ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 1, 2025
Biodiversity of Salt-adapted Filamentous Fungi of Red Sea Coast in Upper Egypt
El-Maghraby, O.M.O, Youssef, M.S, Marwa AbdeL-Kareem, M, Randa Fathy, A
Page no 139-148 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.001
Extremophiles are organisms that can thrive under extreme environmental conditions. In this study, isolated and identified fungal genera and their species from Red Sea saline soils in Upper Egypt were carried out. Soil texture, moistures content, organic matter, total dissolved salts and pH value of the soil in addition to some mono- and bi- equivalent elements were analyzed for the samples. 1% glucose-Czapek’s agar medium was used for isolation of filamentous fungi. A total of 42 fungal species + 3 varieties of 11 genera were collected and identified that have the ability to survive under extremophilic conditions. Majority of isolated species belonged to genus Aspergillus (15 sp. + 2 var. and 32.12% of gross fungal counts) and Penicillium (13 sp. and 54.05%), whereas Acremonium (1sp. and 4.60%) and Emericella (2 sp. +1 var. and 3.35%) were less. Nine species of 7 genera were listed in rare frequency of occurrence (≥ 10 % of the samples), with very low in counts (collectively, 5.03%). The organic matter content of saline soils had positive effect in flourishing of filamentous fungi with depression in pH value of the soils.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 12, 2025
Histopathologic Pattern of Renal Tumors: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience
Hossain T, Begum M, Mahbub A, Kabir A, Rahman M, Fauzia T Hossain
Page no 149-153 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.002
Aim: The aim of this study to identify the different histopathological pattern of neoplastic lesions in nephrectomy specimens. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective record analysis done over a period of three years (January 2021 to December 2023). All nephrectomy specimens with a diagnosis of renal tumor received in the Department of Histopathology, National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology, Dhaka were recorded from histopathology registers and analyzed for pattern and grading of renal tumors. Results: A total of 230 renal tumors were studied. Of the 230 renal tumors encountered during the study period, 205 cases (89.13%) were diagnosed as malignant tumors and 25 cases (10.87%) as benign tumors. There were 151 male and 79 were female cases (male-Female ratio 1.91:1) and Mean age 62 years. Renal tumors occurred most commonly in 6th and 7th decades and least in 2nd decade. In our study, mean age of patients with benign tumors was 52 years and that for patients with malignant tumors was 64 years. Renal cell carcinoma was the commonest tumor 170 (73.91%) followed by Wilm’s tumor 18 (7.83%) followed by transitional cell carcinoma 06 (2.61%). Neuroblastoma and sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma showed in 5 (2.17%) and 4 (1.74%) cases respectively. The most frequent subtype of RCC were clear cell carcinoma 135 (79.41%) followed by papillary renal cell carcinoma 17 (10%). Relatively serious collecting duct carcinoma and most serious renal medullary carcinoma were found in 06 (3.53%) and 04 (2.35%) cases respectively. A total of 152 cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma which were graded 1–3 based on nucleolar prominence, whereas grade 4 was defined by the presence of tumor cells with sarcomatoid and/or rhabdoid morphology and/or tumors containing tumor giant cells or showing extreme nuclear pleomorphism. Most frequent grade in this study group was grade-2 (53.29%) followed by grade-3 (33.35%) where the least frequent grade was grade-4 which is most dangerous. Conclusions: This retrospective study showed distribution and grading of renal tumors in the nephrectomy specimens performed at our institution. The results obtained from our study were comparable with available data from other countries.
