Special Journal of the Medical Academy and other Life Sciences.

MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG INDIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD IN RUSSIA

Jyoti, Dr. Ghassan Salibi, Prof. Nikolaos Tzenios — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Mental health problems among medical students are a growing public health concern worldwide. Indian medical students studying abroad in Russia face additional psychological challenges due to academic pressure, cultural adjustment, language barriers, homesickness, and social isolation. These stressors may negatively affect emotional well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to assess the mental health challenges experienced by Indian medical students in Russia and identify the coping strategies used to manage stress and emotional difficulties.

Methods and Materials: A descriptive survey-based study was conducted among Indian medical students enrolled in Russian medical universities. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp, Telegram, and student social groups. The questionnaire included items related to demographic characteristics, academic stress, emotional well-being, sleep patterns, homesickness, social support, and coping mechanisms. Responses were organized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel to identify common psychological stressors and coping behaviors.

Results: The findings revealed that a large proportion of students experienced moderate to high levels of stress. The most commonly reported mental health challenges included academic stress, examination anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, sleep disturbances, and emotional exhaustion. Major contributing factors included academic workload, language difficulties, climate adaptation, financial concerns, and uncertainty regarding future licensing examinations and career opportunities. Students commonly coped with stress through peer support, communication with family, entertainment activities, exercise, religious practices, and time management strategies. However, awareness and utilization of professional mental health services remained limited.

Conclusion: Mental health challenges are highly prevalent among Indian medical students studying in Russia and require greater institutional attention and support. Strengthening mental health awareness programs, counselling services, peer support systems, and stress management interventions may significantly improve students’ psychological well-being and academic experiences. Universities should adopt preventive public health approaches to support the emotional and mental health needs of international medical students.

BUILDING A PEER SUPPORT NETWORK FOR DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY IN MALAYSIA

Muhammad Ilya Bin Elas, Dr. Ghassan Salibi , Prof. Nikolaos Tzenios — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Drug addiction remains a major public health challenge in Malaysia, with many individuals facing relapse risks after completing formal rehabilitation due to limited community-based support. Peer recovery support services have demonstrated effectiveness internationally, but structured peer support networks remain underdeveloped within the Malaysian addiction recovery landscape. This project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a culturally appropriate peer support network to strengthen recovery outcomes and community reintegration among individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

Methods and Material: A six-month pilot project, Healing Together, was implemented in Kuala Lumpur and Penang through partnerships with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), House Prihatin Recovery Centre, and community organizations. The intervention included recruitment and training of 22 peer mentors, establishment of two physical support hubs and a virtual platform, weekly peer-led group sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and community-building activities. A mixed-methods evaluation framework incorporating surveys, interviews, observations, and Recovery Capital Scale assessments was used to measure outcomes.

Results: The project engaged 107 participants and exceeded its recruitment target. Significant improvements were observed in personal, social, and community recovery capital, with total recovery capital increasing from 132.6 to 186.5 (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy in maintaining recovery improved for 74% of participants, while reported emotional support increased from 34% to 71%. Program retention reached 81%, and self-reported relapse incidence was 12% during the pilot period. Qualitative findings highlighted enhanced social connectedness, hope, self-worth, and community belonging among participants.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that peer support networks are feasible, culturally adaptable, and effective in supporting addiction recovery in Malaysia. Integrating peer recovery services into existing rehabilitation and community-based programs may strengthen long-term recovery outcomes, reduce relapse risks, and enhance social reintegration. Future efforts should focus on scaling the model nationally, strengthening family engagement, and conducting longitudinal evaluations of recovery outcomes.

A HOME OF HOPE: ESTABLISHING A SAFE AND NURTURING HOUSE FOR ORPHANED CHILDREN

Zahirah Syafiqah Binti Zainunhisham, Dr. Ghassan Salibi , Prof. Nikolaos Tzenios — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Orphaned children are exposed to multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including parental loss, poverty, trauma, and social instability, which significantly increase their risk of poor physical, mental, educational, and social outcomes. In Malaysia, there is a need for child-centered residential care models that extend beyond shelter provision to address the long-term developmental and psychosocial needs of vulnerable children. This project aimed to develop a trauma-informed residential care model for orphaned children in Kedah, Malaysia.

