ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 24, 2024
Proportion and Covariates of Hypothyroidism Among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome Attending in Tertiary Care Hospital
Aleya Ferdush Monni, Ashikul Islam, Parijat Ghosh, Md Shafikul Islam, Rezwana Sobhan, Faruque Pathan
Page no 397-404 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2024.v09i09.009
Background: Hypothyroidism in patients with metabolic syndrome is associated with worse outcomes. However, this has not yet been adequately investigated in Bangladeshi people. Objective: To find out the proportion and covariates of hypothyroidism among patients with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 323 patients from the Endocrinology and Allied Medicine Department at BIRDEM General Hospital. Patients with metabolic syndrome but no prior diagnosis of hypothyroidism were included. Detailed history, physical examinations, and thyroid function tests—Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Thyroxine (FT4), and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO Ab)—were performed. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as TSH >4.12 mIU/L and <10 mIU/L, while overt hypothyroidism was defined as TSH >10 mIU/L. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression, were conducted to explore associations between components of metabolic syndrome and thyroid dysfunction. Results: Out of the 323 participants, 62.8% were euthyroid, 28.5% had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 8.7% had overt hypothyroidism. Autoimmune hypothyroidism was confirmed in 31.6% of hypothyroid patients through elevated Anti-TPO Ab levels, a statistically significant finding. Hypothyroidism was significantly more prevalent in females and obese individuals. Significant positive correlations were observed between TSH and waist circumference (r=0.153), systolic blood pressure (r=0.271), and triglycerides (r=0.128), while FT4 showed negative correlations. Multiple linear regression indicated significant associations between waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, and thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: It was concluded that a higher proportion of metabolic syndrome cases were suffering from hypothyroidism. This necessitates that all MetS patients be screened for thyroid profile and autoimmune status and managed accordingly.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 24, 2024
Menstrual Disorders and Self-Care Practices: A Study on Prevalence among Female Undergraduate Students
Dr. Sabiha Islam, Dr. Walida Afrin, Dr. Khodeza Khatun
Page no 461-468 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijog.2024.v07i09.011
Background: Menstrual disorders are a significant global public health issue affecting many women during their reproductive years. These disorders include irregularities in the menstrual cycle, heavy bleeding, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), leading to physical, behavioral, and emotional changes. Factors such as weight changes, stress, drug use, hormonal imbalances, and recent childbirth or miscarriage can disrupt menstrual patterns. Menstrual issues not only impact women's health and quality of life but also result in economic consequences and poor academic performance. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of menstrual disorders and self-care practices among female undergraduates in Bangladesh, as well as explore potential factors that may influence these disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 180 female students at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (outdoor) in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from January 2021 December 2021. It aimed to assess the prevalence of menstrual disorders and self-care practices. Participants, aged 18-25 years and willing to participate, were selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, menstrual history, and self-care practices. SPSS version 26.0 was used for statistical analysis, employing descriptive statistics and the chi-square test to explore associations. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant, providing a comprehensive assessment framework. Result: The sociodemographic profile of 180 participants shows that most are aged 21-25 years, with a mean age of 22.48±1.68 years. Early menarche was common among 88.33%, and 62.22% belonged to the low social class living in hostels. A significant proportion (82.78%) were single, with only 2.78% having experienced pregnancy. Parental sponsorship for education was prevalent (72.22%). Most participants correctly identified menstruation as a physiological process (66.67%) and knew menstrual blood originates from the uterus (62.78%). Common absorbent materials were disposable sanitary pads (88.89%). Patterns of menstrual health and self-care practices revealed proper hygiene but suboptimal management of menstrual disorders. Age, social class, education sponsorship, and knowledge of menstrual disorders significantly influenced self-care practices. Premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea were the most common menstrual disorders. Conclusion: This research examines menstrual health knowledge, disorders, and self-care among female undergraduates, highlighting the impact of socio-demographic factors and educational support. It reveals significant knowledge gaps and underscores the need for better educational initiatives. Insights into menstrual disorders and self-care strategies provide guidance for targeted interventions and support within academic environments.
