Papers by Muhammad Shahzad Aslam
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dec 29, 2014
The medicinal plants have a vital role to take care of the healthy human life. The large family E... more The medicinal plants have a vital role to take care of the healthy human life. The large family Euphorbiaceae contains nearly about 300 genera and 7,500 species. Amongst all, Ricinus communis L. or castor bean plant has high traditional and medicinal values towards a disease free community. The castor bean plant is effective as antifertility activity, antiimplantation activity, antinociceptive activity, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity, hepatoprotective activity, antidiabetic activity, antiulcer activity, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal activity, molluscicidal and larvicidal activity, bone regeneration activity, central analgesic activity, antihistaminic activity, antiasthmatic activity, cytotoxic activity, lipolytic activity, antiinflammatory activity, and wound healing activity. In addition, the constituents present in this plant are beneficial for the purpose of contraception, leaving no detrimental effects on the body. The objective of the present review focuses on the phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and future perspectives of the R. communis L. plant.
Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy, 2017
Piper sarmentosum is a well-known medicinal plant of Southeast Asia consist of many medicinal pro... more Piper sarmentosum is a well-known medicinal plant of Southeast Asia consist of many medicinal properties such as Anti-microbial, antifungal, antimalarial, antituberculosis, anti-mycobacterial, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antiamoebic, neuromuscular blocking activity, anti-obesity, antiangiogenesis, wound healing, cardiovascular activity, anti-hypertensive, antiulcer and Anticoccidial activity. It consists of adifferent class of compounds such as amide, phenylpropanoid, alkaloid, steroid, C-benzylateddihydroxyflavone, alkaloid amide, Phenylpropanoyl amides, and lignin. Therefore, current article reviews its phytochemical and pharmacological activities that will help for the future scientist.
Proceedings of DIALOGO-CONF 2017, 2017
To probe the ethnomedicinal claims of Russelia juncea Zucc. (Plantaginaceae) as prescribed tradit... more To probe the ethnomedicinal claims of Russelia juncea Zucc. (Plantaginaceae) as prescribed traditionally in the folklore history of medicines. Methods: The dichloromethane and methanol extracts of aerial parts and roots were examined for antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiglycation, insecticidal, leishmanicidal, cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities. Different phytochemical tests were also performed to confirm the presence of various groups of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. Results: Phytochemical screening of this plant confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. Antibacterial activity was only shown by RJRD with 80% inhibition at the concentration of 150μg/ml against Shigella flexneri. Among the tested samples, RJAM and RJRM displayed significant radical scavenging activity up to 93% and 89% with IC50 values of 184.75 ± 4.05μM and 263.01 ± 9.36μM. The significant antiglycation potential was exhibited by RJAD, RJAM and RJRM with 55.35%, 62.25% and 59.22% inhibition and IC50 values of 0.84 ± 0.08mg/ml, 1.37 ± 0.15mg/ml and 1.52 ± 0.10mg/ml respectively. Moderate leishmanicidal activity was exposed by RJAD and RJRM with IC50 values of 73.04 ± 1.05μg/ml and 77.66 ± 0.23μg/ml while RJAM was found to be more potent and exposed significant leishmanicidal activity having IC50 of 48 ± 0.39μg/ml. However, prominent cytotoxic activity was displayed by RJRM with 66.08% inhibition and IC50 of 31.20 ± 3μg/ml. Non-significant antifungal, insecticidal and phytotoxic activities were demonstrated by all the tested samples. Conclusion: All the above contributions give serious attentiveness to scientists to isolate and purify the biologically active phytoconstituents by using advanced scientific methodologies that serve as lead compounds in the synthesis of new therapeutic agents of desired interest in the world of drug discovery.
F1000Research, 2019
To increase the safe usage of medicines, it is important that these ADRs be reported. Many countr... more To increase the safe usage of medicines, it is important that these ADRs be reported. Many countries around the world have well established national Pharmacovigilance systems that depend upon reporting of ADRs by physicians and pharmacists. The investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perception of healthcare professionals towards the Pharmacovigilance framework and ADR reporting has already been explored in the developed nations yet there is an absence of studies completed and recorded in Pakistan. This study was carried out to gain insight into the knowledge, attitude, and perception of physicians, pharmacists, and nurses working in the private sector towards Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting by conducting a questionnaire-based survey. Their knowledge of ADR reporting, the concept of Pharmacovigilance, the type of ADRs that are to be reported are discussed along with their attitude and perception as to how important ADR reporting is. The reasons and factors of under-reporting or not reporting ADRs are also evaluated. In order to achieve the research objectives, a total of 375 questionnaires were distributed out of which 125 (33.3%) for each category that was doctors, pharmacists and nurses respectively. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents (n = 205, 54.7 %) were not aware of the term and concept of Pharmacovigilance. Even though a majority of respondents (n=230, 61.3%) felt that ADR reporting is a professional obligation that needs to be fulfilled, only (n=155, 41.3%) healthcare professionals claimed to have been trained on how to actually report an ADR. This study and its findings established the absence of knowledge about Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting among healthcare professionals.
Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy, 2020
A method for detecting and estimating Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in the biological samples has b... more A method for detecting and estimating Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in the biological samples has been developed and validated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV/VIS detector. The method quantitatively measured the PPD in the biological samples. The mobile phase was composed of 10: 90 (Acetonitrile: Ammonium acetate 25 Mm v/v) of pH 4.5. The isocratic separation was carried out at C18 silica gel column at 1ml/minute of flow rate. The spectrophotometric detection was carried out at 240 nm. The process was validated, and the limit of detection for PPD was found to be 10μg. The accuracy and precision of the process were within limits. The linearity of the process found to be upto 1000 ppm. The extraction of PPD was carried out with chloroform and Sodium Hydroxide. The stock solution of PPD was freshly prepared due to oxidation potential. Aniline was used as an internal standard. The sample negative and sample positive were run to ensure the validity of the process. The estimation of the PPD was performed by drawing the calibration curve of different calibrators of PPD. The determination of PPD was carried out in gastric contents, Blood, and Urine. The extracted samples were prepared and run at HPLC for the detection. The pretreatment of the samples was not required, and the method proved to be accurate, precise, and specific.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 2021
Employees’ health, performance, and stress problem have become a major issue in today’s workplace... more Employees’ health, performance, and stress problem have become a major issue in today’s workplace globally. These problems are linked to various factors. In this study, we contributed the rationality of having a one-hour lunch break at the workplace. Drawing on extant literature, we developed a theoretical model in this study. The results showed a positive impact on employees’ health, performance and reduced stress at work if the favorable one-hour lunch break is practiced. The study also gives support to prevent absenteeism, improve job satisfaction, and employees' positive attitude towards work.
Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 2018
Tea is an agricultural product of the leaves, tea buds and inter-nodes of the Camellia sinensis p... more Tea is an agricultural product of the leaves, tea buds and inter-nodes of the Camellia sinensis plant. This study was done to estimate caffeine in different types of decaffeinated tea and coffee brands available in Pakistan's market by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. In this study standard calibration curve of caffeine produced a straight line (R2 = 0.999).. The 0.2% w/v PQC was used and showed retention time of caffeine at 8.665 minutes and IS at 5.337. It was estimated that 0.1807% caffeine present in the positive quality control which provide the mean of the reliability of the performance of the procedure. Total of six brands comprising of 30 decaffeinated samples were selected for the estimation of caffeine. Among all only four (ABS 3, 24, 27 and 28) produced no peak of analyte representing complete decaffeinated product. Possibly, limited sensitivity of instrument may have produced these results but, these are the brands that contain much lesser amount of caffeine as compare to the other brands. Among all 30 decaffeinated samples only (ABS 19) has observed the maximum 0.03% of caffeine and the minimum quantity of caffeine 0.0001% in one sample (ABS 23) was estimated.
Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 2018
Rutin is one of important bioflavonoids and biomarker that helps to increase the quality of the h... more Rutin is one of important bioflavonoids and biomarker that helps to increase the quality of the herbal product. It has a wide variety of pharmacological applications such as neuroinflammation, anti-hypercholesterolemic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, wound healing, radioprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, antiplasmodial, antiarthritic, antiviral, antihypertensive, Antinociceptive, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, antiosteoporotic, anticancer, diuretic and anticonvulsant effect. The current review article helps to identify the current and future prospects of rutin. Most of the previous studies were more focus on their pharmacological activities and to understand their mechanism of action but less focus on its clinical trial, commercial potential and formulation development. This review article documents the pharmacological activities, standardization methods and formulation development over the last six years.
