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Albayrak A, Cengiz KN. Assessment of breast cancer awareness among female pharmacy students at a university in Turkey. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:363. [PMID: 38570769 PMCID: PMC10988868 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, and symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness among female students at a pharmacy faculty in Turkey. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted among female students at the Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Pharmacy between 2 November and 17 November 2023, in Isparta, Turkey. RESULTS This survey was answered by 237 (74.5%) female students. The median breast cancer risk factors score was 8 (IQR, 5-11), and the median breast cancer symptoms score was 5 (IQR, 2-8). Additionally, the breast cancer risk factors score was 46.16% (mean/max = 8.31/18, SD = 4.33) and the breast cancer symptom score was 58.5% (mean/max = 4.68/8, SD = 2.8). Few of the respondents (26.2%, and 20.3%, respectively) knew breast cancer risk factors such as late menopause, and no childbirth experience. Most respondents correctly answered symptoms of breast cancer, such as a painless and palpable breast lump, indrawing of the nipple, and sudden changes in breast shape (76.8%,44.3%, and 67.1% respectively). The students' sources of information were medical websites (29.5%), social media (27%), physicians (22.8%), friends & family (14.8%), and pharmacists (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that students' knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor, but their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Breast cancer awareness courses should be included in faculties. Additionally, more attention should be given to different educational interventions such as social media, television, and brochure distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslınur Albayrak
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
| | - Kayhan Nuri Cengiz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Hoq MI, Jahan S, Mahmud MH, Hasan MMU, Jakaria M. Breast cancer screening awareness, practice, and perceived barriers: A community-based cross-sectional study among women in south-eastern Bangladesh. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1799. [PMID: 38204752 PMCID: PMC10777436 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Bangladesh. An early-stage screening is the best way to reduce both the morbidity and mortality burden of breast cancer. The study evaluated awareness, practice, and perceived barriers toward breast cancer screening in Bangladesh. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to December 2022 in Chattogram, Bangladesh, where 869 women (18 years or above) were randomly selected in this study. Results Among 869 participants, 47.3% of women were recruited from urban areas and 52.7% participated from rural areas. Only 32.68% of respondents (urban vs. rural: 44.28% vs. 22.27%) were aware of breast self-examination (BSE) and 52.47% of respondents (urban vs. rural: 63.75% vs. 42.36%) had ever heard Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), respectively. Among the respondents, 27.73% (urban vs. rural: 40.15% vs. 16.59%) performed their BSE, and only 14.61% of respondents (urban vs. rural: 21.90% vs. 8.08%) had ever visited for CBE. Women residing in rural areas were approximately three times (AOR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.25-0.52], AOR: 0.37 [95% CI: 0.23-0.58]) less likely to perform BSE and CBE, respectively, than urban dwellers. We found that higher-educated women tend to do more BSE and CBE than women with low levels of education. Perceptions of having "no symptoms" and being "risk-free" are leading barriers to breast screening among women. Conclusion Poor awareness and practice were observed in screening among the urban and rural women in Bangladesh. Urban area dwellers had comparatively better understanding and practice than rural dwellers. We think extending health education and health promotion activities toward breast cancer screening is essential in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Injamul Hoq
- School of Public Health, Epidemiology and Social Medicine at the Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of Creative Technology ChittagongChittagongBangladesh
| | - Shamima Jahan
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesState University of BangladeshDhakaBangladesh
- Department of PharmacyInternational Islamic University ChittagongKumiraChittagongBangladesh
| | - Md. Hasan Mahmud
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesState University of BangladeshDhakaBangladesh
- Department of PharmacyInternational Islamic University ChittagongKumiraChittagongBangladesh
| | - Md. Mayin Uddin Hasan
- Department of PharmacyInternational Islamic University ChittagongKumiraChittagongBangladesh
| | - Md. Jakaria
- The Florey InstituteThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Tomic M, Vescan ML, Ungureanu MI. Exploring female medical students' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions related to breast cancer screening: a scoping review. J Med Life 2023; 16:1732-1739. [PMID: 38585536 PMCID: PMC10994607 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Early detection measures for breast cancer, such as breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammography, have considerable benefits in effectively reducing breast cancer-related mortality. As the incidence of breast cancer is steadily increasing, it is crucial to raise awareness on early detection. This scoping review assessed the current knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of breast cancer screening among female medical students. We used the six phases of Arksey and O'Malley's framework from the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) template. Our analysis included 43 articles from Google Scholar and PubMed search engines, focusing on female medical students. Our results showed that most female medical students had a satisfactory level of knowledge about the most common signs, symptoms, and early detection methods of breast cancer. Generally, their attitude and perceptions were positive regarding breast cancer-related preventive measures. However, the level of practice was reduced. Further efforts are necessary to promote and improve the practice of breast self-examination, clinical breast exams, and mammography among female medical students. Potential interventions could include modifications to the medical curriculum and social media campaigns to enhance engagement and adoption of these practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Tomic