This article starts with the visual analysis by an analytical tool "Citespace" in an effort to investigate the previous studies on universal grammar domestically and overseas in a macroscopic way. It turns out that universal grammar is still received much attention, but there is few systematic review on the accessibility of universal grammar in second language acquisition. Thus, this article systematically sorts out the previous studies in a microscopic way in terms of whether universal grammar can be accessed in second language acquisition. At length, the conclusion is made that currently the hot-discussed topic comes to which aspect of UG is accessible to SLA, instead of whether or not the UG is accessible to SLA.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 23, 2024
Internal Control and Firms’ Financial Performance in Nigeria: A Study of Selected Manufacturing Firms
Dr. Olurotimi Ogunwale, Dr. Isibor Areghan
Page no 315-323 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjef.2024.v08i09.005
This study was carried out for the purpose of understanding the impact of internal control on firm performance. This research wanted to prove that internal control played an important role on the performance of ten selected manufacturing firm in Nigeria. Internal control factors like board size, audit committee size, and board independence were investigated to see how they impact performance. Secondary data gotten from the ten manufacturing firms’ financial statement were analyzed using the panel data regression analysis. Although the fixed effect and the random effect regression were carried out, the Hausman test pointed to the fixed effect regression as significant, hence it was focused on. Findings from the fixed effect revealed that board size, audit committee size, and board independence were all significant in impacting firm performance measured by equity returns. The study therefore recommended among others that the Board of directors should be more diverse in the composition of board members as this would boost their independence.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 23, 2024
The Role of Company Age in Moderating the Effect of Political Connections, Audit Committees and Institutional Ownership on the Quality of Financial Reports
J Ferdinand H Pardede, Ronny Andesto
Page no 204-217 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjbms.2024.v09i09.003
This study aims to determine the effect of Political Connections, Audit Committees and Institutional Ownership on the Quality of Financial Reports with Company Age as a moderating variable. Research is an exploratory study conducted to find out and explain more deeply and holistically the characteristics of the variables studied in a situation. The sample used in this study was the LQ45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2020-2022, while the technical data analysis used in this study was Panel Data Regression and Moderated Regression Analysis. The results of the study provide empirical evidence that Political Connections do not affect the Quality of Financial Reports, the Audit Committee affects the Quality of Financial Reports, Institutional Ownership affects the Quality of Financial Reports, Company Age moderation can strengthen the influence of Political Connections on the Quality of Financial Reports, Company Age moderation can strengthen the influence of the Audit Committee on the Quality of Financial Reports, Company Age moderation can weaken the influence of Institutional Ownership on the Quality of Financial Reports.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 21, 2024
Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infection among Blood Donor at a Tertiary Level Hospital of Bangladesh: One Year Retrospective Study
Dr. Md. Adnan Hasan Masud, Dr. Zia Uddin Ahmed, Dr. Khan Anisul Islam, Dr. Md. Khairul Islam, Dr. Farah Anjum Sonia, Dr. Atiar Rahman, Dr. Habibur Rahman
Page no 697-703 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i09.009
Background: A transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) is an infection that is transmitted from person to person through parental administration of blood and blood products. The magnitude of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) varies from country to country depending on TTI’s load in that particular population. Measuring their severity their severity WHO (World Health Organization) has recommended pre transfusion blood test for Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Syphilis as mandatory. The aim of the study was to assess the trend and prevalence of TTI among blood donors in BRB Hospitals Limited. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the record from 2022 to 2023 at BRB hospitals limited Transfusion Medicine department. All blood donors who presented to the blood bank and screened for TTI during study period were included. Data was collected, entered and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007. The descriptive statistics were determined in means of percentage. Chi- square was used for trend analysis and p-value was used to declare the statistical significance between variable. Result: The study included a total of 5074 donors-4,920 (97%) male and 154 (3%) female. Of them 3,840 (76.3%) were directed donor while 1,204 (23.7%) were replacement donor. An overall TTI prevalence rate of 0.95%. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and Syphilis was 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.07% and 0.2%. Conclusion: Methods to ensure a safety blood supply should be encountered. For that screening with a better selection of donor and used of screening tests including nucleic acid testing technology should be implemented.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Sept. 21, 2024
Harnessing Potentials of Indigenous Environmental Myths for Forest Conservation in Rivers State
Dr. Ezechinnah Chukwuma Alexander, Dr. Christiana Uzoaru Okorie
Page no 292-298 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2024.v09i09.002