Journal of Public Health and Nutrition, 2018
Herbs are ancient medicines rich in various phenolic and aromatic compounds, although used only i... more Herbs are ancient medicines rich in various phenolic and aromatic compounds, although used only in culinary applications. The influence of regular consumption of spring herbs from plant foods rich in naturally occurring antioxidants from plant foods, oxidative stress, cardiovascular risk and gaining in health effect was studied. The dietary fibers present in these natural spring herbs also play an important role in preventing risk against several diseases. At the same time it is also very important to know the nutritional facts such as contents of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and their energy values in different foods. Hence, the aim of the present study is to carry out the physicochemical analysis of different spring herbs collected from Bulgarian markets. The five different spring herbs viz Atriplex, Spinacia, Rumex, Rumex acetosa and Utrica were collected and analyzed for various characteristics such as total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, antioxidants activity, total protein, total lipids, insoluble dietary fibers, total carbohydrates and sugar.
Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2021
Background: Propolis is one of the major components produced by honeybee. It is well known in dif... more Background: Propolis is one of the major components produced by honeybee. It is well known in different parts of the world such as Iran, Canada, Yemen, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Portugal, India, Turkey, Malaysia, the United States of America, Chile, Brazil, and Indonesia. The bioactive constituent of every type of propolis varies depending on the geographical location. Terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenol compounds were found to be common in all kinds of propolis. It possess numerous applications such as control of dental infections, plaque cleaning, treating gingivitis, exhibiting antimicrobial effect and treating radiation‑induced oral mucositis and cariogenic infections in caries‑active patients. Methodology: This study thus aimed to undertake a meta‑analysis of the efficacy of bioactive compounds of propolis in tooth decay. A total of three in vivo studies were systematically reviewed, and two studies with a total of 300 pathogen‑free female Wistar rats were included in the final meta‑analysis. Results: The results were compared among three subcategories of smooth surface caries and sulcal caries (slight, moderate, and severe), supporting a statistically significant (P = 0.006) beneficial effect of using fractional propolis. Conclusion: Most of the included studies were preliminary, without blind study and lack of information about standard animal housing protocol. More in vivo and clinical trials of bioactive compounds of propolis should be encouraged in future.
Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology
The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively assess the knowledge, attitudes, and p... more The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Osteoporosis among the general population of Karachi, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of public awareness and behaviour related to this prevalent bone health condition. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study with a validated questionnaire initially through a pilot study, achieving a reliability score of 0.827. The study includes a sample of 510 participants, surpassing the required 439, with a 95% confidence interval. The study revealed that a substantial 70% of participants demonstrated a commendable level of knowledge regarding Osteoporosis, with a notable prevalence among female university students and individuals within the healthcare profession. Furthermore, an impressive 89% of participants exhibited positive attitudes toward the condition, while 60% showcased commendable practices in managing and preventing Osteoporosis. Through binary logistic regression analysis, we identified robust associations between knowledge levels and educational background, particularly noting the significance of medical education in influencing Osteoporosis-related knowledge and awareness. These findings shed light on the factors influencing Osteoporosis-related KAP within our study population. It can be concluded that a rigorous exercise to reduce the occurrence of disease on a national level is required to decrease the economic burden and to improve the health standard of the population.
Bioresource technology, Jan 16, 2018
Biohydrogen as one of the most appealing energy vector for the future represents attractive avenu... more Biohydrogen as one of the most appealing energy vector for the future represents attractive avenue in alternative energy research. Recently, variety of biohydrogen production pathways has been suggested to improve the key features of the process. Nevertheless, researches are still needed to overcome remaining barriers to practical applications such as low yields and production rates. Considering practicality aspects, this review emphasized on anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) for biological hydrogen production. Recent advances and emerging issues associated with biohydrogen generation in AnMBR technology are critically discussed. Several techniques are highlighted that are aimed at overcoming these barriers. Moreover, environmental and economical potentials along with future research perspectives are addressed to drive biohydrogen technology towards practicality and economical-feasibility.
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2000
The present research is biological screening of aerial part of Araucaria columnaris (Araucariacea... more The present research is biological screening of aerial part of Araucaria columnaris (Araucariaceae). There were investigation for their antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities of Dichloromethane and methanol extract.
The current article is designed for the extraction of chemical compound. Dichloromethane and meth... more The current article is designed for the extraction of chemical compound. Dichloromethane and methanol were applied to extract the chemical compound so that maximal number of compounds can be drawn out. Thin layer chromatography is applied as Analytical technique for the isolation and identification of the various compounds. Phytochemical analysis of aerial parts showed the presence of Tannins and cardiac glycosides. Cardioactive glycosides and Tannin and were reported in aerial parts of Araucaria columnaris for the first time. Therefore Araucaria columnaris can be used for further isolation and structural determination of cardioactive compounds.
