Frontiers in Biosciences is an open-access, quarterly, and double-blind peer-reviewed journal covering all areas of medical and health sciences from basic research to clinical and experimental work. Frontiers in Biosciences is committed to completing the double-blind peer-review process within one month and informing the author(s) accordingly. Frontiers in Biosciences is published by the International Institute of Modern Research [SMC – Private] Limited, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under registration number 0307037.
International Institute of Modern Research [SMC – Private] Limited
AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES IN COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION (CBME)
The purpose of this study is to review existing literature on the principles of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) and to explore preventive strategies that support its effective integration. Incorporating CBME into the traditional medical curriculum remains a major challenge for educators and institutions. This study emphasizes the importance of practical approaches to implementing CBME successfully within medical education programs. The concept of CBME has gained global attention due to its potential to produce more capable, patient-centered, and adaptable healthcare professionals. It aligns with modern educational philosophies that promote individualized learning, continuous assessment, and accountability for both learners and institutions. However, the transition from traditional curricula to CBME presents significant challenges, including curriculum restructuring, faculty training, resource allocation, and the development of reliable assessment tools. In medical institutions, integrating CBME requires not only a conceptual understanding of its core principles but also a strategic approach to implementation and evaluation. Identifying and addressing barriers such as resistance to change, lack of institutional readiness, and limited faculty expertise are crucial to ensuring successful outcomes.
Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME)
A STUDY ON STRESS EXPERIENCED BY NURSING STUDENTS DURING TRAINING AT JINNAH COLLEGE OF NURSING
Nursing is both an art and a science — a profession that demands emotional resilience, discipline, and dedication. It is a challenging and emotionally taxing career that requires students to balance the rigorous demands of academic learning with the practical pressures of clinical training. During their training period, nursing students often face significant stressors stemming from both academic and clinical environments. Academic stress arises from heavy coursework and examinations, while clinical stress may result from experiences such as receiving negative feedback from instructors. This study aimed to assess the levels of stress and coping strategies among nursing students at Jinnah College of Nursing. An observational, cross-sectional design was employed, involving 105 randomly selected participants — 36.2% male and 63.8% female — with a mean age of 22 years. The majority of participants were single (92; 87.6%). Findings revealed that 50% of nursing students experienced stress related to clinical practice and academic performance, 34% reported no stress, and 16% remained neutral. The most common stressors identified were insufficient vacations or breaks (56; 53.3%) and lack of guidance from teachers (19; 18.1%). Additionally, 73.3% of students reported using various coping strategies to manage stress. The study concludes that the majority of nursing students experience significant academic and clinical stress. It is recommended that stress management seminars be conducted at the beginning of each semester to help students develop effective coping mechanisms and improve both academic and clinical performance.
PREVALENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among patients with hypothyroidism. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, from 24 August 2024 to 23 February 2025. A total of 91 patients with a primary diagnosis of hypothyroidism were enrolled. All participants underwent HbA1c testing, and those with HbA1c >6.5% or already receiving anti-diabetic therapy were classified as diabetic. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.7 ± 6.1 years, with an average hypothyroidism duration of 4.5 ± 3.6 years and a mean BMI of 25.3 ± 2.7 kg/m². The study population included 34 males (37.4%) and 57 females (62.6%). Diabetes mellitus was identified in 31 patients (34.0%). Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus frequently coexists with hypothyroidism. Routine screening for DM in patients with thyroid disorders, and vice versa, is essential for early detection, optimal management, and prevention of complications associated with these comorbid conditions.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM URIC ACID LEVELS AND BLOOD PRESSURE ACROSS DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
Objective: To determine the frequency of hyperuricemia and its association with blood pressure across different age groups in patients attending outpatient clinics for general health check-ups at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Quasi-experimental (case-control) Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College, PAF Faisal Base, Karachi, from November 18, 2024, to February 20, 2025 Methodology: Following ethical approval, 200 participants were recruited, including 100 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients (Group A) and 100 age-matched normotensive controls (Group B). Serum uric acid levels were measured, and hyperuricemia was defined based on standard clinical criteria. The primary outcome was the prevalence of hyperuricemia among hypertensive versus normotensive individuals. Secondary outcomes included assessment of serum uric acid levels across different age groups. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and comparison of means, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Hyperuricemia was observed in 64% of hypertensive patients compared to 21% of controls (p < 0.001). Mean serum uric acid levels were 5.58 ± 1.95 mg/dL in adolescents and 8.6 ± 1.76 mg/dL in geriatric patients, with no significant age-related correlation. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is strongly associated with elevated blood pressure, independent of age, highlighting its potential role as a modifiable risk factor in hypertension management.