Indigenous environmental mythology has long been an essential component of many communities' ecological and cultural systems in the Rivers State, Nigerian These myths, which usually stem from the notion that nature is untouchable, offer crucial insights into the practices of traditional forest protection. This study looks into how these indigenous myths could help with current conservation efforts, particularly those that are meant to protect forest resources. By examining a number of myths and the associated behaviours, the study demonstrated how these cultural narratives have historically controlled human interaction with the environment, ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources. It also suggested how community members can remain involved in the conservation of forest resources. The study pointed out the forest's critical role in the welfare of rural Nigerian households. Therefore, the more community people participate in sustainable forest management, the more the forests contribute to meeting the needs of rural Nigerian household welfare. Thus, it was concluded that community involvement not only protects people of the community's means of sustenance but also enhances the social, economic, and environmental aspects of forestry efforts.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 21, 2024
Optimizing Antibiotic Stewardship: Impact of Intravenous to Oral Conversion in General Medicine at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Hima, P, Asiqua Nasrin, K. P, Mohammed Najad, Reem Rasha Kallikkal, Jeena Beegum Nazarudeen, Sirajudheen Mukriyan Kallungal, Shaji George
Page no 689-696 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2024.v10i09.008
Antibiotics are used for the effective management of infectious diseases, a practice that is frequently misapplied nowadays. In order to monitor the conversion of IV to oral antibiotics, assess their rationality, and evaluate their effect on the length of hospital stays a prospective observational study was conducted. The study was divided into two phases; a baseline period of two months in which the antibiotics prescribed in the general medicine department were analysed. The intervention phase of four months consisted of the introduction of guidelines for IV to oral switch and conversion and analysis of IV to oral antibiotic conversion. The results revealed the majority of the participants were females and were from the age group 60 and above. A greater part of the study population had comorbidities, and the most common comorbidity was hypertension with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The conversion of IV to oral antibiotics was analysed for 159 patients and 79% of the antibiotics were converted and 21% were not. The most frequent type of conversion practice observed was switch therapy followed by step-down therapy and sequential therapy. The majority of the antibiotics were prescribed without a culture and sensitivity test. It was shown that the average length of hospital stay was 4.13 ± 1.5 days.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 21, 2024
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Water, Crab (Scylla senrata) and Sediments in Oil and Non-Oil Producing Communities in Akulga Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Iketubosin Ngo Memba, Erepamowei Young, Ajoko Timipa Imomotimi, Christopher Unyime Ebong, Oyaseiye Precious Ezougha
Page no 124-131 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijcms.2024.v07i09.001
This study aims to assess the concentrations of these heavy metals in water, crab, and sediment samples from oil-producing and non-oil-producing communities during low and high tides in Akulga Local Government Area, Rivers State. Samples were collected at both low and high tide regimes to assess the concentrations of heavy metals, including Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Cr. The analyses were conducted using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed that Kula sediments has significantly higher Fe levels (3844.80 mg/kg at low tide, 3663.30 mg/kg at high tide) compared to Abonnema (3622.10 mg/kg and 3117.50 mg/kg, respectively), with Mn and Cu also elevated. These concentrations exceed safe limits, indicating severe pollution. In crab samples, Kula showed higher Pb levels (38.28 mg/kg at low tide, 16.55 mg/kg at high tide) than Abonnema, exceeding WHO/FEPA safety limits and posing health risks. The elevated Mn and Cu levels also indicate bioaccumulation, raising concerns for the local ecosystem. Water samples showed minimal contamination, with most metal concentrations below detection limits and pH levels ranging from 5.55 to 6.49. Fe levels in Kula water remained within WHO permissible limits. Also, the analysis of variance findings on samples collected at low and high tides from Abonnema (ABO) and Kula (KUL) communities indicate significant differences (p< 0.05) in heavy metal concentrations in sediment, crab, and water samples. In conclusion, the results reveal significant heavy metal pollution in Kula, especially in sediment and crab samples, posing potential health risks to local communities. There is therefore the need for continuous environmental monitoring and remediation to mitigate the adverse effects of industrial activities in the study area.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 21, 2024
Investigation of the Relationship between Help-Seeking Behaviour and Juvenile Delinquency among Secondary School Students in Kisii County, Kenya
Nyarangi Esther Okenyuri, Rose Otieno, Peter Onderi
Page no 285-291 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2024.v09i09.001
This study is about committing anti-social activities like: theft, illicit sexual relations, use and trafficking of drugs, fighting, destruction of property and cheating (juvenile Delinquency) by high school students ages 14-18 in Kisii Central Sub-County, Getembe Zone, Kenya. The purpose of the study was to explain the extent to which suicidal ideation, help-seeking behaviour, and use of media influence JD among secondary school students in Kisii Central Sub-County, Getembe Zone. It was also about the extent of differences in JD according to family type and perceived social class. The objective dealt with in this paper was to investigate the relationship between help-seeking behaviour and Juvinile Delinquency among secondary school adolescents in Kisii county, Kenya. Kisii Central Sub-County was selected because no similar study has been done there and because acts of student violence are apparent there. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were used. Questionnaires were used to collect data from students and teachers, interview schedules for principals, and focus group discussion questions were used on parents. The results indicated that respondents who scored highly in help-seeking behaviour were more delinquent than those that had a low score. The conclusion was that young people who think that they do seek help probably seek it from irresponsible people. It was therefore recommended that youths should be sensitized to seek help from caring persons in order to reduce cases of juvenile delinquency.
