Coverage and predictors of COVID-19 vaccination in rural districts of Pakistan.

Background: One of the keys to preventing a re-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic is the attainment and maintenance of high vaccination coverage in urban and rural areas.

Aims: To estimate the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in a rural population and identify the determinants of vaccination.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2023 in 5 rural districts of Sindh Province, Pakistan.

Protecting and promoting editorial independence.

We argue that editorial independence, through robust practice of publication ethics and research integrity, promotes good science and prevents bad science. We elucidate the concept of research integrity, and then discuss the dimensions of editorial independence. Best practice guidelines exist, but compliance with these guidelines varies.

Evaluation of a culturally adapted cognitive behavior therapy-based, third-wave therapy manual.

Background: Recommendations for psychotherapy have evolved over the years, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) taking precedence since its inception within clinical guidelines in the United Kingdom and United States. The use of CBT for severe mental illness is now more common globally.

Aim: To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted, CBT-based, third-wave therapy manual using the Comprehend, Cope, and Connect approach with individuals from a diverse population presenting to primary and secondary healthcare services.

Impact of lockdown relaxation and implementation of the face-covering policy on mental health: A United Kingdom COVID-19 study.

Background: Pandemic mitigation policies, such as lockdown, are known to impact on mental health of individuals. Compulsory face covering under relaxed lockdown restrictions gives assurance of less transmission of airborne infection and has the potential to improve mental health of individuals affected by restrictions.

Aim: To examine the association of the lockdown relaxation and the implementation of the face covering policy on the mental health of the general population and sub-groups in the United Kingdom using interrupted time series model.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic: Protocol and results of first three weeks from an international cross-section survey - focus on health professionals.

Background: The psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant measures and future consequences to life will be unveiled in time.

Aim: To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant restrictions, impact on behaviours and mental wellbeing globally. This early analysis, explores positive and adverse factors and behaviours with focus on healthcare professionals.

Stigma toward mental and physical illness: attitudes of healthcare professionals, healthcare students and the general public in Pakistan.

Background: The evidence base for stigma in mental health largely originates from high-income countries.

Aims: This study from Pakistan aimed to address the gap in literature on stigma from low- and middle-income countries.

Method: This cross-sectional study surveyed 1470 adults from Karachi, Pakistan.

Obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: duration of maintenance drug treatment.

Introduction: Obsessions or compulsions that cause personal distress or social dysfunction have been reported to affect about 3% of children and adolescents. In children, the disorder often presents at around 10 years of age. It persists in about 40% of children and adolescents at mean follow-up of 5.

Obsessive compulsive disorder.

Introduction: Obsessions or compulsions that cause personal distress or social dysfunction affect about 1% of adult men and 1.5% of adult women. About half of adults with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have an episodic course, whereas the other half have continuous problems.

Obsessive compulsive disorder.

Introduction: Obsessions or compulsions that cause personal distress or social dysfunction affect about 1% of men and 2% of women. About half of people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have an episodic course, whereas the other half have continuous problems. Up to half of people show improvement of symptoms over time.

Assessing observational studies of medical treatments.

Background: Previous studies have assessed the validity of the observational study design by comparing results of studies using this design to results from randomized controlled trials. The present study examined design features of observational studies that could have influenced these comparisons.

Methods: To find at least 4 observational studies that evaluated the same treatment, we reviewed meta-analyses comparing observational studies and randomized controlled trials for the assessment of medical treatments.

Assessing the methodological quality of nonrandomized intervention studies.

In many areas of health care, randomized controlled trials (the best evidence regarding the effectiveness of health care interventions) are lacking and decision-makers have to rely on evidence from nonrandomized studies (NRS). We conducted a Medline search to identify English-language articles describing instruments for assessing the quality of NRS of health care interventions. These instruments varied greatly in scope, in the number and types of items and in developmental rigor.