A cross-sectional survey assessed self-medication practices and knowledge about antibiotic resistance among 628 university students in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Self-medication was reported by 72% of respondents, with antibiotics being the most commonly self-administered drugs (34%). Only 38% of students correctly identified antimicrobial resistance as a public health threat. Pharmacy students showed significantly better knowledge compared to non-health science students, suggesting need for public health education on appropriate antibiotic use.

Water quality assessments and diarrheal disease surveillance were conducted in 24 rural indigenous communities in the departments of Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Microbiological testing revealed E. coli contamination in 78% of household water samples, with fecal coliform counts exceeding WHO guidelines in 65% of community water sources. Annual diarrheal incidence was 3.2 episodes per child under five, strongly correlated with water contamination levels and distance to improved water sources.

Growth parameters and developmental milestones were assessed in 186 children with congenital heart disease compared to 200 age-matched controls in pediatric cardiology clinics across Punjab province, Pakistan. Children with CHD showed significantly higher rates of stunting (42% vs 18%), wasting (35% vs 12%), and developmental delays (48% vs 15%). Cyanotic CHD and delayed surgical intervention were associated with worse nutritional and developmental outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care including nutritional support.

This cross-sectional study assessed mental health outcomes among 524 healthcare workers across 12 hospitals in Central Java province using validated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 instruments. Moderate to severe depression symptoms were reported by 28% of participants, while 31% showed moderate to severe anxiety. Significant predictors included working in COVID-19 units, inadequate personal protective equipment during the pandemic, and lack of psychological support services. Implementation of workplace mental health programs is urgently recommended.

This observational study evaluated the relationship between vitamin D status and glycemic control in 340 type 2 diabetes patients attending diabetes clinics in Assiut and Sohag governorates, Egypt. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was present in 67% of patients and was significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels (8.4% vs 7.2%, p<0.001), increased insulin resistance, and poorer lipid profiles. Vitamin D supplementation trials are warranted to assess potential benefits for diabetes management in this population.

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among 420 women delivering in rural health facilities across Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. Significant risk factors included prolonged labor (OR=3.2), previous history of PPH (OR=4.8), multiple pregnancy (OR=2.9), and anemia (OR=2.1). Active management of the third stage of labor reduced PPH incidence by 62%, supporting expanded training for skilled birth attendants in low-resource settings.

This cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection among 856 HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral clinics in Kano and Kaduna states, Nigeria. Results showed HBV co-infection rate of 11.2% and HCV co-infection rate of 4.7%, with 1.3% triple infection. Risk factors associated with co-infection included history of blood transfusion, scarification marks, and multiple sexual partners, highlighting the need for integrated screening programs.