https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/issue/feed Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences. 2025-12-05T09:26:59+00:00 Editor-in-Chief Editor@trccollegesjournals.com Open Journal Systems <p>The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences (SJMAS) <strong>ISSN 2976-5609, </strong>is an online, peer-reviewed publication that aims to be the authoritative, comprehensive source of information about knowledge, skills, and opportunities in worldwide medical, life, and social sciences communication.</p> <p><br />The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences works to advance the broader profession by publishing content that reflects life sciences professionals' interests, concerns, and expertise. Its purpose is to inform, inspire, and motivate professionals.</p> <p>Write for The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences Journal.</p> <p><br />Submissions of highly qualified articles to the Journal are welcome. Review our Instructions for Contributors to learn more about the submission process. Write for one of our regular sections or consider writing an article for an upcoming theme issue:<br />Volunteer for The Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences Journal<br />We welcome volunteers to provide peer review and other valuable services.</p> <p>Contact the Journal Editor-in-Chief at Editor@sjmas.com to inquire about volunteer opportunities.</p> https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/148 Bad Treatment of Each Other is the New Pandemic 2025-12-02T19:23:15+00:00 Irina Vasilieva ilievasiliev@gmail.com Maria Vasilieva ilievasiliev@gmail.com Ilie Vasiliev ilievasiliev@gmail.com <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Introduction:</strong> Inappropriate, problematic, or defiant student behavior is considered one of the most serious problems in modern school life [1-3]. In short, the fight against student misbehavior has become a central focus in schools around the world. In the extensive literature on this topic, several terms are used with overlapping meanings to denote roughly the same idea.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>The aim of the study:</strong> To convey the idea that bad behavior towards each other, abortion problems [4,5], as well as the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic [6-13], lead to burnout syndrome (emotional burnout) [14,15], Ion Membrane Distress Syndrome (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, CFS/ME) [16,17], and with consequences of deteriorating quality of life.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Material and methods:</strong> Articles from the Google Scholar database for the last 5 years (2021–2025) were analyzed, which mentioned words such as “bad behavior”, “quality of life”, “bullying” [18], “bullying in the workplace”.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results:</strong> A quality of life model has been proposed that integrates objective and subjective indicators, a wide range of life domains, individual values​​and artificial intelligence [19]. There is broad agreement that quality of life is multidimensional. It can be divided into five categories: physical, material, social, and emotional well-being, as well as development and activity. Bullying affects a large number of children and lays the foundation for long-term risk of psychological, physical, and psychosomatic consequences. Bullying is a common phenomenon among schoolchildren worldwide [20–22], and eradication is possible, respect for our history of medicine, with a dream for our future [23].</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Bullying is the repeated psychological or physical harassment of a weaker person by a stronger one. Boys are bullied more often than girls, but boys and girls are affected at roughly equal rates. Workplace bullying is increasingly recognized as a serious problem in modern society, but it is also a problem that is difficult to define and accurately assess [24].</p> 2025-12-05T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Irina Vasilieva, Vasilieva Maria, Professor Dr Ilie Vasiliev https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/147 Symptom manifestation and diagnosis timing of PCOS among KSMU female students from India, the Maldives, and Nigeria. 2025-12-02T03:39:31+00:00 Mallika Rana ranamallika2011@gmail.com Ghassan Salibi dr.ghassan@wmclebanon.com Nikolaos Tzenios Nicolas@trccolleges.com <div> <p><strong>Background:</strong><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent yet frequently underdiagnosed endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstruation, hirsutism, acne, and weight gain. Delayed diagnosis often results from lack of awareness, stigma, and variable symptom presentation. This study aimed to examine symptom onset, diagnosis timelines, and health-seeking behavior among female students from India, the Maldives, and Nigeria studying at Kursk State Medical University (KSMU).<br data-start="856" data-end="859"><strong data-start="859" data-end="885">Materials and Methods:</strong><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a standardized self-administered questionnaire among 141 female students aged 17–26. Participants were divided into two groups: those with a formal PCOS diagnosis and those with symptoms but no diagnosis. Data collected included symptom profiles, age of onset, diagnostic status, family history, and healthcare behavior.