Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences.

Assessing the Impact of Virtual Health Counseling on Diabetes Management

Likha Nurhayati, Dr. Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, increasingly prevalent condition requiring continuous medical care and lifestyle management. Virtual health counselling has emerged as a promising digital solution to support diabetes management, particularly in underserved and remote regions. This study investigates how virtual counselling can enhance patient engagement, improve glycemic control, and foster adherence to treatment among patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods and Materials: This project employed a structured virtual health counselling intervention conducted over 10 weeks, targeting adults with Type 2 diabetes. The intervention included bi-weekly telemedicine sessions covering diet, exercise, medication adherence, and mental health. Pre- and post-intervention surveys, expert interviews, and clinical data (e.g., HbA1c levels) were used to assess patient knowledge, engagement, and health outcomes. A mixed-methods approach incorporated both quantitative health metrics and qualitative feedback from healthcare professionals and patients.

Results: The program achieved a 55% patient engagement rate. Survey responses revealed increased knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction with diabetes management post-intervention. Notably, 75% of participants showed improvements in blood glucose control, with average HbA1c reductions ranging from 5% to 12%. Despite some technological barriers and the need for more personalized care, the virtual counselling model proved effective in improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion: Virtual health counselling significantly supports diabetes management by enhancing patient engagement, promoting better glycemic control, and offering accessible, flexible healthcare. Integrating telehealth into diabetes care pathways may reduce complications and improve quality of life. Future initiatives should address technical limitations and personalize care to maximize impact.

PCOS as A Metabolic Disease

Uduak Faith Yellow-Duke, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder, affecting 6–20% of women of reproductive age. It has evolved from being perceived solely as a reproductive disorder to being recognized as a complex metabolic disease. Multiple factors contribute to its pathogenesis, including insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, obesity, chronic low-grade inflammation, and genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences. The interplay of these factors increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other comorbidities, highlighting the metabolic nature of PCOS.

Methods and Materials: This study involved a comprehensive literature review of recent peer-reviewed articles, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines related to the metabolic aspects of PCOS. Emphasis was placed on pathophysiological mechanisms such as insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, NAFLD, hypertension, and the role of endocrine disruptors and epigenetic modifications. Additionally, therapeutic approaches, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and surgical options, were evaluated to illustrate current management strategies for PCOS as a metabolic condition.

Results: The findings reinforce that insulin resistance is present in 50–70% of women with PCOS, often leading to compensatory hyperinsulinemia and elevated androgen levels. Obesity exacerbates these metabolic derangements and increases the risk of comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and NAFLD. The review also highlights the impact of inflammation, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which collectively contribute to the metabolic syndrome profile observed in PCOS patients. Evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions, anti-diabetic medications, hormonal therapies, and targeted supplements can significantly improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes.

Conclusion: PCOS should be approached as a metabolic disease due to its strong association with insulin resistance, obesity, and other metabolic complications. Recognizing this helps optimize prevention and management strategies, which should combine lifestyle interventions, pharmacological treatments, and patient education. An individualized, multidisciplinary approach can reduce long-term risks and improve the quality of life for women with PCOS.

Exploring the Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Patients with Chronic Diseases: Understanding the Severity and Its Implications for Care

Theresa Godiya Akwashiki, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory illnesses, and cancer profoundly affect both physical and mental health. The World Health Organization attributes 71% of global deaths to chronic illnesses, with a significant overlap between these conditions and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Emotional and psychological distress are often intrinsic components of chronic illness, exacerbated by the demands of long-term disease management.

Methods and Materials: This qualitative and narrative analysis drew from global reports, peer-reviewed studies, patient interviews, and clinical observations. Key data sources included WHO, peer-reviewed journals such as BMC Primary Care, and qualitative accounts from patient support platforms. Patient experiences and case narratives were used to illustrate the psychological burdens of chronic disease, including the roles of pain, social isolation, financial strain, and altered identity.