Background: Drug-eluting stents have significantly lowered the risk of restenosis. However, how to treat restenosis inside a DES is unknown. While the number of severe adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) linked to drug-eluting stents (DES) has significantly decreased, stent thrombosis (STH) and in-stent restenosis (ISR) continue to be significant clinical problems. Materials and Methods: This observation cohort study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Universal Medical College and Northeast Medical College, Sylhet. During study period 2016 to 2020 Universal Medical College and 2020 to 2022 Northeast Medical College. Among 509 lesions treated with DES, 26 required clinically driven revascularization for ISR. We identified 26 consecutive patients who developed ISR, among them Homo-Stents (n=17), Hetero-Stents (n=5) and (n=4) treated by other. Results: Three cases (75%) in the other ISR group and one (20%) in the hetero-stent group had a history of congestive heart failure. Of the three groups, only one had clinical characteristics that were statistically significant (p<0.05), whereas the other two did not (p>0.05). In the hospital, the differences between the three groups at six and twelve months were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is a high long-term rate of MACE associated with current DES therapies for ISR or STH.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 17, 2025
Bioactive Compounds of Tinospora Cordifolia: Implications for Cancer Treatment and Disease Management
Abdul Rauf, Sharmeen Zafar, Muhammad Hussain, Aamir Rameez, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad ZiaUllah, Muhammad Nadir, Kamran Hussain
Page no 159-177 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.004
Tinospora cordifolia, or "guduchi," is a reported medicinal plant of high therapeutic value. Historically, it was utilized in Ayurveda and other herbal medicinal therapies, where it is valued for its efficacy in treating a range of diseases, such as metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. This manuscript presents the pharmacological significance of T. cordifolia, where its multi-dimensional bioactive molecules, such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, and steroids, are responsible for its therapeutic actions. Recent scientific studies show its chemopreventive value, especially in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis. With the growing interest in the world for plant-based therapeutics, more studies are needed to prove its efficacy, to explain its mechanisms of action, and to determine its potential in today's medicine.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 18, 2025
Challenges in Accessing Surgical Equipment in Pakistan: A Surgical Equipment Journey Perspective
Rabia Alvi, Kamran Akbar, Aliha Sami, Laiba Khan, Hira Chishti, Muhammad Sulaiman
Page no 178-183 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.005
Background and Objective: In Pakistan, the demand for surgery is not being met due to a shortage of both surgical equipment and healthcare workers. This gap in the availability of surgical equipment hinders the provision of safe surgeries. To develop strategies to improve availability, it is essential to understand the use of surgical equipment in this context. This study aims to: (1) map out the different phases that surgical equipment goes through during its lifespan (i.e., the surgical equipment journey) in Pakistan, and (2) identify the barriers perceived by biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs). Material and Methods: Seven semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 BMETs working in Pakistan. These participants were from 6 different hospitals (4 public, one private, and one mission). The interviews took place between December 2016 and December 2018. Participants were asked to describe or illustrate the surgical equipment journey and to identify perceived barriers during this journey. Results: The surgical equipment journey comprises three phases: procurement, usage, and disposal. Key stakeholders in this journey include users, BMETs, procurement officers, local distributors, and, in the case of donations, donation agencies. Identified barriers include bureaucratic hurdles during procurement, difficulties in obtaining consumables and spare parts (especially for donated equipment), cleaning with harsh chemicals, and usage in challenging environments. Conclusion: To optimize the surgical equipment journey in Pakistani hospitals, sustainable interventions at multiple organizational levels are necessary. Participants in this study identified several strategies to increase the availability of surgical equipment in Pakistan: implementing policies on donations, procuring durable equipment, training more BMETs and university-trained biomedical engineers, and developing designs and business models suited to local conditions in Pakistan and potentially other countries in the region.
Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, are major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Liver dysfunction, manifested as elevated liver enzymes, is a frequent complication in these conditions and can exacerbate adverse outcomes. Understanding the association between liver function abnormalities and maternal or neonatal complications is essential for improving clinical management. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in liver function among Bangladeshi women with preeclampsia and eclampsia and their association with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who delivered in Institute of Applied Health Science (IAHS), Foy's, Lake, Chittagong, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 60 eligible participants were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and were evenly divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised women with elevated liver function tests (above-threshold LFTs), while Group 2 included women with normal or below-threshold liver function tests (below-threshold LFTs). Maternal data were collected from medical records, including demographic information, obstetric history, and liver function test results. The cohort was stratified into two groups based on LFT results (above-threshold vs. below-threshold). Descriptive statistics and univariable analyses were used to identify differences between the groups, and multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the association between elevated LFTs and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, adjusting for confounders such as maternal age, BMI, and gestational age at delivery. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among mothers, blood transfusions were significantly more frequent in the elevated LFT group (16%) compared to the normal LFT group (5%, p = 0.011). Composite adverse maternal outcomes were higher in the elevated LFT group (20% vs. 15%, p = 0.38), though not statistically significant. Adverse neonatal outcomes were notably elevated, including NICU admission (68% vs. 52%, p = 0.041) and respiratory distress syndrome (41% vs. 25%, p = 0.029). The composite adverse neonatal outcome was significantly higher in the elevated LFT group (70% vs. 53%, p = 0.035). General anesthesia is associated with higher rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to regional anesthesia, with significant differences in maternal blood transfusion, neonatal ICU admissions, and respiratory distress syndrome. Regional anesthesia demonstrates a safer profile, particularly for reducing neonatal complications. Conclusion: Elevated LFTs in preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with increased maternal and neonatal complications, including higher rates of blood transfusion, NICU admission, and respiratory distress syndrome. Routine liver function monitoring is critical for identifying high-risk patients and implementing timely interventions, especially in resource-limited settings.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Drug-Induced Hemolytic Anemia: A Systematic Review
Danya Mohammed AlKabbani, Omniyyah Mohammed Alatawi, Jomanah Khalid Aljohani, Sultan Ibrahim S Alhamdi, Maryam Musallam Alfuhaymani
Page no 190-196 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.007
Background: Drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) is a significant yet underrecognized cause of anemia, resulting from immune-mediated or non-immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) triggered by certain medications. Despite its clinical importance, the prevalence and risk factors of DIHA remain poorly understood due to variability in reporting and diagnostic criteria. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms of DIHA to inform clinical practice and future research. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Science Direct following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published in the last 10 years focusing on DIHA in adult populations were included. Data on prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms were extracted, and study quality was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of DIHA varied widely, ranging from 0% to 100%, depending on the drug and patient population. High-risk medications included antibiotics, antifungals, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapeutic agents such as carfilzomib and alectinib. Key risk factors included positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results, G6PD deficiency, and erythrocyte membrane alterations. Immune-mediated mechanisms, such as drug-induced autoantibodies, were the most common, though non-immune mechanisms like oxidative stress also played a role. Conclusion: DIHA is a rare but potentially severe adverse drug reaction with significant variability in prevalence and risk factors. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for DIHA in patients receiving high-risk medications, particularly those with predisposing factors such as G6PD deficiency or autoimmune conditions. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and improve diagnostic and preventive strategies.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Personalized Medicine Approaches for Pediatric Leukemia: Developing Targeted Therapies Based on Genetic Profiles
Sarah Hassan A Alshehri, Mohammed Abdullah Albariqi
Page no 197-203 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.008
Leukemia remains the most prevalent cancer in children, accounting for 25–30% of pediatric malignancies. Despite significant advancements in treatment leading to survival rates exceeding 90% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 75% for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in developed countries, challenges persist, particularly in managing refractory and relapsed cases. This review highlights the critical role of genetic profiling in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric leukemia, emphasizing its potential to guide personalized therapeutic strategies. The integration of next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of leukemia, enabling the identification of actionable mutations that inform risk stratification and targeted therapies. Furthermore, novel treatment modalities, including immunotherapy and targeted agents, are emerging as promising options for improving outcomes in high-risk patients. However, the need for less toxic treatment regimens remains urgent, as survivors often face long-term health challenges. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research to develop innovative therapies that minimize toxicity while maximizing efficacy, ultimately aiming to provide the right treatment for each patient at the right time.
REVIEW ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Updates on Acute Kidney Injury in Trauma Patients Admitted to the ICU: A Systematic Review
Sultan Mubarak Alanazi, Najd Turki M Alanazi, Fai Nidaa H Alshammari, Jawaher Awad A Alshammari, Abyar Salem R ALenezi
Page no 204-211 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.009