ACCEPTANCE OF AI-DRIVEN MENTAL HEALTH APPLICATIONS AMONG PAKISTANI YOUTH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
This study examines the acceptance of AI-based mental health applications among Pakistani youth, emphasizing factors such as perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust, privacy concerns, and demographic influences. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), findings indicate a generally positive attitude toward AI-driven mental health tools, with participants acknowledging their potential to support mental health management. However, privacy concerns and trust issues emerged as significant barriers, with respondents hesitant to share sensitive personal data with AI systems. Demographic factors, including age and education level, influenced acceptance, with younger and more educated individuals demonstrating higher receptivity. The study provides critical insights into the cultural context of Pakistan, where confidentiality concerns and the perceived importance of human interaction shape attitudes toward AI mental health solutions. Recommendations include enhancing privacy measures, fostering trust, and designing culturally sensitive applications to improve adoption and effectiveness among youth.
ASSESSMENT OF NURSES' KNOWLEDGE OF TRIAGE PROTOCOLS IN TERTIARY CARE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS
Background: Triage, derived from the French word "trier" meaning to sort, is vital for optimizing patient outcomes in emergency departments. Effective triage by registered nurses (RNs) can be hindered by factors such as overcrowding, training gaps, and limited experience. Objective: This study aimed to assess the triage knowledge of RNs in tertiary care hospital emergency departments, examining factors like education and experience, and suggesting improvements for emergency decision-making. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 nurses holding diplomas or degrees, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: Most nurses (68.1%) held basic nursing degrees, and 75% had 0–5 years of experience. While 59.7% attended seminars, practical training was limited. Significant knowledge gaps were noted: only 41.7% correctly identified the black triage color for deceased patients, and 66.7% recognized red for immediate priority. Additionally, 34.7% were unclear about triage nurses’ responsibilities. Conclusion: Although emergency nurses have a foundational understanding of triage, critical gaps in knowledge and role clarity persist, potentially compromising triage effectiveness. Enhancing education and defining roles are essential to improve emergency care quality and timeliness
ASSESSMENT OF SSI PREVENTION KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG NURSES AND MIDWIVES IN PAKISTAN
This cross-sectional study, conducted from December 15, 2023, to October 11, 2024, assessed awareness and practices regarding surgical site infection (SSI) prevention among 324 nurses at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Pakistan. Participants included nurses working in obstetrics, gynecology, orthopaedic, surgical, and operation theater wards. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 with descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests. Most participants were female, married, aged 26–30, held nursing degrees, and worked in the OT. Overall, 82.41% demonstrated acceptable awareness of SSI prevention, with no major subgroup differences. Significant associations were found between awareness and practice (p = 0.007), and between ward type and practice level (p < 0.0001), with the orthopaedic ward showing the highest rate of inadequate practices.
Surgical site infection, Public Health Problem, Awareness and Practice
CORRELATION BETWEEN OVARIAN ARTERY DOPPLER INDICES AND ULTRASOUND FINDINGS IN PCOS PATIENTS
This study, conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital from July 15, 2024, to February 21, 2025, assessed the prevalence of abnormal ovarian artery Doppler indices in 210 women aged 20–45 years with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Using ultrasound, Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistive Index (RI) values were measured, with abnormal ranges defined as PI <2.01 or >4.30 and RI <0.80 or >0.95. Abnormal Doppler indices were observed in 73.81% of participants. A significant association was found between BMI and abnormal Doppler findings (p = 0.022), with a higher prevalence in those with BMI <30 kg/m². No significant difference was noted by residence (urban vs. rural; p = 0.30). The findings suggest a high prevalence of disordered ovarian artery Doppler indices in women with PCOS, supporting their potential role in early diagnosis and intervention to reduce long-term complications.
