The Journal of Medicine, Law & Public Health

Digital Health Strategies for GDM Postpartum Care and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among Saudi Women – A New Proposed Digital Health Initiative

Nawaf Alnuwaysir, Kady Alsarhan — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet postpartum follow-up in Saudi Arabia remains to be improved. Timely screening and education are crucial to prevent disease progression and reduce national health burdens. This paper proposes an integrated care pathway to optimize postpartum management of GDM and reduce progression to T2DM. We recommend embedding NISAA+ within the Sehhaty application to automatically identify women with GDM, enabling home and clinic-based glucose monitoring with automated reminders for rescreening at 1–3 year intervals. We propose the establishment of a coordinated multidisciplinary model linking primary care and diabetes clinics with health educators, dietitians, and psychologists, with continuity supported within NISAA+. We also advocate for structured breastfeeding support, through lactation counseling, workplace advocacy, and digital tracking, as a cost-effective preventive strategy against type 2 diabetes progression. Lastly, we recommend synchronizing maternal postpartum diabetes screening with infant wellness visits at 6 weeks, 1 year, and 3 years to improve screening adherence and enable early detection of dysglycemia. This integrated approach would combine digital health infrastructure, multidisciplinary expertise, and synchronized monitoring to optimize maternal metabolic outcomes and reduce long-term diabetes risk.

Quest for Legislative Intervention in Stem Cell Research and Therapy in Nigeria: Lessons from United Kingdom and South Africa

Folakemi Ajagunna, Omolade Olomola — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Stem cell research, which examines the therapeutic applications of human stem cells for disease treatment, is actively conducted worldwide. In response to this, many jurisdictions have developed regulatory frameworks that define permissible stem cell applications and establish mechanisms for compliance. Nigeria is yet to enact such laws, though reports indicate that a small number of stem cell research centres do operate in the country. In the absence of regulation, unethical practices may thrive. This study examined regulatory approaches to stem cell research in the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa and assessed stakeholder perspectives on stem cell research in Nigeria.

Materials & Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach and a multi-stage recruitment strategy to identify and document the opinions of 30 stakeholders from Lagos, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), using in-depth and key informant interview guides.

Results: The study found that a permissive legal framework, strictly implemented, has enhanced stem cell research in the UK, while South Africa has a more liberal framework that is not strictly implemented. The latter has encouraged unethical practices leading to increased stem cell tourism in South Africa. Findings from stakeholders in Nigeria showed apathy towards stem cell research among some, although the majority supported its practice in Nigeria subject to necessary regulation.

Conclusion: Based on the study’s findings, a permissive legal regime is preferable to a restrictive one for stem cell research in Nigeria, provided it is supported by clear enforcement and effective regulatory oversight.

Assessment of Water Quality in Public Hospitals in Hail City, Saudi Arabia 2021-2024

Eman Suliman Aljeloud, Abdullah Salem Al-Rasheed — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Groundwater is the main water source for public hospitals in Hail City, making its quality essential for providing safe health services, preventing infections, and ensuring patient safety.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of groundwater used in public hospitals in Hail City using the water quality index (WQI) methodology.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using water quality data collected between 2021 and 2024. Physical and chemical parameters were analysed to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for human use in healthcare settings. A total of 28 water quality reports from five major public hospitals were included in the analysis.

Results: The results revealed spatial and temporal variations in groundwater quality across the studied hospitals. Higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and total hardness were observed during the summer season, likely due to evaporation and increased ion concentration. Lower values were recorded in winter and autumn, reflecting the influence of climatic conditions. Most water samples were classified as “excellent” according to WQI values. However, Hospital 4 and 5 showed elevated levels of TDS, EC, and hardness, suggesting possible issues related to water treatment or storage systems.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of continuous and season-specific monitoring of groundwater quality in public hospitals. The study also supports the effectiveness of the Water Quality Index (WQI) as a practical tool for ensuring consistent water safety in healthcare facilities.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Geriatric Health Index (NLGHI): Design, Implementation, and Clinical Workflow-Oriented Features for Community Geriatrics

Mirza Niaz Zaman Elin — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Primary care and community-based settings often face time limitations that make detailed, repeatable geriatric assessment difficult. There is a need for a practical, clinic-oriented tool that supports longitudinal tracking while remaining easy to interpret, transparent, and straightforward to use in routine workflows.

Aims: This paper introduces NLGHI, a desktop-based application designed to support structured multi-domain data entry, automated composite scoring, longitudinal visualization, rapid report generation, and basic administrative functions within a single system.

Methods: The application was developed in Python using a Qt-based interface, with established libraries such as NumPy and Matplotlib supporting computation and visualization. It records impairment levels across 27 predefined clinical and social domains and calculates a normalized composite score for each visit based on fixed weightings. Data are stored locally in JSON format to allow portability and direct inspection without dependence on external systems. Additional components include a symptom-lexicon module for advisory input and a patient workspace that supports notes, attachments, follow-ups, and timeline exports.