The presence of the House of Representatives in Indonesia's constitutional system significantly supports the development of democracy, as they serve as the people's representatives and voice. Currently, it is essential to implement term restrictions for legislative members, primarily for societal benefit. This study addresses the following research problems: Why is the current rule of legislative members' terms not just? What are the weaknesses of the current legislative term rules? How should the rule of legislative members' terms be reconstructed based on the principle of justice? Employing a constructivism paradigm, this research uses a sociological juridical approach and a descriptive research type. Data sources include primary data from field research and secondary data from primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. Data collection methods encompass observation, interviews, and literature study, with qualitative data analysis. The findings indicate that the current rule of legislative members' terms is unjust due to the lack of term restrictions, leading to increased risks of corruption, bribery, collusion, and nepotism. Weaknesses in existing rules on criminal sanctions for corruption, bribery are evident in the legal substance, structure, and culture. The legal substance lacks clear provisions on term restrictions, and the legal structure fails to address the urgency of implementing term restrictions for House of Representatives of Indonesia’s and Regional Representative Council members. Additionally, there is a need to raise public awareness about the importance of term restrictions for legislative members. The study suggests reconstructing criminal sanctions rules against corruption, bribery based on justice values, which involves revising both values and norms. This includes transforming previously unjust rules into just ones and amending the legislative term rules according to the principle of justice, as outlined in Law No. 7 on 2017 concerning General Elections, Articles 240(1) and 248.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 20, 2024
Reconstruction of the Regulation of Authority for Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) in Nautical Affairs for Handling Ship Accidents Based on Justice Values
Wolly, Anis mashdurohatun
Page no 359-368 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2024.v07i09.004
Indonesia, possessing the second-longest coastline globally, relies extensively on sea transportation, highlighting the necessity for proficient management of nautical incidents. The authority of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) in nautical affairs is delineated in Article 282 of Law Number 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping. However, the current framework, which places PPNS under the supervision of police investigators, can lead to biased investigations due to the pressure to conform to police findings, thereby compromising the independence and objectivity of PPNS. This study aims to analyse and prove that the regulation of PPNS authority in handling ship accidents is not founded on justice values, identifying several critical weaknesses, and proposing reforms to address them. Using a socio-legal research approach and incorporating primary and secondary data, along with a comparative analysis of international laws, the study is grounded in the Pancasila theory of justice, the legal system theory, and law enforcement theory. The findings reveal that the existing regulation fails to ensure justice values, as the supervision by police investigators introduces potential conflicts of interest and limits PPNS's ability to act independently. Moreover, the lack of specialized nautical expertise among police investigators hinders thorough investigations. Identified weaknesses include insufficient qualification standards for PPNS, structural issues in the coordination and supervision framework fostering conflicts of interest, and a need for more awareness and understanding of nautical laws and procedures among both investigators and the public. To reform the regulation, it is essential to establish a balance and equality of authority between PPNS and police investigators, enhancing the role of PPNS based on their specialized nautical expertise. Consequently, revising Article 282 of Law Number 17 of 2008 is necessary to align with justice values, ensuring more independent and objective investigations in nautical incidents.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 20, 2024
Anti-Corruption Efforts in Regional Police Departments: The Role of Regional Inspectorate Supervision Based on Justice Values
Mohamad Nur, Anis Mashdurohatun
Page no 378-386 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2024.v07i09.006