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria-Lorena Vescan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marius-Ionuţ Ungureanu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Khamjan NA, Ahmed FA, Madkhali NM, Ayyoub LA, Dighriri RY, Kariri KA, Kamli H, Shubayr N. Evaluation of the Knowledge of the Most Common Cancers Among Health Students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e44871. [PMID: 37814764 PMCID: PMC10560132 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, and medical students are expected to have adequate knowledge and awareness of the most common types of cancer. This study aimed to assess the cancer knowledge of medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, focusing on breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PC), cervical cancer (CC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS This study employed a self-administered survey to evaluate both general and specialized knowledge of cancer types. A total of 321 medical students from different academic years participated in the study. The questionnaire used a scoring system where each correct answer was given one point, and each incorrect answer or "I don't know" response was given zero points. RESULTS The overall knowledge scores were 18.75 ± 4.43 out of 28 (67%). The students had a good level of general knowledge about cancer (5.26 ± 1.44 out of 7, 75%) and breast cancer (5.47 ± 1.44 out of 7, 78%) and a moderate knowledge level of prostate cancer (2.83 ± 1.07 out of 4, 71%), cervical cancer (2.74 ± 1.53 out of 5, 55%), and colorectal cancer (2.55 ± 1.61 out of 5, 50%). There were significant differences in cancer knowledge by gender, academic year, and having a relative or friend with cancer. All types of cancer knowledge were positively and significantly correlated with each other. CONCLUSION This study revealed the strengths and weaknesses of cancer knowledge among medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. The overall score for knowledge indicated a moderate level. The students had some knowledge about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, but some gaps and misconceptions need to be addressed. More education and awareness programs are necessary to improve cancer literacy among students and promote healthy behaviors that can reduce cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lina A Ayyoub
- Medical Laboratory Technology, Jazan University, Jazan, SAU
| | | | | | - Hossam Kamli
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, SAU
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Lounis M, Belkessa S, Abdelhadi S, Bencherit D, Samara KA, Barqawi HJ. Breast cancer knowledge and practices amongst women in Algeria. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04786-z. [PMID: 37147506 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04786-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aims at investigating how Algerian women feel about Breast Cancer (BC) and Breast Self-Examination (BSE) in terms of knowledge and attitude and to determine the factors associated with performing BSE and its reluctance. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional survey between October 14, 2021 and November 14, 2022, targeting Algerian females aged more than 18 years and living in the country using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 436 participants were involved in this study among which 41.28% were aged between 21 and 30 years and 34.86% were aged between 31 and 40 years. The average level of correct responses with regard to knowledge about BC was estimated at 51.31%, whereas it was 32.93% concerning knowledge about BC risk factors. Family history was the less reported incriminating factor for developing BC among the asked women (7.34%). Concerning alarming signs of BC, the current study revealed that Algerian women were less knowledgeable about breast dimpling-puckering (44.27%), breast inward traction (50.23%), breast redness (54.13%), and nipple position change (54.13%). In terms of belief in the utility of BSE in the early detection of BC, almost all the participants (97.98%) were convinced of its utility, whereas 96.33% of them showed an interest in learning more about it. In what concerns the early screening tests, approximately, four-fifth of the participant (77.52%) heard about them, while 94.72% believed that its early detection could reduce the disease's severity and mortality. CONCLUSION These findings revealed an insufficient level of knowledge concerning BC, especially in regard to its risk factors and some alarming signs as well as a lack of knowledge about BSE and other BC screening tests; hence the necessity of awareness campaigns about this disease that should target categories with the lowest level of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Lounis
- Department of Agro-Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Ziane Achour, BP 3117, Road of Moudjbara, 17000, Djelfa, Algeria.
