Psychometric properties of the Urdu version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) among pregnant women in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Background: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a widely used instrument to measure anxiety and depression symptoms.

Aims: This study aimed to translate, validate and test the applicability of the Urdu version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS/UV) among pregnant women.

Methods: The original English version of the HADS was translated into Urdu by three bilingual experts and retranslated to English using the forward-backward approach.

System Delay in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Background: Breast cancer is a major public health problem and the first leading cause of cancer deaths among females in Palestine. Early diagnosis of breast cancer contributes to reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to explore system-related factors affecting the timely diagnosis of breast cancer in the Gaza Strip.

Quality of life among elderly residents in the Gaza Strip: a community-based study.

Background: In Palestine, persons older than 60 years of age comprise 4.6% of the population in this decade and will remain relatively stable until the year 2020, when it is expected to begin to rise. The quality of life (QoL), which reflects well-being and health status, is under-reported in this vulnerable group in the Gaza Strip.