Pakistan BioMedical Journal

Investigating the Smartphone Addiction among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Sunita Aijaz Ali — 2024-04-30

In today's digital era, smartphones have become an essential part of our society. However, excessive use of smartphones can have a wide range of consequences and it affects students' physical and mental health. Nursing students should know the appropriate use of smartphones to prevent health complications. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized in a total of 98 nursing students of Saifee Burhani School of Nursing in Karachi, Pakistan. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect data and a Smartphone Addiction Scale short version (SAS-SV) questionnaire was utilized to collect data related to smartphone usage patterns and addiction levels among nursing students. Results: The study findings revealed that 68 nursing students (69.39%) were addicted to smartphones. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and independent t-independent -test were applied by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0 for data analysis. Conclusions: The present study revealed that Smartphone addiction was found higher among nursing students.

Factors Influencing the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Nursing Students at Public Sector Institution, Karachi

Vinod Kumar — 2024-04-30

Academic performance is a measurement of student accomplishment, which is tremendously achieved by providing a robust learning environment. Factors that hinder the incredible academic performance of nursing students include an uncomfortable learning environment, a shortage of committed faculty, and students' financial backgrounds. Objective: To determine the factors influencing the academic performance of undergraduate nursing students at a public sector institution in Karachi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was completed at the Dow Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. All students who were enrolled in the BSN 4 Years Degree Program were the targeted population. The calculated sample was 300 nursing students. Data were collected by adopted and validated questionnaire "Combined Survey Questionnaire". Factors influencing the academic performance of nursing students were computed in mean and standard deviation. Results: Out of total, most participants (67.7%) were unmarried, and nearly one-third (61.7%) were female. Almost (49.3%) of the study participants were between 18 and 24 years old. The highest grand mean value was obtained for teacher-related factors, whereas the lowest mean was found for home-related factors. A significant difference has been established in age (p-value=0.003), marital status (p-value=0.011), discipline (p-value=0.001), and family income (p-value=0.006) have on the academic performance of the student nurse. Conclusions: It is established that nursing students face considerable issues depending upon teacher-related factors followed by home-related factors that are linked to deterring the student’s academic performance.

Social Media Usage and it's Relationship with Depression among Nursing Students of a Private University

Khalid Hussain — 2024-04-30

Social media is a group of electronic and digital appliances which has its basis on internet and allow sharing, transforming and exchanging ideas, information, educational material and content. In the 21^st century, internet usage has been increased significantly. Our life has been entirely changed by the internet and social media. Social media cause different health related issues and academic decline among students. Objective: To observe the relationship between social media use and depression among nursing students. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 120 nursing students. Ethical permission was obtained from Ethical Review Committee, Sohail University, Karachi. Descriptive statistics was performed on demographic variables. Pearson Correlation test was performed to check the relationship between social media use and depression. Results: Beyond 120 participants, males were in majority (57.5%). Mostly (58.3%) participants were in their 1^st and 2^nd year, 20.8% were married and 69.2% were living with their friends. Largely (77.5%) belong to Generic BSN program and 55.0% partakers were using social media from 0-4 hours per day. Mostly (44.2%) participant have moderate to extreme level of depression. We found positive correlation of social media use with depression. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest significant correlation between depression and social media use. Spending more time on using social media can lead to depression. Therefore, policy makers should pay attention in planning to minimize the harmful effects of social media usage among students.

The Influence of Gut Microbiome Derived Neurotransmitters on Neonatal Immune Response

Ahmed Alwazzan — 2024-04-30

The complex interaction between neurotransmitter, gut flora and immune system has expanded dramatically. Infant gut microbiome is a key driver of immune system development [1].Any disruption in gut microbiota during early life have been associated with childhood disorders such as food allergies, neurodevelopmental disorders and asthma[2].The bacteria in guts are not just inert inhabitants of our digestive systems. Their metabolic activities involve the active creation of neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. Gut is known as second brain because it produces 90% of neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin [3]. In adults, neurotransmitters are produced by enterochromaffin cells but in infants there is need to unveil the regulation of neurotransmitters. Some of the studies have shown the relationship between gut flora and immune system.

Neonates are more susceptible to diseases because their gut is not mature enough to produce neurotransmitters. Some specific gut microbiome in infants produce serotonin which activates the T-regulatory cells (Tregs). Tregs act as a defence mechanism against autoimmune disorders and food allergic reactions. The number of serotonin producing neonatal gut flora can be influenced by diets, availability of antibiotics and reduce exposure of microbes in their environment. Any change in level of serotonin might affect the development of Tregs. The reason that makes infant more prone to allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders in developed countries.

Scientists are trying to dig out about how gut bacteria in human newborn samples, produce serotonin. This research could lead to the development of effective immune system training techniques, which would lower the lifetime risk of inflammatory illnesses like allergies and inflammatory bowel disease. This work highlights the importance of gut microbes in developing immunity in infancy and provides opportunities for further studies targeted at reducing immune-related illnesses. Interventions that support healthier immune responses from infancy through maturity may be made possible by better understanding and utilizing the power of gut flora.