PUBLIC HEALTH

  The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study reported that neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2021, affecting over 43% of the global population. Neurological disorders affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, causing a wide range of health issues such as cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments. Common disorders like stroke, Alzheimer's, and migraines, Parkinson's, stroke, multiple sclerosis affects mental, sensory and motor functions, contributing significantly to global disease burden.  Neurological disorders affected 3.40 billion individuals worldwide in 2021,  DALYs  increased by 18.2% since 1990. Neurological conditions caused 11.1 million deaths in 2021, contributing significantly to global health loss. Neurological disorder DALYs were highest in sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Australasia and high-income Asia-Pacific regions. The cognitive impairment post-COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre syndrome high...

  Self-Reflection in Medical Education: Self-reflection is a crucial component of medical education as it allows aspiring healthcare professionals to continuously evaluate their own beliefs, actions, and attitudes in order to improve their practice and patient care. Medical students and practicing physicians are often encouraged to engage in self-reflection to enhance their clinical skills, professionalism, and empathy towards patients.   One of the key benefits of self-reflection in medical education is the opportunity for learners to critically analyze their experiences and identify areas for growth and improvement. By reflecting on their interactions with patients, colleagues, and supervising physicians, medical students can gain insights into their communication skills, clinical decision-making processes, and emotional responses to challenging situations. This self-awareness helps students to develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, allowing ...

  Generative AI is playing an increasingly important role in academia by enabling researchers to explore new creative possibilities, accelerate research processes, and generate insights that can lead to significant advancements in various fields. Embracing generative AI in academia can enhance research capabilities and pave the way for exciting innovations in the future.     Here are some key ways in which generative AI is used in academia and its importance:   1. Text Generation: Generative AI models like GPT-3 are being used to generate human-like text, aiding researchers in writing papers, generating code, and even composing poetry. This can save time and provide creative insights.   2. Image Generation: Generative AI models like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) are used to create realistic images which can be beneficial in fields like art, design, and computer graphics. These models can also be used for data augmentation in ima...

  There is a significant impact of commercial determinants on health outcomes.   The traditional approach focused on biomedical, behavioral and genetic determinants. The influence of commercial interests on health has become essential for addressing the complex challenges facing societies worldwide. It is necessary to explore the concept of commercial determinants of health, a crucial perspective for shaping the future of public health efforts. The commercial determinants of health refer to the influence of corporate interests, market dynamics, and commercial activities on population health outcomes. These determinants encompass a wide range of factors, including marketing practices, product design, pricing strategies, industry lobbying, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. From the food and beverage industry to tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and beyond, commercial actors play a significant role in shaping the environments in which people live, work, and play...

In 2024, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global concern, though its severity has diminished due to widespread vaccination efforts and natural immunity. New variants continue to emerge, but they are generally less deadly, largely because of medical advancements and ongoing public health strategies. Booster shots tailored to newer strains have become a part of routine healthcare in many countries, especially for vulnerable populations. The social and economic impacts of the pandemic linger, with many regions still grappling with healthcare system strains, mental health crises, and the economic toll of repeated lockdowns and disruptions. Remote work and hybrid learning, once temporary solutions, have now become permanent fixtures in many industries and educational institutions. International travel has largely resumed, though with varying levels of restrictions depending on local conditions and health guidelines. The lessons of the pandemic have led to increased investment in healthcare i...

The ethical dilemma in medical research arises when scientific knowledge conflicts with the rights and welfare of human research study participants. An example is the comparison between the potential benefits of a study and the risks posed to study participants. Researchers may face pressure to research on advance treatments especially for life-threatening diseases, but this urgency cannot overlook ethical considerations like informed consent, patient autonomy, and maximizing benefits and minimizing harm. One classic dilemma involves testing new drugs or therapies. Early-stage clinical trials may offer hope to patients with no other options, but the untested nature of these treatments carries significant risks. Researchers must decide how to balance the potential benefits of groundbreaking discoveries with the potential harm to patients involved in the trials. Ethical guidelines, such as those established by the Declaration of Helsinki, help navigate these conflicts by emphasizing resp...