Phytochemical study for the pharmacological activity is an important segment of drug designing. T... more Phytochemical study for the pharmacological activity is an important segment of drug designing. This initial work establishes a foundation for product development. The pharmacological active compounds are finally developed into a pharmaceutical preparation. This is used in actual clinical and therapeutical practice to cure miscellaneous pathological problems. Thus; we have aimed this study for the extraction of compounds using two solvents of different polarities, so that maximum number of compounds can be extracted. Analytical technique used for the isolation and identification of the various compounds is thin layer chromatography. Phytochemical analysis of aerial parts showed the presence of Tannins, saponin and cardiac glycosides. Cardioactive glycosides, Tannin and saponin were reported in aerial parts of Ranunculus muricatus for the first time. Therefore Ranunculus muricatus can be used for further isolation and structural determination of cardioactive compounds.
Doctors and Pharmacists play a foremost role in safe, effective use of medication in health care.... more Doctors and Pharmacists play a foremost role in safe, effective use of medication in health care. Still, there is no database available through which Doctor can communicate with all field of pharmacy such as hospital Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Nutrition Pharmacy and Drug research center so that they would like to cooperate with pharmacists in Medication error prevention, Drug-Disease management, Nutrition management, and pharmacotherapy. The authors examined the comprehensive project of implementing Electronic Drug Information Record (EDIR), introduce the new term Pharmacybernetic and how to reduce the medication error by integrated management system (IMS). This paper presented EDIR conceptual model and the flow sheet of the Pharmacybernetic system, which describes the integration of different Pharmaceutical related aspect in the field of Cybernetic.
Aphelandra belong to family Acanthaceae. We have reviewed traditional uses, pharmacological poten... more Aphelandra belong to family Acanthaceae. We have reviewed traditional uses, pharmacological potential and phytochemical study of family
Acanthaceae and genus Aphelandra. Traditionally the most important part use in Acanthaceae is the leaves and they are used externally for wounds.
We have found that Acanthaceae possess antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, insecticidal, hepatoprotective,
immunomodulatory, Anti- platelet aggregation and anti-viral potential. Phytochemical reports on family Acanthaceae are glycosides, flavonoids,
benzonoids, phenolic compounds, naphthoquinone and triterpenoids. We have also document genus Aphelandra, its phytochemical and
pharmacological potential.
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Papers by Muhammad Shahzad Aslam
Acanthaceae and genus Aphelandra. Traditionally the most important part use in Acanthaceae is the leaves and they are used externally for wounds.
We have found that Acanthaceae possess antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, insecticidal, hepatoprotective,
immunomodulatory, Anti- platelet aggregation and anti-viral potential. Phytochemical reports on family Acanthaceae are glycosides, flavonoids,
benzonoids, phenolic compounds, naphthoquinone and triterpenoids. We have also document genus Aphelandra, its phytochemical and
pharmacological potential.
Acanthaceae and genus Aphelandra. Traditionally the most important part use in Acanthaceae is the leaves and they are used externally for wounds.
We have found that Acanthaceae possess antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, insecticidal, hepatoprotective,
immunomodulatory, Anti- platelet aggregation and anti-viral potential. Phytochemical reports on family Acanthaceae are glycosides, flavonoids,
benzonoids, phenolic compounds, naphthoquinone and triterpenoids. We have also document genus Aphelandra, its phytochemical and
pharmacological potential.
pivotal role in safeguarding and enhancing public health. Their responsibilities extend beyond
medication dispensation to include providing valuable insights on health management,
including dietary choices. Understanding the eating behavior of pharmacist graduates is
crucial not only for their individual well-being but also for optimizing their effectiveness in
patient care. This pilot study seeks to delve into the nuanced aspects of their eating behavior,
shedding light on patterns, attitudes, and preferences that may have implications for both
their personal health and the quality of healthcare they provide.
Purpose: The pilot study aimed to investigate the eating behavior of working and non-working
pharmacist graduates in Pakistan.
Methods: A survey was administered to a sample of pharmacist graduates to assess various
aspects of their eating behavior. Respondents were asked to self-report their attitudes,
preferences, and habits related to healthy eating, as well as their perception of weight and
dietary choices.