- Laboratoire d'Exploration et Valorisation des Écosystèmes Steppiques (LEVES), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Ziane Achour, BP 3117, Road of Moudjbara, 17000, Djelfa, Algeria.
| | - Salem Belkessa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Ziane Achour, 17000, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Samir Abdelhadi
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Frères Mentouri University, 25000, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Djihad Bencherit
- Laboratoire d'Exploration et Valorisation des Écosystèmes Steppiques (LEVES), Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Ziane Achour, BP 3117, Road of Moudjbara, 17000, Djelfa, Algeria
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Ziane Achour, 17000, Djelfa, Algeria
| | | | - Hiba Jawdat Barqawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Shoukat Z, Javed Shah A. Breast Cancer Awareness and Associated Factors among Women in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:1561-1570. [PMID: 37247275 PMCID: PMC10495904 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.5.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is a highly prevalent cancer in females worldwide, with new cases around one million every year. In Pakistan, cancer of breast is the most common carcinoma in diagnosis, with one in nine females. Due to high burden of breast cancer in Pakistan, presented work purposes to investigate knowledge and awareness of breast carcinoma, its symptoms, and risk factors among Pakistani women, which play an important part in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. METHODS A sample of 1000 females were approached generally from universities, hospitals, public places, local markets, rural areas and other cities for on-site data collection through face-to-face interviews and online data collection through telephonic interviews in Pakistan using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM). By using SPSS V. 25.0, the information provided by the individuals first changed in awareness scores and was then analyzed. RESULTS The study displayed, that mainstream participants lacked knowledge of breast carcinoma (63.2%) and the importance of its screening tools (64.7% and 83.2% lacked knowledge of mammography and BRCA tests respectively) for early detection. Almost 45% of respondents never noticed a change in their breasts. Most participants were unaware about breast cancer development is age-related and lifetime risk. Slightly more than 50% of the participants of the study were not knowledgeable regarding modifiable risk factors of breast carcinoma. A commonly known symptom was Breast lump by 53% of the respondents. Association was determined between demographic variables and breast cancer knowledge scores. Only 37.4% of respondents were found to be knowledgeable regarding breast cancer. CONCLUSION BCAM is a productive instrument to assess awareness of breast carcinoma in females. The study indicated awareness of breast cancer is suboptimal in the population of Pakistan. Efforts should be made by public awareness campaigns and broadcasting of information about breast cancer and health education to increase awareness of risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuniara Shoukat
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ali Javed Shah
- Institute of Business Administration, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Use a web-app to improve breast cancer risk factors and symptoms knowledge and adherence to healthy diet and physical activity in women without breast cancer diagnosis (Precam project). Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:113-122. [PMID: 36348211 PMCID: PMC9877062 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01647-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of an educational intervention using a web-app to improve knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and symptoms and adherence to healthy eating and physical activity among women without breast cancer diagnosis in Asturias (Spain). METHODS A pragmatic randomized pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of a web-app-based intervention for women without breast cancer diagnosis. Women in the intervention group participated in a 6-month intervention web-app based on the Behaviour Change Wheel Model. The web-app includes information about breast cancer risk factors, early detection, physical activity and diet. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-fifth women aged 25-50 were invited to join the study. Two hundred and twenty-four were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG = 134) or control group (CG = 90) according to their place of residence. Adherence among women in the IG increased significantly from pre- to post-intervention for eight of the 12 healthy behaviors and for the identification of six risk factors and six symptoms compared to women in the CG and, among whom adherence only increased for two behaviors, the identification of one risk factor and 0 symptoms. The intervention significantly improved the mean number of risk factors + 1.06 (p < 0.001) and symptoms + 1.18 (p < 0.001) identified by women in the IG. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary results of this study suggest that an educational intervention using a web-app and based on the Behaviour Change Wheel model could be useful to improve knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and symptoms and to improve adherence to a healthy diet and physical activity in women without a previous breast cancer diagnosis.