LINK BETWEEN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND BREATH-HOLDING SPELLS IN CHILDREN
This case-control study investigated the association between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and breath-holding spells (BHS) in children aged 6 to 60 months at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, over a six-month period (September 2024 to February 2025). A total of 118 children were enrolled and equally divided into two groups: cases (children with BHS lasting ≤60 seconds) and controls (healthy children with no history of BHS). Data collection included detailed medical histories, physical examinations, anthropometric assessments, complete blood counts (CBC), and serum ferritin measurements. Children with seizures, congenital heart disease, malnutrition, current anticonvulsant use, or mental disabilities were excluded. IDA was identified in 46% of the case group and 27% of the control group, demonstrating a statistically significant association (odds ratio [OR]: 2.268; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.051–4.894; p ≤ 0.05). Mean serum ferritin levels were significantly lower in cases (49.69 ± 22.67 ng/mL) compared to controls (98.47 ± 21.98 ng/mL). The risk of IDA was notably higher among males with BHS (55% vs. 30%; OR: 2.909) and among children from urban areas (OR: 6.125). No significant association was found between parental education and the occurrence of BHS. The study concludes that IDA is significantly associated with BHS, particularly among male and urban children. These findings underscore the importance of early screening and management of IDA to prevent potential neurodevelopmental complications
Iron Deficiency Anemia, Breath-Holding Spells, Association, Children
PREVALENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS
Background & Summary: The liver plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism and gluconeogenesis, helping maintain blood glucose levels and energy supply. Hormones such as insulin, glucagon, cortisol, and catecholamines regulate these processes. Due to its central role in glucose homeostasis, liver dysfunction can lead to glucose intolerance and diabetes. A strong association exists between chronic liver disease (CLD) and impaired glucose metabolism, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: To determine the frequency of diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic liver disease. Methodology: This descriptive study included 89 CLD patients from a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Blood samples (5cc) were collected following standard phlebotomy protocols. Samples were analyzed for glucose (in sodium fluoride tubes) and HbA1c (in EDTA tubes). Results: Of the 89 patients, 49 (55.1%) were male and 40 (44.9%) female. Diabetes was present in 61.8% of patients.Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence (61.8%) of diabetes in CLD patients. Early detection through glucose and HbA1c monitoring can aid in timely glycemic control and prevention.
IMPROVING DENTAL DIAGNOSTICS WITH MULTIMODAL AI AND UNCERTAINTY QUANTIFICATION
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a multimodal AI system integrating dental X-rays and patient data with uncertainty quantification (UQ) to improve diagnostic reliability in dental clinics. Methods: A total of 400 patient cases from January to December 2024 were analyzed, combining panoramic radiographs with clinical data (age, gender, symptoms). Diagnoses for caries and periapical lesions were generated using a CNN for image analysis and a feed-forward neural network for clinical data. Monte Carlo dropout was used to provide 50 stochastic predictions per case, enabling UQ via entropy measurements. Diagnostic metrics (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, AUC) were compared with evaluations by general dentists. Results: AI achieved 85% accuracy (95% CI: 74–93%) for dental caries (sensitivity 91%, specificity 78.3%) and 73.3% for periapical lesions (sensitivity 96%, specificity 65%). AUCs were 0.92 and 0.85, respectively. Dentists showed lower accuracy (78.3% for caries, 60% for lesions). Excluding the 10% most uncertain cases improved AI caries accuracy to 92%, with 89% of errors concentrated in high-uncertainty cases. Conclusion: The AI system improved diagnostic performance and reliability through UQ, offering high sensitivity and helpful alerts for ambiguous cases. While promising for routine screening, further validation on diverse datasets is needed before clinical deployment.
ENHANCING BREASTFEEDING OUTCOMES IN PRIMIGRAVIDA POST-CESAREAN WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Breastfeeding is vital for maternal and infant health, yet primigravida mothers post-cesarean often face difficulties initiating and maintaining it. This quasi-experimental study assessed the impact of a structured educational intervention on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among 75 post-cesarean primigravida women at a tertiary hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. The intervention included educational sessions, printed materials, and expert-led discussions. Over six months, breastfeeding knowledge increased from 20% to 82.7%, positive attitudes from 13.3% to 80%, and exclusive breastfeeding practices from 33.3% to 80%. These improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that targeted education effectively enhances breastfeeding outcomes in this high-risk group, highlighting the importance of integrating such support into routine postpartum care.