Results: A notable 40.48% of respondents considered themselves more informed about
healthy eating than others. Furthermore, 47.62% believed that their eating habits were
superior to those of their peers. A significant portion (30.95%) of respondents did not turn
down social offers involving unhealthy food. Contrarily, 42.86% claimed to adhere strictly
to their dietary rules, consuming only what their diet allowed. About 38.10% of participants
believed that the way their food was prepared played a crucial role in their overall diet. A
considerable percentage (38.10%) reported following a diet with many rules. Interestingly,
57.14% stated that their healthy eating was not a significant source of stress in their personal
relationships. Moreover, 35.71% indicated making efforts to eat more healthily over time,
while 33.33% found themselves distracted by thoughts of healthy eating. Surprisingly, the
majority (76.19%) did not spend more than three hours a day contemplating healthy food
choices. Furthermore, 33.33% admitted to adhering rigidly to a health-food diet, while 26.19%
claimed to go out less frequently since adopting healthier eating habits. Approximately
40.48% of respondents reported receiving comments from friends or family members
about their excessive concern with healthy eating. Moreover, 47.62% faced challenges
in finding restaurants that offered foods aligned with their dietary preferences. Notably,
42.86% expressed a sense of gratification when eating healthily, and the majority (54.76%)
reported happiness with their current weight. When describing their diets, 45.24% used the
term “Fair,” while 40.48% described their diets as “Good.” Additionally, 40.48% reported no
change in their weight over the past year, whereas 38.10% reported weight gain, and 21.43%
reported weight loss. Surprisingly, the majority (69.05%) did not consider their weight to be a
significant issue. Respondents demonstrated varying levels of dietary diversity, with 42.86%
reporting that their diet differed daily, 33.33% experiencing variability sometime during the
week, and 21.43% changing their diet only on weekends. Dietary preferences varied, with 28.57% favoring high carbohydrate content foods, 40.48% enjoying a variety of foods daily,
23.81% preferring high protein content foods, and 7.14% opting for high-fat content foods.
Notably, fruits and healthy snacks were the most popular choices for snacks. About 38.10%
of respondents had a snack between breakfast and lunch on weekdays, while 45.24% did not
snack during this time. Lunch was typically consumed after 2 pm by 47.62% of participants,
and the majority (73.81%) reported eating lunch on weekdays. Additionally, 52.38% indulged
in snacks between lunch and dinner on weekdays, and the majority (85.71%) had dinner
between 8-10 pm on weekdays. Surprisingly, 66.67% did not have a snack after dinner on
weekdays.
Conclusions: This pilot study sheds light on the intricate tapestry of eating behavior
among working and non-working pharmacist graduates in Pakistan. Notably, respondents
demonstrated diverse attitudes, preferences, and habits related to healthy eating. A significant
portion of the participants displayed self-confidence in their knowledge of healthy eating
and believed their eating habits were superior. However, adherence to dietary rules varied.
Importantly, many did not find healthy eating to be a source of relationship stress, indicating
a balance between health-consciousness and social well-being.
The findings highlight the complexity of social influences, dietary preferences, and levels of
satisfaction among pharmacist graduates. These insights underscore the potential need for
tailored interventions to promote balanced eating habits and overall well-being within this
healthcare professional group. Furthermore, future research with a larger and more diverse
sample is warranted to validate and expand upon these preliminary findings.
Keywords: Dietary preferences, healthy eating, dietary habits
Үндэслэл
Хүмүүсийн интернэт хэрэглэх боломж өсөхийн хэрээр ажлын цагаар интернэт ашиглах явдал анхаарал татахуйцаар ихэсч байна. “Ажлын байран дахь Цахим сэлгүүцэл” гэдэг нь ажил дээрээ хувийн зорилгоор интернэт ашиглахыг хэлдэг.
Зорилго
Энэхүү судалгааны зорилго нь Пакистан улсын эм зүйч мэргэжилтнүүдийн ажлын байран дахь цахим сэлгүүцлийн түвшинг тогтоох явдал байлаа.
Материал ба арга зүй
Судалгаанд оролцогчдын цахим сэлгүүцлийн зан үйлийн таван хэмжээс буюу интернэтээр мэдээлэл хуваалцах, бараа худалдан авах, өөрийн мэдээллээ шинэчлэх, интернэтэд тавигдсан мэдээлэлд нэвтрэх, тоглоом тоглох түвшинг тогтоох 30 асуулт бүхий асуумжийг ашигласан ба шаардлага хангасан 200 оролцогчийн мэдээлэлд статистик боловсруулалт хийсэн болно.