<br data-start="1251" data-end="1254"><strong data-start="1254" data-end="1266" data-is-only-node="">Results:</strong><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Of the 141 participants, 33 (23.4%) had been formally diagnosed with PCOS, with the highest diagnosis rate among Indian students (31.91%), followed by those from the Maldives (21.28%) and Nigeria (17.02%). The most commonly reported symptoms were hair loss (17.51%), acne and excessive hair growth (14.42% each), and weight gain (11.33%). Symptom onset typically began in adolescence, with irregular menstruation appearing as early as age 14. Diagnostic timelines varied, with Nigeria showing the longest delays. Among the undiagnosed group, 36 participants reported PCOS-like symptoms, but 77.77% had not sought medical care due to stigma, fear, or normalization of symptoms.<br data-start="1943" data-end="1946"><strong data-start="1946" data-end="1961">Conclusion:</strong><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>The findings reveal significant underdiagnosis of PCOS despite high symptom prevalence, particularly among Nigerian students. Early-onset symptoms and long delays in seeking care emphasize the need for institutional awareness campaigns, routine gynecological screenings, and psychosocial support. Addressing stigma and promoting menstrual health literacy are essential steps toward improving reproductive health outcomes in this population.</p> </div> 2025-12-05T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Mallika Rana, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/146 Public Vs Private Healthcare Disparities In South Asia: A Comprehensive Analysis 2025-12-02T03:14:24+00:00 Radha Krishnan Irene Oswalda kyrieeleison052@gmail.com Ghassan Salibi dr.ghassan@wmclebanon.com Nikolaos Tzenios Nicolas@trccolleges.com <div> <p class="Title2" align="left"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background:</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US">&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-US">South Asia’s healthcare systems—particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—show significant disparities between public and private sectors in terms of access, quality, and affordability. With high disease burdens and low health spending, these inequities hinder equitable healthcare delivery, especially for rural and low-income populations.</span><br data-start="592" data-end="595"><strong data-start="595" data-end="621">Materials and Methods:</strong>&nbsp;This six-month study used a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analysis of national health surveys (2017–2021) and global databases (WHO, World Bank) with qualitative data from case studies of twelve healthcare facilities and thirty semi-structured interviews with health workers. The data were analyzed using SPSS for statistical trends and NVivo for thematic coding.<br data-start="1000" data-end="1003"><strong data-start="1003" data-end="1015" data-is-only-node="">Results:</strong>&nbsp;The findings revealed that rural populations rely 40–60% more on public services, while the wealthiest are 3.5 times more likely to use private care. Private hospitals had superior infrastructure but showed high rates of overtreatment, while public facilities outperformed in areas like TB treatment and vaccinations. Private care costs were 3.2–4.2 times higher, leading to catastrophic health expenditures for up to 18% of users.<br data-start="1447" data-end="1450"><strong data-start="1450" data-end="1465">Conclusion:</strong>&nbsp;The study concludes that healthcare disparities in South Asia stem from chronic underinvestment in the public sector, weak regulation of private providers, and uneven geographic distribution of services. A three-pronged strategy—strengthening public investment, enforcing private sector accountability, and expanding hybrid models—is essential, supported by a 15-indicator system to monitor access, quality, and financial protection.</span></p> </div> 2025-12-05T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Radha Krishnan Irene Oswalda, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/145 Racial Disparities in Diabetes Prevention Program Participation Among Asian American Communities 2025-12-02T02:45:37+00:00 Iram Salim irams228@gmail.com Ghassan Salibi dr.ghassan@wmclebanon.com Nikolaos Tzenios Nicolas@trccolleges.com <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Background: </strong>Despite being one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the United States, Asian Americans face disproportionately low participation in Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs), despite having a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at lower body mass index (BMI) thresholds. Participation remains under 12% among eligible Asian Americans compared to 23% among non-Asians. These disparities are exacerbated by intersecting barriers, including cultural stigma, language inaccessibility, structural rigidity of DPP models, and the “model minority” myth, which contributes to systematic underinvestment in outreach and tailored interventions for Asian communities.