Attitude, Breastfeeding, Cesarean Section, Education, Knowledge, Practice and Primigravida
Artificial intelligence has significantly transformed the field of medicine, especially in drug discovery, by reducing time and costs. This study highlights key software tools that assist beginners in analyzing physicochemical properties, binding sites, protein interactions, and toxicity of potential drug molecules. These tools have simplified complex processes and sparked innovation within the pharmaceutical industry
drug discovery, software's, Polypharmacology
SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B IN TEHSIL DARAZINDA, D.I. KHAN, KPK
Hepatitis B is a major global public health concern and the most common serious viral liver disease. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV in the general population of Tehsil Darazinda, D.I. Khan, Pakistan. A total of 519 individuals (260 females, 259 males) showing symptoms of HBV were tested using ICT and confirmed with ELISA. Results showed higher prevalence in males (22.93%) than females (18%), with the most affected age group being 16–45 years. Married individuals showed the highest HBsAg positivity (64.62%), while those with a family history of HBV had the lowest (1.43%). Major associated risk factors included orthodontic treatment (57.8%), tattooing or piercings (56.53%), surgeries (41.84%), blood transfusions (42.92%), barber visits (39.45%), and drug injections (38.12%). The findings highlight a significant HBV burden in the area and underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention, awareness, and policy interventions.
Button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, therapeutic properties, management of lipid peroxidation, animal model
EFFECTS OF BUTTON MUSHROOM POWDER ON LIPID PEROXIDATION MARKERS IN AN ANIMAL MODEL
Hypercholesterolemia is a major contributor to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Lower plasma cholesterol levels are associated with reduced incidence of coronary heart disease. Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are rich in nutrients, fiber, and phytonutrients, offering therapeutic benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, and gut health-promoting effects. This study investigated the potential of button mushroom powder in managing dyslipidemia using a rat model. After analyzing its nutritional composition, 30 rats were divided into three groups: control (normal diet), experimental group I (hyperlipidemic rats treated with 200 mg/kg mushroom powder), and experimental group II (treated with 400 mg/kg). Nutritional analysis revealed that button mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, minerals (including magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium), and have low fat content. Both treatment groups showed a significant reduction in plasma lipid levels and an increase in HDL compared to the control group. These findings suggest that button mushroom powder has a beneficial effect in managing hyperlipidemia.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DERADICALIZATION STRATEGIES IN PAKISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA
Deradicalization plays a vital role in countering violent extremism (CVE) by supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals influenced by extremist ideologies. Different countries adopt context-specific strategies—Pakistan relies mainly on militarized efforts, while Saudi Arabia implements a structured Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare (PRAC) model. This study compares both approaches, evaluating their effectiveness, strengths, and limitations. It identifies best practices that could inform improvements in Pakistan’s CVE programs, advocating for a more holistic strategy that incorporates psychological, social, and religious dimensions. The findings offer insights for developing sustainable, evidence-based deradicalization policies.
IMPACT OF SMOKING ON COVID-19 PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Background: COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, with smokers showing varied behavioral responses during the pandemic. Some increased their smoking, while others reduced it. This study explores the underlying reasons behind these differing smoking habits during the COVID-19 crisis. Methodology: An online survey was conducted among 86 Pakistani university students (aged 18+), between March and May 2021, using Google Forms distributed via email and social media. Results: Among respondents, 98% were male, 65% held a bachelor's degree, and 55% were regular smokers. Of the participants, 53% had contracted COVID-19. Post-pandemic, 46% reported being non-smokers, 29% reduced smoking, 16% increased it, and 9% reported no change. Conclusion: Smoking may worsen COVID-19 outcomes by increasing respiratory vulnerability. The lung damage caused by smoking could heighten the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, emphasizing the need for targeted smoking cessation efforts during respiratory pandemics
PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER PAIN, DISABILITY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NECK DISABILITY IN TENNIS PLAYERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Background: Shoulder pain in a tennis player the joints and soft tissues surrounding the shoulder are the source of shoulder pain. The acromioclavicular, Sternoclavicular, and glenohumeral joints are examples of joints. Neck disability in a tennis player shows to any impairment or limitation in the functioning of the neck that affects their ability to play tennis or perform daily activities. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study to explore association between shoulder pain, disability and neck disability in tennis players. 80 tennis players were examined for shoulder pain and disability by Shoulder pain and disability index questionnaire and neck disability index questionnaire was filled by tennis players for checking neck disability. Results: Most of the players 50.1% had mild impact of shoulder pain and disability and 41.25% had no impact of shoulder pain. Players were from age 18-30 years having mean age 23.71±3.119, the mean score of shoulder pain and disability was 1.67±0.635 and the mean score of neck disability index was 2.33±0.823, the chi square test showed no association for shoulder pain, disability and age with neck disability as their P-values were 0.294>0.05, 0.493>0.05, There was no association of shoulder pain and disability with neck disability. Conclusion: Shoulder pain in a tennis player the joints and soft tissues surrounding the shoulder are the source of shoulder pain. Neck disability in a tennis player shows to any impairment or limitation in the functioning of the neck that affects their ability to play tennis or perform daily activities. In this research study, we associated the age, gender, shoulder pain and disability with neck disability but there was no significant association among these variables. Despite it, there was a significant association among training hours and neck disability.
PRE-INCISION VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS PLANE (TAP) AND RECTUS SHEATH BLOCK FOR POST-CHOLECYSTECTOMY PAIN MANAGEMENT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for the management of cholelithiasis. The Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block with rectus sheath block is a loco-regional anesthesia technique reducing the need of parenteral analgesics and yields quick recovery after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Objective: To compare the mean post-operative pain score at (3, 6, 12 and 24 hours) after Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) and Rectus sheath block given pre-incision versus laparoscopic-assisted in patients undergoing elective Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This is a single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial conducted in the General Surgery Department at a tertiary care institute from January 2022 to December 2023. The intervention group received laparoscopic-assisted blocks (TAP and rectus sheath blocks) (LATAP) administered by the surgical team, and the control group received pre-incision blocks (TAP and rectus sheath blocks) (PITAP) administered by an anesthesiologist. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, measured using the visual analog scale at 3, 6, 12, and 24th hours at rest. Secondary outcomes included rescue analgesia, visceral injury, peritoneal entry, and blocks timing. Results: A total of 224 were included in the study, 112 patients were randomized to each group. Demographics of the patients (i.e. Age, gender, American society of anesthesiologists score, functional class, co-morbidities and BMI) were comparable between the groups. Pain score at third hour post operatively in LATAP and PITAP was 3.38 ± 1.56 vs 3.8 ± 1.7 respectively (P-value= 0.053). Difference in post-operative pain score at 6, 12 and 24 hours was also statistically insignificant. Total rescue analgesia and peritoneal entry between both groups were also statistically insignificant as well. No visceral injury was recorded or observed in both groups. However, mean duration of block between two groups was statistically significant (P-value <0.001) with higher block timings in PITAP group (400.65 ± 108.517 seconds) as compared to LATAP group (142.58 ± 43.464 seconds). Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted TAP block is not inferior to pre-incision TAP block in managing post-operative pain for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however, the procedure time in LATAP group was shorter than PITAP group. Therefore, we recommend Laparoscopic assisted block to save overall anesthesia and operating room time
ESTIMATION OF TIME SINCE INJURY IN MECHANICAL TRAUMA: FORENSIC CHALLENGES AND ADVANCES FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, HYDERABAD
Objective The objective of this study was to observe the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among clinical Physical therapists, considering the physically demanding nature of their profession. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed, with participants selected through a non-probability convenient sampling technique. A total of 125 clinical physiotherapists, aged between 25 and 40 years, were recruited from government hospitals in Lahore. Physiotherapists with a surgical history involving the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, or wrist were excluded. Data were collected using the Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Results The results obtained from the NMQ demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among clinical physiotherapists. The distribution of MSK disorders was as follows: Neck pain: 28.80%, Shoulder pain: 20.00%, Elbow pain: 1.60%, Wrist pain: 0.60%, Upper back pain: 2.40%, Lower back pain: 32.00%, Thigh pain: 0.80%, Knee pain:11.20%, Foot pain: 2.40%. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among clinical physiotherapists in Lahore, with the most commonly affected regions being the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The results highlight the need for preventive measures and ergonomic interventions to minimize work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists.
PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN DUE TO WORK AMONG CLINICAL PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE FUNCTIONAL LIMITATION AND PAIN INTENSITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN LAHORE
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive damage to joint bones and cartilage, accompanied by persistent inflammation. RA significantly impacts patients' quality of life by causing pain and functional limitations. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the association between functional limitations and pain intensity in patients with RA. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months with 100 RA patients aged 35–50 years, selected through non-probability convenient sampling. Both male and female participants diagnosed with RA were included. Data were collected using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for functional disability and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, applying chi-square tests for statistical significance. Results: Pain intensity among the participants was distributed as follows: 19.8% reported mild pain, 61.4% moderate pain, and 17.8% severe pain. Regarding functional limitations, 18.8% reported no difficulty, 3.0% experienced some difficulty, 37.6% reported much difficulty, and 39.0% were unable to perform activities such as walking, reaching, gripping, hygiene, dressing, and grooming. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant association between functional limitations and pain intensity in RA patients. Functional impairment is common, with a considerable proportion of patients reporting moderate to severe pain and difficulty performing daily activities