Results: Findings indicate a high prevalence of mental health issues among patients with chronic illnesses, often driven by lifestyle limitations, chronic pain, and social disconnection. Approximately 40% of individuals with chronic conditions display symptoms of anxiety and depression. Key contributors include loss of autonomy, distorted body image, and financial stress. Chronic illness can also alter brain chemistry, further predisposing individuals to mood disorders. Many patients feel hopeless, stigmatized, or burdensome, which exacerbates mental health deterioration and may increase the risk of suicide.

Conclusion: Mental health conditions in patients with chronic diseases are not merely secondary complications but central to the illness experience. Addressing psychological wellbeing is vital to managing chronic conditions effectively. Integrating mental health care into chronic disease management—through supportive therapies, resilience training, and telehealth access—can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life. A holistic, patient-centered approach is essential in both prevention and care.

An Analysis of the Effective Implementation of Supplements in the Healthcare Sector and Its Impact on Contemporary Society

Devika Badavanapalya Prathap, Dr. Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The widespread use of dietary supplements in healthcare has prompted increasing interest in their role in chronic disease management, public health outcomes, and preventive medicine. With health systems facing rising burdens of nutritional deficiencies and chronic conditions, dietary supplements offer a promising adjunct to traditional treatments. However, their effectiveness, safety, regulatory oversight, and accessibility remain points of contention in contemporary healthcare.

Methods and Materials: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, including literature reviews, surveys, focus groups, and case studies. Quantitative data were gathered from healthcare professionals and patients to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward supplement use. Qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions offered insights into consumer behavior and marketing influence. Supplement efficacy was analyzed using clinical metrics such as disease management indicators and quality of life measures. Additional support was obtained from regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and national health data.

Results: Findings revealed that dietary supplements contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes, particularly in managing nutrient deficiencies and chronic illnesses. A Composite Effectiveness Score (CES) framework highlighted notable gains in symptom relief, disease control, and quality of life. However, disparities in access, limited provider training, regulatory gaps, and consumer misinformation persist. Advances in nutrigenomics and precision nutrition show strong potential for personalized supplementation strategies.

Conclusion: The implementation of dietary supplements in healthcare shows promise for enhancing public health, especially when guided by evidence-based practice, regulatory reforms, and educational initiatives. While supplements can play a vital role in disease prevention and health promotion, success depends on comprehensive policy support, improved access, and ongoing research into efficacy and safety.

A Comprehensive Study on the Modern Approaches to the Instrumental and Laboratory Diagnostics of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Practice of GPs from the point of view of Evidence-based Medicine

Julia Yap May Syuen Prathap, Dr Ghassan Salibi, Prof Nikolaos Tzenios — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-limiting respiratory condition and a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in treatment, underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis remain prevalent, especially in primary care. As clinical symptoms often overlap with other respiratory and cardiac conditions, modern evidence-based diagnostic tools—including laboratory and instrumental methods—are essential for early detection, proper staging, and management of COPD.

Methods and Materials: This study applied a comprehensive literature review method, analyzing data from global health guidelines (GOLD 2024, WHO), peer-reviewed journals, and clinical databases. Diagnostic tools investigated include sputum analysis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) testing, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) including spirometry and pulse oximetry, and radiographic imaging such as chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT). Emphasis was placed on evaluating diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and real-world application in general practice.

Results: Sputum analysis was shown to be highly sensitive and specific for identifying bacterial and viral pathogens during COPD exacerbations. AATD testing identified a genetic component of COPD critical for tailoring patient management. Spirometry emerged as the gold standard for airflow obstruction diagnosis, with FEV1/FVC ratios below 0.7 being confirmatory. Imaging via CT and X-ray provided valuable information for disease staging and differentiating COPD from comorbidities. Collectively, these modern diagnostic tools significantly enhanced the accuracy of COPD diagnosis and informed more precise treatment decisions.

Conclusion: The integration of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, guided by evidence-based medicine, is essential for timely and accurate diagnosis of COPD in general practice. Modern approaches such as sputum analysis, AATD screening, spirometry, and imaging significantly improve disease identification, reduce diagnostic errors, and support early intervention. These methods ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes, reduced hospitalization, and better quality of life for COPD patients.