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Boaventura LF, Cima BP, Lindenau JDR. Quanto você Sabe sobre Câncer de Mama? Avaliação do Nível de Conhecimento da População Brasileira. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CANCEROLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.32635/2176-9745.rbc.2022v68n4.3083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introdução: Apesar dos esforços de conscientização da população, permanecem altas a incidência e a mortalidade decorrente de câncer de mama em mulheres brasileiras. Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento da população brasileira sobre os fatores de risco que levam ao desenvolvimento dessa doença. Método: Foi utilizado um questionário estruturado on-line, enviado de setembro a dezembro de 2021, por meio das redes sociais e e-mail. Os participantes foram divididos em subgrupos (escolaridade, área de formação profissional, gênero, contato com indivíduos afetados pela doença e faixas de idade), e o teste de qui-quadrado foi realizado para verificar diferenças significativas entre eles. Resultados: Analisando as 200 respostas válidas da amostra como um todo, a taxa de acertos foi alta, ficando acima dos 70%. Ao contrapor os subgrupos, foram identificados resultados significativos para as análises relativas a escolaridade (p=0,016), área de formação (p=0,004), gênero (p=0,045) e proximidade com a doença (p=0,004), em que foi observado que as menores taxas de acertos foram de pessoas com o nível de escolaridade mais baixa, que não fazem parte da área de saúde, do sexo masculino e que não tiveram contato com pessoas próximas portadoras da doença. Conclusão: Foi possível avaliar o conhecimento dos participantes sobre o tema, entretanto, as ações atuais tomadas por grupos de extensão e divulgação científica e instituições de combate ao câncer de mama são válidas para alguns subgrupos, mas precisam atingir com mais qualidade pessoas de menor escolaridade, pessoas que não possuem formação na área da saúde e pessoas do sexo masculino.
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Rehman HT, Jawaid H, Tahir A, Imtiaz M, Zulfiqar T, Aziz T. Breast cancer knowledge among health professionals: A pre-post-knowledge-based intervention study. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:5649-5655. [PMID: 36505641 PMCID: PMC9731020 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1226_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Breast-cancer-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced by following worldwide-accepted screening guidelines and by appropriate education and training of health professionals on risk identification and screening. The study aimed to determine the significance of educational sessions in improving health professionals' knowledge about breast cancer, particularly screening modalities that can benefit the patients. Method and Materials An interventional study was conducted among 260 health professionals, including medical students, nurses, and allied health professionals. The intervention was an educational session on breast cancer risks and screening guidelines. Health professionals' knowledge about breast cancer risk, presentation, and screening were tested by a structured questionnaire before and after the educational session. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26. Chi-square was used to identify differences in pre and post-test. P value was considered significant at <0.05. Results There is a significant difference between pre-session and post-session responses in all areas of knowledge about breast cancer, with much improved outcomes after the educational session. Conclusion Health professionals lack knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, screening tools, presentation, and management. Regular education sessions improve these knowledge gaps and help early detection and treatment of women at risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huma T. Rehman
- Department of Family Medicine, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hina Jawaid
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Tahir
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan,Address for correspondence: Dr. Aisha Tahir, Department of Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences, Khayaban-e-Jamia Punjab, Block D Muslim Town, Lahore, Punjab - 54600, Pakistan. E-mail:
| | - Misha Imtiaz
- Department of Emergency, Naeem Surgical Hospital and Maternity Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tehzeeb Zulfiqar
- National Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australia
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Adjunct Faculty Family Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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