International Journal of Scientific Reports

Beyond prevalence: rethinking climate-driven risk for cholelithiasis in a warming ‎world

2025-09-22T19:05:29+0530

Cholelithiasis, also known as a gallbladder stone, is a significant health issue that contributes to the global health burden, affecting millions of people worldwide. Many risk factors have already been identified, but seasonal variations, especially in summer, where the surge of cases is seen, are less explored. It is also noteworthy that global warming is not only the hazardous factor for climate which can lead to long hot seasons but also for the health of living beings, in humans, it can cause heat strokes, and if sustained it increase the risk of renal stones, and gallstones by various mechanism such as dehydration. This letter aims to address the potential link between the climate and cholelithiasis and an urgent call for health authorities to deal with it efficiently and accordingly.

Youth sexual and reproductive health education and school safe corners for menstrual hygiene management

2025-09-22T19:05:29+0530

This policy brief presents findings and recommendations from the "I know I can, sexual reproductive health for informed decision" project implemented by the Development Expertise Centre (DEC) in Ethiopia over the past 3 years. The project aimed to enhance youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and establish safe corners for menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in schools across four implementation areas in the Oromia region. The project successfully reached over 48,600 adolescents, significantly increasing awareness and utilization of youth-friendly SRH services, reducing absenteeism, and fostering community support.

The effects of autism spectrum disorder in the family and the role of counselling in its empowerment

2025-09-22T19:05:31+0530

Background: This study is to analyse the effects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on all family members and to focus on the benefits of counseling in the family. Qualitative research was carried out.

Methods: Twenty parents of children with ASD participated in the study and the tool used to conduct the research was the semi-structured interview.

Results: Results obtained were analyzed using the method of thematic analysis.

Conclusions: Analysis of the results highlighted the negative impact of ASD on the family due to the care required to raise a child with ASD. These impacts are economic, individual, family and social. Also, data obtained highlighted the important role of counseling that had helped the majority of families to found their balance and managed to cope with their anxieties and insecurities.

Acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination and factors among mothers of 14 year old daughters Mattu Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study 2023

2025-09-22T19:05:33+0530

Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women globally, with over one million cases attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, cervical cancer ranks second in incidence and mortality, affecting approximately 6,294 women annually. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of HPV vaccination and identify associated factors among mothers/parents of 14-year-old daughters in Mattu Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, in 2023.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2023, involving 430 mothers/parents selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Out of 428 respondents (99% response rate), 80.6% (95% CI: 78.6-83.7) accepted HPV vaccination for their daughters. Acceptance was significantly associated with prior information exposure (AOR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.6-5.5), good knowledge of cervical cancer (AOR=4.0, 95% CI: 2.3-7.0), and a positive attitude towards vaccination (AOR=4.3, 95% CI: 2.7-7.5).

Conclusions: Over three-fourths of parents are open to vaccinating their daughters against HPV, influenced by their knowledge and attitudes. To increase vaccine acceptance, promote community education and behavior change through ongoing health programs in schools, community centers, and media. Key players include the Mattu Town health office, schools, and NGOs.

Real-world use of lacosamide in epilepsy: results from a cross-sectional survey of neurologists in India

2025-09-22T19:05:32+0530

Background: Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide, having significant burden in countries like India. Despite existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), many patients face suboptimal seizure control or side effects. This survey aimed to assess how Indian neurologists use lacosamide in routine epilepsy care.

Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted across India between January and March 2025, involving 244 neurologists actively managing epilepsy cases. The 20-item survey questionnaire covered clinical scenarios for lacosamide use, dosing and titration strategies, efficacy perceptions, safety practices, drug-drug interactions, application in special populations, intravenous use, and patient adherence. Responses were collected anonymously and analyzed descriptively.

Results: This survey of Indian neurologists reveals widespread use of lacosamide, primarily for focal-onset seizures in both refractory (55.3%) and newly diagnosed (49.6%) cases. It is mostly used as adjunctive therapy (70.5%), with some using it as monotherapy according to patient needs. Safety and tolerability (63.1%) are the primary drivers for prescribing lacosamide, with efficacy (42.6%) as a key secondary factor. Seizure control is often achieved within 2–4 weeks (49.2%) and its use in pediatric and elderly patients is selective, with lower starting doses. Overall, 92.6% of neurologists reported satisfaction with lacosamide in clinical practices.

Conclusions: The findings highlight lacosamide as a well-accepted and widely utilized antiepileptic drug among Indian neurologists, valued for its safety, tolerability, and efficacy. Its flexible use across diverse patients, especially in focal-onset seizures, combined with high clinician satisfaction, reinforces its role as a trusting option in real-world epilepsy management.

People’s perceptions towards herbal medicines: a quantitative study of motivating factors

2025-09-22T19:05:31+0530

Background: Herbal medicines, derived from natural ingredients without chemical synthesis, form the foundation of various traditional healthcare systems in India. With the growing incidence of chronic diseases, antibiotic resistance, and side effects of synthetic drugs, there is an increased global shift towards natural and holistic treatment options. This has renewed interest in herbal medicine, especially in countries with a strong tradition in its use, like India.

Methods: The present study adopted a quantitative research approach to examine consumer perceptions and purchasing behavior toward herbal medicines. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 250 respondents in Hyderabad, India. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation, and multiple regression were employed to analyze the data.

Results: The findings revealed that factors such as health and safety, effectiveness and reliability, trust and brand perception, and environmental and ethical considerations significantly influence consumers’ purchase intentions and their likelihood to recommend herbal medicines. In contrast, economic and availability and cultural and social factors did not show any significant influence on purchase behavior.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the growing preference for herbal medicines is largely driven by perceived health benefits, trust in product quality, and ethical concerns. These insights may help marketers and policymakers design more effective awareness and distribution strategies to promote the adoption of herbal products.

Concurrent small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumor and colonic adenocarcinoma in an elderly patient: a case report

2025-09-22T19:05:30+0530

We report here the case of a 68-years-old man with synchronous small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and colonic adenocarcinoma, an occurrence reported infrequently in the literature. The patient was found to have these 2 separate malignancies while undergoing surgical evaluation for constipation, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Contrast-enhanced CT and colonoscopy diagnostic evaluations revealed a mass in the colon causing near obstruction. The surgical management included subtotal colectomy for the colonic adenocarcinoma and resection of the small bowel GIST. Histopathologic examination confirmed a spindle cell GIST (low grade (G1)) and a well-differentiated colonic adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the need for careful and comprehensive evaluation for synchronous malignancies, particularly so in geriatric patients and potential pathogenic mechanisms for multiple primary tumors and respective management approaches. Optimal outcomes with resection require long-term follow-up, including radiologic surveillance and adjuvant therapy.