Objectives: To the current evidence on incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes regarding acute kidney injury (AKI) among trauma patients being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A total of 432 pertinent publications were found after a comprehensive search across four databases. 38 full-text publications were examined after duplicates were eliminated using Rayyan QCRI and relevance was checked; seven studies finally satisfied the requirements for inclusion. Results: We included seven studies with a total of 31,222 participants and the majority 26,267 (84.1%) were males. AKI is a frequent complication in trauma patients, and its incidence depends on the kind of trauma and patient-related factors. Incidence is higher in abdominal and polytrauma patients, particularly in those who are obese or with subcutaneous adipose tissue. AKI in polytrauma is associated with longer ventilation, longer lengths of stay in the ICU, and higher mortality. Although less frequent compared to AKI in penetrating trauma, AKI is associated with longer hospitalization and higher fatality in young patients. Severe trauma has the highest incidence of AKI largely due to coagulopathy, hemodynamic instability, rhabdomyolysis, sepsis, and nephrotoxic drugs. Conclusion: AKI poses a significant challenge in ICU trauma management, leading to longer hospital stays, higher mortality, and complex clinical cases. Key risk factors such as trauma severity, obesity, and hemodynamic instability necessitate early diagnosis and targeted intervention. Effective AKI management involves optimizing fluid balance and minimizing nephrotoxic exposure. Future research should focus on developing standardized prevention protocols and assessing long-term renal outcomes in trauma patients.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 24, 2025
Role of Replacement Bipolar Hip Arthroplasty in Advance Stages of AVN in Poor Socio-Economic Conditions for Restoration of Hip Functions
Md. Zakir Hossain, Syed Muhammad Abdullah, Dr. Sanjeeda Saad
Page no 212-217 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.010
Background: A collection of symptoms dominated by pain, loss of function, and bony collapse brought on by anoxemia and other arterial feeding deficiencies of the femoral head that last long enough to induce noticeable bone degradation, including necrosis are known as avascular necrosis. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of replacement bipolar hip arthroplasty for hip function restoration in advanced stages of AVN in low socioeconomic circumstances. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study was conducted in JIMCH, Bajitpur, Kishoreganj. Patients with Ficat-Arlet type III –IV, Idiopathic, both bilateral and unilateral avascular necrosis of femoral head patients were included in this study. Age <20 years and >35 years, infective conditions. Previous history of surgery to hip including arthroscopy, Progressive neuromuscular disorders, revision THR, dermatological conditions around hip were excluded in this study. They were followed up for a minimum period of 5 year and evaluated for surgical and functional outcome using X-rays and Harris hip score. The follow up schedule was at 1month, 6 months, 1-year and every yearly post-surgery. The pre and post-operative pain, deformity and functional outcomes were compared. Results: All of the patients were between the ages of 20 and 35. Young people frequently have femoral head AVN. There were 19 female patients and 31 male patients out of 50. The primary presenting symptom of necrosis, which affected all patients (100%), was pain. Excellent results were present only in 16% (8 patients) of the cases in 3 weeks. 64% percent (32 patients) excellent results after 36 weeks and 36(72.0%) after 52 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Bipolar hip arthroplasty for AVN hip has a low incidence of post-operative complications in long-term follow-up and high good and excellent functional outcome.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 27, 2025
Enhanced Photocatalysis of Methylene Blue by GO/SnO2 Nanocomposites: A Public Health Perspective
Williams Uyo Queen, Tensaba Andes Akafa, Ayara Charles, Eric Agim Agaba, Williams Oche Ujah
Page no 218-225 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.011
This study successfully synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles via co-precipitation and subsequently loaded them with varying weight percentages (1-4%) of graphene oxide (GO) using a hydrothermal method. The resulting GO/SnO2 nanocomposites were comprehensively characterized using a suite of spectroscopic techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, elemental mapping, EDX, FT-IR, BET, PL, UV-Vis, and DRS. These analyses confirmed the successful formation of the desired nanostructures. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposites and pure SnO2 was evaluated by monitoring the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation, demonstrating the impact of GO loading on photocatalytic activity. The degradation efficiencies of the GO/SnO2 were much higher than that of pure SnO2. From the results obtained, we believe that this current study will provide relevant views for further fabrication of other novel nanostructures and exploration of their potential carcinogenic and environmental consequences.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 29, 2025
Flunitrazepam Misuse Causes Purkinje Cell Degeneration: An Experimental Study in Rats
Oyinbo Charles Aidemise, Canice Shalom Chidire, Atoni Atoni Dogood, Dare Willie Nervey
Page no 226-231 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.012
Flunitrazepam (FPAM), a sedative and anxiolytic drug, is abused as a recreational substance. However, it is known to be neurotoxic, affecting diverse brain regions. This study examined its histological effect on the cerebellar cortex. Twenty male Wistar rats, divided into four groups of five, consisting of a control and three FPAM-treated groups, were employed. After 14 days of administration of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg per kg body weight, respectively, of FPAM. Histological results showed a dose-dependent degeneration of Purkinje cells (Pn) characterised by vacuolation and nuclei shrinkage. With a Pn-based scale, a semi-quantitative evaluation revealed the proportion of degenerating Pn using a microscope with 15 mm (eyepiece number) and an objective of x 40, per 10-1mm 2 were 4, 6, and 9 respectively, which were significantly different from control (p< 0.05, P< 0.001, and p< 0.001, respectively). The findings revealed that FPAM use had a twofold degenerative tendency in the cerebellar cortex between low and high dosages, indicating potentially harmful implications in FPAM addiction.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 29, 2025
