International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Applied Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Issue-7(July), Volume-3 2026

1. The Relationship between Health Education and Patients’ Experiences an...
14

Darwis*1, Mardiana2, Afrida3
1*-2-3Institut Nani Hasanuddin, Makassar
1-6
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21759501

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), caused by an imbalance between insulin supply and demand. Insulin is required to facilitate the entry of glucose into cells so that it can be utilised for cellular metabolism and growth. This study aimed to obtain an overview of patients’ knowledge regarding complications of diabetes mellitus at Daya General Hospital, Makassar, conducted from 14 to 28 January 2013. It was a descriptive analytical study using a crosssectional method with a sample size of 42 respondents who met the selection criteria through purposive sampling. Data were collected via a questionnaire. The collected data were processed and analysed using computerised methods with appropriate statistical tests. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate analyses using the Chi-Square test, with a significance level of α=0.05. H0 was rejected if p<0.05 and accepted if p>0.05. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between health education and knowledge (p = 0.003 < α = 0.05) and inpatient experience (p = 0.004 < α = 0.05) with patients’ knowledge of DM complications. Thus, the better the health education and the patient’s inpatient experience, the better the patient’s knowledge of DM complications.

2. Safe Water, Healthy Communities: The Public Health Cost of Unsafe Drin...
1

Njaprim Edward Rihnwi*1, Mukube Kelson Ntuba2
1*Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon, 2Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Cameroon
7-13
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21368973

Background: Unsafe drinking water remains a pervasive environmental hazard, exposing nearly half the world's population to preventable health risks and exacting substantial economic and social costs. Despite global progress under Sustainable Development Goal 6, inequities persist, and emerging threats are reshaping the risk landscape. Methods: This narrative review synthesises recent evidence (2019–2024) from PubMed/PMC-indexed literature, supplemented by World Health Organisation and World Bank reports, to quantify the public health costs of inadequate drinking water. Studies addressing microbial and chemical contamination, quantified health outcomes, and economic burden were prioritised. Key findings: Diarrheal disease from microbial contamination causes an estimated 1.4 million deaths annually, with children under five disproportionately affected. Chemical contaminants, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates, affect hundreds of millions and produce long-term disability through cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodevelopmental harm. The economic burden in low- and middle-income countries exceeds US$100 billion annually in treatment costs and productivity losses, with women, rural communities, and marginalised populations bearing disproportionate costs. Climate change and emerging contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics, are intensifying risks. Conclusions: Investments in safe drinking water yield among the highest returns in public health, averting mortality, reducing healthcare expenditures, and advancing equity. Failure to prioritise water safety undermines global development goals and deepens health disparities. Coordinated action across health, water, climate, and finance sectors is urgently required.

3. Analysis of the Prevalence of Socio-Economic Determinants and Risky Be...
3

Mbone Toukaba Ines Pascale*1, Pr. Sokeng Dongmo Celestin2
1*-2Higher Institute of Science, Technology, Management and Sustainable Development, University of Ngaoundéré, PO Box 391 Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
14-24

Background: Non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), represent the leading cause of global mortality, with an accelerating burden across sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption are escalating, driven by rapid urbanization and dietary transitions. This study aimed to estimate the hospital prevalence of CVDs, examine the associated socio-economic and behavioural prognostic factors, and analyse current management modalities at the Sector Number 5 Military Health Centre in Ngaoundéré, Adamaoua Region. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 21 years and older attending cardiological and general consultations. Data collection utilized a contextualised survey instrument adapted from standard cardiovascular surveillance protocols to capture socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviours (alcohol consumption, tobacco use, physical activity), and blood pressure monitoring history. Clinical measurements included electronic blood pressure and fasting capillary blood glucose assessments. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were planned to identify independent prognostic factors associated with the presence of cardiovascular pathology. Results: Of the 207 eligible individuals approached, 183 completed the study, yielding a response rate of 88.4%. Discrepancies within the raw dataset regarding gender distribution, age cohorts, and occupational status necessitate rigorous re-evaluation before finalizing demographic proportions. Preliminary analysis indicates a high prevalence of modifiable risk behaviours, including regular alcohol consumption (39.9%) and physical inactivity (66.7%). Only a marginal minority of participants reported undergoing routine blood pressure screening in the preceding 12 months. A critical statistical anomaly, quasi-complete separation, was identified in the initial multivariable logistic regression matrix, rendering the currently calculated adjusted odds ratios for gender and lifestyle factors mathematically degenerate and necessitating model re-fitting via penalised likelihood estimation. Conclusion: Preliminary descriptive findings suggest a high hospital-based burden of cardiovascular diseases and prominent lifestyle risk factors within this combined military and civilian cohort. Robust statistical re-analysis, utilizing exact or penalised regression methods, is required alongside raw data reconciliation to confirm the true epidemiological associations. Interventions targeting early opportunistic screening and aggressive lifestyle modifications remain an urgent public health priority for this demographic.





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