This study explores how effective oversight can enhance the utilization of state apparatus for achieving good and clean governance, specifically focusing on the role of regional inspectorates in preventing corruption within regional police departments. The study aims to: 1) analyze why current regulations regarding the regional inspectorate's role in corruption prevention are not based on justice values; 2) identify challenges in these regulations; and 3) propose a reconstruction of the regulations to align with justice values. Using a constructivist paradigm, a socio-legal approach, and descriptive research methods, the study relies on secondary data sources, including primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. Data collection is conducted through a literature review, and qualitative analysis is employed for data interpretation. The findings reveal that the current regulation is not justice-aligned due to the supervisory function of the Regional Inspectorate (Itwasda) being under the authority of the Regional Police Chief (Kapolda), rather than the National Police Chief (Kapolri). This structure limits the effectiveness of oversight and suggests the need for a direct reporting line to National Police Chief. Challenges in the existing framework include a lack of specific legal guidelines governing the inspectorate's role in corruption prevention and insufficient synergy between organizational sections and Supervision Inspectorate. Furthermore, there is a cultural reluctance to report corruption. The study proposes reconstructing the regulation to ensure a justice-based framework, including normative revisions to relevant laws and regulations, such as Law No. 20 of 2001 on the Amendment of Law No. 31 of 1999 on Corruption Eradication, and Indonesian National Police Regulation No. 14 of 2018. This reconstruction aims to establish a clearer, more effective oversight mechanism that enhances the inspectorate's role in corruption prevention.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Sept. 20, 2024
Reconstruction of Law Enforcement Rule for Employers of Medical Practitioner without Practice Licenses Based on Restorative Justice
Mohammad Khusnan Marzuki, Anis Mashdurohatun, Jaka Kusnanta Wahyuntara
Page no 369-377 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijlcj.2024.v07i09.005
In Indonesia, current constructive law lacks clear regulation regarding the enforcement of laws against employers who hire medical practitioner without practice licenses. As a result, law enforcement often relies on general statutes such as the Penal Code or Civil Code, treating offenders similarly to criminals. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for specific rule that adhere to principles of restorative justice. This study aims to study the absences in current law enforcement rule pertaining to employers of unlicensed medical practitioner, explore these issues from a restorative justice perspective, and propose a reconstructed regulatory framework grounded in restorative justice principles. The research employs a constructivist paradigm with a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing socio-legal methods within a qualitative research design. Data consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials gathered through literature review, observation, and interviews, and are studied qualitatively. The findings reveal that existing rule do not follow to principles of restorative justice. Enforcement lacks consistency, hindering the equitable access of the public to law enforcement, justice, and benefits. Weaknesses include the absence of specific legal provisions and insufficient knowledge among law enforcement officials regarding healthcare law, resulting in inconsistent enforcement practices. Illustration on international and national legal insights, the study proposes a reconstructed legal framework that ensures balanced protection for employers, medical practitioner, and patients, promoting dignified and high-quality healthcare services free from stigma, and showed with fairness and professionalism. Reconstructing legal norms such as Article 442 and healthcare legislation could create a balanced law enforcement regulation that upholds legal enforcement, legal utility, and societal justice perceptions.
The problem of changing the function of food agricultural land is a crucial and national problem so it needs special handling and protection. Land conversion will have an impact on environmental degradation, decreased rainwater holding capacity, and groundwater and air quality. The Constitution provides a guarantee of a good living environment. Article 28H paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution "Everyone has the right to live in physical and spiritual prosperity, to have a place to live, and to have a good and healthy living environment and the right to obtain health services." The aim of this research is to analyze the protection of land conversion for sustainable food agriculture from an Islamic perspective. The research method used is sociological juridical. The data used are primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques through literature study and interviews collected data were analyzed qualitatively. The research results found that efforts to preserve the environment from an Islamic perspective take several steps, including reviving dead land, reforestation, not polluting water, and avoiding damage and maintaining natural balance. Caliph Umar bin Khatab's policy in the agricultural sector was through management of dead land, giving agricultural land to the community to cultivate and prioritizing public interests, development of agricultural infrastructure, kharaj (tax) policy and agricultural zakat. Protection of the conversion of agricultural land in Indonesia has not been able to realize ecological justice and Islamic values due to competition in land use between the agricultural sector and the non-agricultural sector.