Methods and Material: A mixed-methods project planning approach was employed, incorporating a comprehensive literature review, stakeholder mapping, and semi-structured interviews with key informants from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), healthcare services, mental health professionals, orphanage management, and community organizations. Evidence from trauma-informed care, the Social Ecological Model, and Life Course Health Development frameworks guided the design of the proposed intervention. Findings were synthesized to develop operational plans, partnership frameworks, monitoring and evaluation systems, and sustainability strategies.

Results: The project produced a comprehensive implementation blueprint for a trauma-informed residential home accommodating orphaned children in a family-style environment. Key components include stable housing, educational support, healthcare access, trauma counselling, life-skills development, and transition planning for independent living. Stakeholder consultations highlighted the importance of regulatory compliance, caregiver stability, integrated mental health services, and community engagement. The resulting model emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and long-term sustainability through government, community, and corporate partnerships.

Conclusion: The proposed “Home of Hope” model offers a holistic and evidence-based approach to improving the health, well-being, and future opportunities of orphaned children in Malaysia. By integrating trauma-informed care with educational, psychosocial, and health interventions, the project addresses critical social determinants of health and provides a scalable framework for strengthening child welfare services and promoting positive life-course outcomes.

HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Govindasamy Perumal Vishnu Kumar, Dr. Ghassan Salibi , Prof. Nikolaos Tzeqnios — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Limited healthcare access and high out-of-pocket expenditure remain major barriers to health equity among vulnerable populations in India. To address these challenges, the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat in 2018, comprising Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), one of the world's largest publicly funded health insurance programs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PM-JAY in improving healthcare access and financial protection among low-income and marginalized populations.

Methods and Material: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a systematic review of policy documents and published literature with quantitative analysis of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5) data. A Difference-in-Differences (DiD) framework was used to compare health insurance coverage and health outcomes between PM-JAY implementing and non-implementing states. Qualitative insights were obtained from stakeholder consultations involving healthcare providers, insurance administrators, and community health organizations.

Results: Public health insurance coverage in rural areas increased substantially following PM-JAY implementation, with implementing states demonstrating significantly higher enrollment growth than non-implementing states. Beneficiaries reported reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and lower rates of catastrophic health spending. Improvements were also observed in maternal and child health indicators, including increased utilization of skilled birth attendance and preventive health services. However, persistent challenges were identified, including low awareness, enrollment gaps, administrative delays, uneven provider participation, and limited reach among marginalized populations.

Conclusion: Ayushman Bharat has made significant progress toward advancing Universal Health Coverage in India by improving healthcare access and financial risk protection for vulnerable populations. Nevertheless, achieving equitable and sustainable coverage requires strengthening awareness campaigns, simplifying administrative processes, expanding provider participation, and enhancing integration between primary and secondary healthcare services. Continued policy refinement and targeted implementation strategies are essential to maximize the program's long-term impact.

ESTABLISHING A FAMILY COUNCIL AT NIRMALYA SENIOR LIVING: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE RESIDENT CENTERED CARE AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN PUNE, INDIA

Sharma Nishant, Dr. Ghassan Salibi , Prof. Nikolaos Tzenios — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Family engagement is a critical component of resident-centered care in long-term care facilities, contributing to improved quality of life, satisfaction, and communication between families and care providers. In India, where institutional elder care is expanding due to demographic and social changes, formal mechanisms for family participation remain limited. This project aimed to establish the inaugural Family Council at Nirmalya Senior Living in Pune, Maharashtra, to strengthen collaboration between families, residents, and facility leadership.

Methods and Material: A quality improvement approach was employed, incorporating literature review, stakeholder consultations, expert interviews, document analysis, and family engagement strategies. Key activities included securing administrative approval, developing council resources and operational guidelines, recruiting family representatives, facilitating the inaugural council meeting, and evaluating participant experiences through post-meeting surveys. The project was guided by principles of resident-centered care, family engagement, and participatory decision-making.

Results: The initiative successfully established a structured framework for family participation within the facility. The inaugural Family Council provided a formal platform for communication, collaborative problem-solving, and quality improvement discussions. Project deliverables included a Family Council handbook, meeting procedures, communication protocols, recruitment materials, and evaluation tools. Feedback mechanisms enabled identification of priority concerns and facilitated constructive dialogue between families and facility leadership. The project also created a sustainable model that can be replicated across other elder care facilities within the organization.

Conclusion: Establishing a Family Council is a feasible and practical strategy for enhancing family engagement and promoting resident-centered care in Indian long-term care settings. By fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration, Family Councils can improve communication, strengthen care quality, and support the well-being of residents, families, and staff. Wider adoption of similar participatory models may contribute to improving elder care standards across India.