Судалгааны үр дүн
Дескриптив шинжилгээний дүнгээс харахад, эм зүйч мэргэжилтнүүд ажлын байранд интернэтээр мэдээлэл хуваалцах үйл ажиллагаанд хамгийн их цагийг зарцуулж, тоглоом тоглоход хамгийн бага цагийг зарцуулж байв. Нийт асуултын Кронбахын альфа (α) утгууд 0.923 - 0.927 байлаа. Судалгааны үр дүнгээс харвал, эм зүйч мэргэжилтнүүдийн жаран хувь (60%) нь интернэт ашиглах чадвараа “дунд зэрэг” хэмээн үнэлсэн байна.
Дүгнэлт
Иймд Пакистан улсын Сургалтын хөтөлбөрийн үндэсний хороо болон Дээд боловсролын зөвлөл уг мэргэжлээр суралцагчдын компьютерын чадварыг хөгжүүлэх сургалтын агуулгад шинэчлэл хийх шаардлагатай байна.
Түлхүүр үг
Цахим сэлгүүцэл, Эм зүйч, Ажлын байр
The availability and affordability of medicine is critical issue in any population worldwide. Drug regulatory agencies require this information to prevent an unanticipated event and make necessary decisions by relevant agencies to ensure that medicine is available at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, consumers' perceptions of patterns and knowledge about medicine use must be evaluated, prone to perception and belief bias.
Aim and objectives
Consumer perception of pharmaceutical availability, expenditure, cost, habits, and understanding of medication usage are all investigated in this study.
Material and Method
Countrywide cross-sectional research has done. There are nineteen closed-ended questionnaire items in the survey. The article was presented according to The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations on the cross-sectional study.
Results
Seven thousand five hundred and thirty-two people (n=7532) participated in the study. When purchasing medicine, 46.3 % of the study population considers quality. Study participants spend an average of 4.00 USD to 17.00 USD a month on medicine. Due to financial constraints, a considerable percentage (47.8%) of the population has avoided purchasing prescription medications. The price of medicine offered on the market is considered costly by 47.4% of the population. Surprisingly, 56% of the research participants believe that pharmacies lack sufficient medicine types and stock. The studied population (40.4%) is unaware of the dangers of falsified medicine, and 30.4% are unable to obtain inexpensive medicine through the health insurance fund. A large majority of the public (74.2%) follows doctors' orders when taking medication and favours the government regulating drug pricing (79.9%).
Conclusions
The current study showed consumers’ perception, pattern, knowledge and affordability about medicines. The results indicate a lack of education by the healthcare providers on falsified medicine, the financial burden of medicine on the population, and the unavailability of different medicine stock.
changed the field of talent acquisition and recruiting procedures in recent years. Employers
increasingly use cybervetting—the practice of carefully reviewing job applicants’ social media
profiles—as a way to learn more about potential prospects as the lines between personal and
professional life blur online. This approach has sparked a growing discussion about ethics,
privacy, and justice in the workplace. While cybervetting gives employers a useful view into
candidates’ unfiltered lives, it also raises important issues regarding where to draw the line
between professional assessment and personal intrusion.
Purpose: In an era of digital connectivity, this cross-sectional pilot study delves into the
attitudes and perceptions of job seekers, particularly within the pharmaceutical profession,
regarding cybervetting—a practice where potential employers scrutinize social media profiles
during the hiring process. The investigation explores key dimensions, including fairness,
privacy, accountability, and the effectiveness of social media screening as tool.
Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted in Pakistan from January 19, 2023, to
August 8, 2023. The study employed a convenience sampling method to approach registered
pharmacists within the selected geographical area. Participants who were not registered with
relevant professional bodies were excluded from the study, ensuring a sample population with
the required qualifications and expertise in the pharmaceutical field. Additionally, participants
who did not provide informed consent and agree to the survey’s terms and conditions were
also excluded from the study, adhering to ethical research practices.
Results: The findings reveal a complex landscape of views among job seekers, with a notable
acceptance of social media-based hiring decisions (64.4%), while simultaneously expressing
concerns about the elimination of candidates based on their profiles (55.3%). Participants
show varying degrees of approval for employers documenting their online information
(51.7%), along with apprehensions about potential privacy invasion (71.2%) and discomfort
if employers access their profiles without consent (50.7%).
Conclusions: This study underscores the intricate interplay of factors shaping job seekers’
behaviors and perceptions in the digital age, shedding light on the multifaceted dynamics
surrounding cybervetting in the pharmaceutical sector.