Clinical Spectrum and Frequency of Causes of Persistent Cough in Children Admitted in Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute
Dr. Faruque Ahmad, Dr. M. A. Kamal, Dr. Emdadul Haque, Dr. Ahmed Rashidul Hasan
Page no 232-236 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.013
Cleome rutidosperma DC. (commonly known as Nil Hurhure) and Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. (locally referred to as Kulluruki) are two medicinal plants widely found in various regions of Bangladesh. Cleome rutidosperma, a low-growing herb of the Capparidaceae family, typically reaches a height of up to 70 cm and is found in areas such as Chittagong. Pouzolzia zeylanica, a perennial herb from the Urticaceae family, is widely distributed across Bangladesh, particularly in tribal regions like Bandarban, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. Both plants have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their wide range of pharmacological benefits in treating various diseases. In this study, the methanolic extracts of powdered leaves of Cleome rutidosperma and Pouzolzia zeylanica were tested for their thrombolytic potential using human erythrocytes. The results revealed that Cleome rutidosperma exhibited a clot lysis of 22.96±2.12%, while Pouzolzia zeylanica showed 36.15±1.51% clot lysis. Whereas, the sterile distilled water (negative control) and streptokinase (positive control) demonstrated clot lysis of 4.9±0.59% and 81.67±2.62%, respectively. The observed thrombolytic activity may be attributed to the presence of phytochemical compounds, such as tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, in the plant extracts. Although no previous research has specifically examined the thrombolytic potential of Cleome rutidosperma and Pouzolzia zeylanica, our findings suggest that the clot lysis effect of both plants is noteworthy when compared to the positive control and negative control. Based on these results, we propose that the methanolic leaf extracts of Cleome rutidosperma and Pouzolzia zeylanica possess moderate thrombolytic potential, making them promising candidates for future drug development.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 29, 2025
In Vitro Evaluation of Thrombolytic Potential of Leaf Extracts of Cleome rutidosperma DC. (Family: Capparidaceae) and Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. (Family: Urticaceae) Grown in Bangladesh
Most. Nazma Parvin
Page no 237-242 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.014
Cleome rutidosperma DC. (commonly known as Nil Hurhure) and Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. (locally referred to as Kulluruki) are two medicinal plants widely found in various regions of Bangladesh. Cleome rutidosperma, a low-growing herb of the Capparidaceae family, typically reaches a height of up to 70 cm and is found in areas such as Chittagong. Pouzolzia zeylanica, a perennial herb from the Urticaceae family, is widely distributed across Bangladesh, particularly in tribal regions like Bandarban, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. Both plants have been used in traditional herbal medicine for their wide range of pharmacological benefits in treating various diseases. In this study, the methanolic extracts of powdered leaves of Cleome rutidosperma and Pouzolzia zeylanica were tested for their thrombolytic potential using human erythrocytes. The results revealed that Cleome rutidosperma exhibited a clot lysis of 22.96±2.12%, while Pouzolzia zeylanica showed 36.15±1.51% clot lysis. Whereas, the sterile distilled water (negative control) and streptokinase (positive control) demonstrated clot lysis of 4.9±0.59% and 81.67±2.62%, respectively. The observed thrombolytic activity may be attributed to the presence of phytochemical compounds, such as tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, in the plant extracts. Although no previous research has specifically examined the thrombolytic potential of Cleome rutidosperma and Pouzolzia zeylanica, our findings suggest that the clot lysis effect of both plants is noteworthy when compared to the positive control and negative control. Based on these results, we propose that the methanolic leaf extracts of Cleome rutidosperma and Pouzolzia zeylanica possess moderate thrombolytic potential, making them promising candidates for future drug development.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | March 29, 2025
Patient Understanding Regarding Cardiac Rehabilitation in Bangladesh Medical University
Farzana Khan Shoma, Md. Fakhrul Islam Khaled, Md. Nadim Kamal, Md. Imamur Rashid, Mohammad Golam Nobi, Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury
Page no 243-247 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2025.v11i03.015
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and are a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh. The prescribed cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) has well-known survival benefits, but uptake has remained low with numerous barriers to access, such as a lack of awareness. This study aimed to evaluate patients’ insights, understanding, and perception of obstacles to CR in a tertiary healthcare hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Bangladesh Medical University from June to December 2023. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 90 adult patients with cardiovascular conditions. A structured questionnaire on CR awareness, perceived benefits, and barriers to participation was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographic variables, knowledge, and response patterns. Results: Only 45.6% of participants were aware of the CR program, whereas healthcare providers were a significant source of information (45.6%). The most frequently recognized benefit was improved quality of life (67.8%), followed by decreased risk of recurrent cardiac events (65.6%). The primary barriers to CR participation were financial (30.0%), time (27.8%), and family support (23.3%) constraints. Conclusions: Limited knowledge and numerous barriers stand in the way of CR in Bangladesh. Strategies to improve CR utilization and cardiovascular health outcomes include enhancing patient education, increasing accessibility, and implementing financial and social support strategies.