ABSTRACT
Treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is becoming a challenge. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed but have many risks, particularly in long-term use. In an earlier pilot study, we have reported benefits of short-term practice of a new life-style, two meals a day with only liquids in between, for management of GERD. Present case report demonstrates benefits of long-term practice of this dietary regimen. A 61 year old patient complaining of night refluxes was diagnosed to have severe GERD with ulcerations at gastroesophageal junction and was advised to take two meals a day with only water, fruit juice, tea, or milk in intervening period. His reflux symptoms improved within fortnight and he remained well for long-time. Endoscopy done after seven years revealed competent and clear gastroesophageal junction. It is concluded that suggested life-style, "Akram's life-style", for GERD is a useful alternate to risky medical and surgical interventions.
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional observational study was performed at the Poonch Medical College, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, from June 2018 to June 2019 to assess the relationship between self-esteem and the academic score of undergraduate medical students. Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSE) scale was used as data collection tool. The study questionnaire was electronically distributed to all 500 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S) programme out of which 253 submitted the questionnaire (response rate: 50.6%). The mean academic score of all students was 66.61± 5.42 and the mean RSE score was 28.66± 3.98). A statistically significant correlation was not found between age, academic score, and RSE score. Female students had slightly higher academic performance scores and RSE scores compared to the male students, but this difference was not statistically significant. Future studies are required to assess the contributing factors responsible for better academic performance.
