Our study highlights that the majority of CLD patients are poor, illiterate, or semi-literate and in urgent need of holistic care with respect to health literacy, mental health counseling, financial help, and improved support from provider and families. This is only possible through the integration of social policy officers and social workers in the tertiary health sector of the country.

Background Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the leading disease burdens in Pakistan. Until now, there has only been limited focus in the country on providing health services through tertiary services in urban cities, whereas there is almost no research in Pakistan on the mental health and quality of life of CLD patients. This study aimed to understand which predictors influence the mental health and quality of life of CLD patients in order to advise better policy protection. Methods Data was collected from CLD patients at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 850 respondents were part of the final sample. Results Mean results reveal that female as well as illiterate patients need more support for mental health and communication with their physician; whereas men need more support to develop coping strategies. Structural equation modelling results reveal that the severity of symptoms (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), coping strategies (β=-0.51, p < 0.001), and doctor communication (β=-0.35, p < 0.001) predict mental health. Quality of life is associated with the severity of symptoms (β=-0.36, p < 0.001), coping strategies (β = 0.26, p < 0.05), and doctor communication (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). Conclusions A ‘bio-psycho-social-spiritual’ model is recommended for Pakistan’s CLD patients which includes the integration of social officers to provide support in four key areas to secure mental health and quality of life of patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring colossal impact on families, particularly on marital adjustments. This paper reports findings of a study that examined perceptions of home demands, social support, and marital adjustment among women during COVID-19. A sample of 252 women was taken. Participants were administered a Demographic information sheet, Home Demands Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale. The data was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression analysis. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between perceptions of home demands and social support, and marital adjustment, and also a significant positive relation between social support and marital adjustment among women. Findings showed that women are likely to face additional problems because of limited sources of social support due to COVID-19 which is an imperative aspect for marital adjustment. Findings have implications for marriage counsellors, therapists, and clinical practitioners.

This study explains the relationship between social isolation, mindfulness, and mental well-being among Covid-19 survivor university students. Data were collected from 200 Covid-19 survivor university students (M=94; F=106) from Punjab Pakistan. Results found high social isolation to be linked with low mental well-being, however, a significant positive relationship between mindfulness and mental well-being was found. Further, social isolation and mindfulness emerged as significant predictors of mental well-being. This research sheds light on the significance of mindfulness, and social connections in daily life, especially during periods of isolation during Covid-19. Present findings have implications for psychologists, counselors, mental health practitioners, teachers, and parents.