Results: Implementation produces consistent scoring outputs and clear visual summaries, including trend graphs, across visits. Reports can be generated quickly, and patient records remain auditable within a single workstation. Basic validation checks help identify inconsistencies during data entry, while dashboards allow clinicians to review longitudinal changes without requiring server infrastructure.

Conclusion: NLGHI offers a transparent and adaptable approach to geriatric data capture in small-scale clinical environments. It is intended to complement, rather than replace, established tools such as the Clinical Frailty Scale, Charlson and Elixhauser indices, and the Katz ADL, providing a practical option for ongoing monitoring in primary care and community settings.

Exploring Nurses Perception of iAudit: A Qualitative Study

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: iAudit is widely used and recommended in the field of nursing to improve care quality. However, despite its use in clinical practice, the literature is lacking regarding its effectiveness from the perspective of front-line healthcare professionals.

Aim: This research explores nurses’ perceptions of iAudit in a tertiary healthcare setting.

Method: This is a qualitative study using individual, semi-structured interviews with nine registered nurses in an acute care tertiary hospital.

Results: Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Efficiency of the auditing task, (2) Job efficacy and effectiveness, and (3) Delivery of quality healthcare services. Each theme reflects how iAudit influences nurses’ workflow, performance, and overall quality of patient care.

Conclusion: According to nurses, iAudit is an efficient tool that enhances their efficiency and improves the quality of healthcare services.

Awareness of the Effect of Environmental Factors on Skin Among Students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Skin health is fundamental to all age groups, particularly the youth. Aim: To investigate the level of awareness of university students about the effects of environmental factors on the skin and to examine their skin care practices. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to all students attending Jouf University. Results: 506 students agreed to participate in the study. There was high participation from the health sector colleges (56.7%), and 82.4% and 80.4% of participants, respectively, agreed that pesticides and detergents could harm the skin. Only 50.4% believed that stress affects skin sensitivity. For skin protection, 85.57% identified sunscreen use as a protective measure (knowledge), whereas only 70.4% reported actually using sunscreen (practice). Furthermore, more than 50% of participants have positive attitudes towards the importance of skin care and follow good practices, while 72.3% achieved high-level knowledge (mean score: 3.25 out of 4.00) 72.3% have satisfactory knowledge (3.25 out of 4). The mean practice score was 27.67/44, and only 40.5% reached a high level of practice (≥70% of maximum score). There was a significant association between female gender and the use of sunscreen (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, nearly 40% of participants do not care for their skin regularly. Conclusion: There is a good level of awareness among university students regarding the effect of environmental factors on skin; however, this level remains unsatisfactory considering the importance of this issue. Educational campaigns are required to improve skin care practices among the youth.

Male Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma – A Narrative Review of a Rare Disorder

Sajad Ahmad Salati — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is primarily a disease of the salivary glands and is exceptionally rare. Due to its rarity, there is no established consensus or recognised guidelines for management. This review aims to synthesise existing literature to improve clinical awareness and knowledge of male breast ACC (MB-ACC).

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar for cases of MB-ACC published between 1969 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed case reports providing clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical data. Approximately 20 cases were identified and analysed.

Results: MB-ACC often presents as a slow-growing, subareolar mass, with a median age of onset (41.5 years) younger than typical male breast cancer. Diagnosis is confirmed via histopathology showing cribriform, tubular, or solid patterns with a double-layered cell structure. Most tumours are triple-negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-), though they paradoxically exhibit an indolent clinical course and favourable long-term prognosis compared with other triple-negative cancers. Management is primarily surgical, with modified radical mastectomy being the most frequently reported procedure.

Conclusion: Although MB-ACC shares histological features with aggressive basal-like carcinomas, it carries a favourable prognosis. Early diagnosis through awareness is essential to avoid advanced presentation. Given the potential for late recurrence, long-term follow-up is recommended.

Button Battery Code: A Case Series of Button Battery Ingestions in Children at a Tertiary Referral Center and Proposed Management Protocol

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Button battery ingestion is a paediatric emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rapid recognition and removal are critical to prevent severe oesophageal and mediastinal complications.

Methods: We report a case series of five patients with a mean age of 22.6 months (SD= 11.4 months) with confirmed button battery ingestion who were managed at a tertiary referral center.

Results: Patients ranged from 13 to 41 months of age. Presentations varied from asymptomatic delayed presentation to acute respiratory distress. Endoscopic removal was required in all cases, with findings ranging from superficial mucosal erythema to severe grade 3 caustic necrosis. One child demonstrated features suggestive of an impending aortoesophageal fistula. Supportive care included parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors. Despite successful retrieval in most of the cases, long-term complications remain a concern.

Conclusion: Button battery ingestion in children is unpredictable both in presentation and in outcome. Delays in recognition and failed initial removal attempts are associated with higher grades of oesophagal injury. Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of a “Button Battery Code” to standardise rapid response, expedite referral, and coordinate multidisciplinary management, similar to STEMI and stroke codes.