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>This mixed-methods study integrates a comprehensive literature review with primary data collection. Quantitative data were collected via community surveys targeting 200 Asian American participants, while qualitative data came from two focus groups and key informant interviews. The study employs the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) as a theoretical framework to examine individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy-level barriers. Project deliverables include a multilingual, culturally tailored DPP toolkit, a community outreach guide, a training module for healthcare professionals, and a policy brief informed by successful legislative models such as California’s SB97.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed significant barriers to DPP participation: 62% of Asian Americans face language obstacles, and 74% disengage from culturally non-adapted content. Only 18% of DPPs in the U.S. offer substantial cultural modifications. Structural constraints, such as scheduling conflicts and lack of accessible locations, disproportionately impact immigrant communities. However, programs integrating cultural sensitivity, language adaptation, and flexible delivery methods showed marked improvements in retention (up to 92%) and enrollment (up to 137%). Disaggregated data analysis also revealed subgroup differences, with U.S.-born Asians participating at rates 40% higher than foreign-born peers.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To close the gap in DPP participation among Asian Americans, public health strategies must move beyond uniform interventions and adopt culturally, linguistically, and structurally tailored approaches. This study demonstrates that addressing stigma, improving access, and recognizing subgroup diversity through community-rooted, policy-supported initiatives can significantly enhance DPP engagement and reduce type 2 diabetes risk. These findings inform future national frameworks aimed at equity in diabetes prevention for racially diverse populations.</p> 2025-12-05T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Iram Mohammed Salim, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios https://sjmas.com/index.php/sjmas/article/view/143 Proposal for the Creation of a Family Council at The Ghaza’s Retirement Home 2025-12-02T01:57:38+00:00 Al-Ghazali A. Abubakar ameerabichi7@gmail.com Ghassan Salibi dr.ghassan@wmclebanon.com Nikolaos Tzenios Nicolas@trccolleges.com <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Background</strong>: Long-term care facilities frequently encounter challenges related to communication and collaboration between staff and families of residents. At Ghaza’s Retainment Home in Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria, this gap has contributed to reduced family engagement and unmet expectations regarding resident care. To address these issues, a Family Council is proposed as a structured platform for families to actively participate in decision-making, provide feedback, and support resident well-being through collaborative initiatives and open dialogue with facility staff.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Methods and Materials</strong>: The project adopted a qualitative, participatory action approach. It included a comprehensive literature review on family councils and family engagement in eldercare settings. Primary data collection involved surveys and structured interviews with family members and facility staff to assess needs and expectations. Organizational tools such as meeting agendas, roles (e.g., chairperson, secretary), and operational guidelines were developed to ensure Council effectiveness. Regular council meetings, feedback forms, and newsletters were planned to maintain engagement and measure outcomes. Research also incorporated culturally relevant practices suited to the Nigerian healthcare and community context.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Results</strong>: The initiative successfully outlined the framework for establishing a Family Council at Ghaza’s Retainment Home, with strong initial support from management and families. Key outcomes include improved communication channels, structured meeting plans, and identification of resident care areas needing attention. Families expressed enthusiasm for participating in care-related decisions, and staff welcomed the opportunity to receive direct feedback. Plans for ongoing meetings, event planning, and documentation practices have been established, setting the stage for sustainable operation and replication.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Creating a Family Council at Ghaza’s Retainment Home has the potential to transform family-facility relationships by fostering trust, transparency, and collaborative care. The structured involvement of families will enhance the emotional and physical well-being of residents and strengthen community ties. This model not only addresses current challenges within the facility but also provides a replicable framework for other long-term care institutions aiming to improve care quality through family engagement.</p> 2025-12-05T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Al-Ghazali A. Abubakar, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios