JMMC

When the Air Becomes Poisonous: Air Pollution and Pakistan’s Public Health Fight against a Silent Killer

Munawar Hussain Soomro — 2025-10-18

Air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges of the 21st century, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, rapid industrialization, urban sprawl, and weak regulatory enforcement have culminated in dangerously high pollution levels, particularly in major cities like La-hore, Karachi, and Peshawar. With over 135,000 premature deaths annually and a reduction in life expectancy by near-ly four years, the crisis transcends environmental degradation—it is a national health emergency.

Determinants of illness anxiety disorder among medical students in Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Manzoor Ali Jamali — 2025-10-18

Objective: To determine the burden and determinants of Illness anxiety (IA) among medical students in Hyderabad, Pa-kistan.
Methodology: This Cross-sectional study was conducted from September-December 2024 at the Isra University, Hyder-abad, Sindh. Participants regardless of their age and gender selected from 3rd, 4th and 5th years of MBBS at Isra Uni-versity, Hyderabad through stratified sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. Illness anxiety was assessed using Whiteley Index-7 and stress levels were assessed using Perceived stress scale-4. Data entered and analyzed in SPSS 27.
Results: Among the 234 participants, 42.0% of them had IA. Female participants having higher prevalence 63.3 % of IA compared males. The prevalence of IA was higher among 3rd year students (46.2%) compared to the 4th and 5th year. Moreover, the highest GPA scores (<3.0) had a higher probability of IA compared to their counterparts (p = 0.003). Stress showed the strongest association with IA. Female gender (aOR=2.40, p=0.001), 3rd-year status (aOR=1.85, p=0.02), high stress (aOR=3.05, p<0.001), poor sleep (aOR=2.60, p=0.001), and family anxiety history (aOR=2.10, p=0.01) were found as a significant determinants of IA.
Conclusion: Significant proportion of medical students experience health anxiety in Hyderabad. Whereas, female stu-dents, those in earlier clinical years, lower GPA, with a family history of mental disorders, high levels of stress and inad-equate sleep are all more affected by this problem and are significant determinants for this disorder.
Key words: Anxiety, Hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety disorder, Medical students, Whiteley Index-7, Perceived stress scale-4

Determinants of caesarean section in primigravida and of primary caesarean section in multigravida.

Amara Hayat — 2025-10-21

Objective: To identify and analyze the medical, obstetrical, and sociocultural determinants contributing to the increasing rates of caesarean section (CS) among primigravida women and primary CS in multigravida women at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences (PUMHS). A total of 100 pregnant women aged 18–40 years, with parity ranging from 1–5, were recruited through non-probability consecutive sampling. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, applying descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate associations among variables.
Results: Showed that 65% of participants underwent caesarean section, with a higher prevalence among primigravida women, primarily due to non-progression of labor (30%) and fetal distress (24%). In contrast, elective or family-requested CS (20%) were more commonly reported among multigravida women with previous vaginal deliveries. Medi-cal conditions such as gestational diabetes (20%) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (20%) were significantly associ-ated with primary CS. Non-clinical influences, including family pressure and personal preference, emerged as notable determinants, reflecting shifting cultural attitudes toward mode of delivery.
Conclusion: The data highlight the multidimensional character of rising caesarean rates, which are influenced by both clinical indications and modifiable social and behavioural factors.
Key words: caesarian section, global health, healthcare expenditures, maternal and child health.

Rising frequency of gestation trophoblastic disease in patients without known traditional risk factors

Aqsa — 2025-10-18

Objective: To explore emerging nutritional, environmental, and sociodemographic determinants of GTD in a local popu-lation.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peoples University of Medical and Health sciences for Women, Shaheed Benazirabad. During 6 months 50 women aged 18–40 years, with histopathologically confirmed GTD and gestational age less than 12 weeks, were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Structured proformas covering traditional risk factors and extended variables, including socioeconomic status, education, contraceptive history, subfertility, environmental exposures, dietary habits, and access to prenatal care was used to collect data.
Results: Showed only 16% of participants had a prior GTD history, and the majority belonged to lower socioeconomic (48%) and low-education (52% with primary education) groups. Notable non-traditional contributors included nutritional deficiencies—42% had low protein intake, 24% had inadequate beta-carotene and vitamin A intake, and 30% had zinc and selenium deficiencies
Conclusion: In conclusion, a serious public health concern is the rising incidence of GTD in women who do not have traditional risk factors.
Key words: Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic, Trophoblastic Neoplasms, Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Hyda-tidiform Mole, Hydatidiform Mole Invasive.

Dimension of learning styles among undergraduate dental students: A cross sectional study

Veena Kumari — 2025-10-18

Objective: To document frequency of different learning styles among dental students.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Muhammad Medical college (MMC) and Bhitai Dental college (BDC) Mirpurkhas from May 2021 to August 2021. 2nd year BDS students (n=198) were enrolled for the study. In addition to demographic, study participants were requested to complete VARK inventory (visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic) online to gather preferences of learning style.
Results: During period of study, among selected 198 participants, 172 questionnaires were completed filled with re-sponse rate of 86.86. Results showed that 64.2% participants used multimodal learning style while 35.8 % dental un-dergraduate students liked to learn through unimodal learning style
Conclusion: As expected, the learning preferences showed wide variation and therefore educators should try to adapt their teaching methods to the learning styles of their students, especially those with unimodal learning styles. At the same time students who prefer unimodal learning styles should encourage to adopt multimodal learning methods partic-ularly if their previous academic performance was poor in order to enhance their educational experience.
Key words: Learning style, Dentistry students, VARK Model ,Academic Achievement

The influence of manganese deficiency during gestation on the emer-gence of adult diseases. An experimental study on mice progeny.

Samreen Memon — 2025-10-21

Objective: To detect the possible role of Manganese deficiency in the development of adult diseases when exposed in utero.
Methodology: Total 24 adult female BALB/c female mice were divided into two equal size groups: group 01 was provid-ed normal feeding, whereas group 02 received a Manganese-restricted diet. Animals were permitted to mate once de-sired levels were achieved, and pregnancy was assessed by examining vaginal area. The similar dietary regimen was maintained during the entire gestation. Pups were maintained on the same diet until 15 months of age. The behavior and locomotion of animals was kept under observation. At 05- and 15-months different blood parameters were exam-ined. At 15 months age, the pancreas, kidneys and uterine tissue were excised for microscopic analysis.
Results: The group 2 animal group exhibited anomalous behavior and movement characteristics. In comparison to the control group, offspring in group G2 exhibited increased levels of blood glucose, serum insulin and cholesterol. H & E staining demonstrated modifications in the parenchyma of the pancreas and kidneys and were confirmed by immuno-histochemistry. The uterus appeared normal in both groups as indicated by anti-MLH antibody staining.
Conclusion: In utero Manganese deficiency may eventually leads changes of vital organs and play a role in the develop-ment of diseases later in the life.
Key words: Manganese restriction, mice offspring, adult diseases, in-utero.

Comparison of Central Corneal Thickness Measurements Using Contact and Non-contact Pachymetry Devices in Glaucoma Patients

Tahera Sadaf — 2025-10-21

Objective: To explore the relationship between contact and non-contact pachymetry methods in measuring central corneal
thickness among patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma.
Methodology: After ethical approval, written permission was obtained from all eligible participants after providing full details
about the procedure, risks, and benefits of the study for this cross-sectional study. Central corneal thickness was
calculated by contact method using Nidek Al scan biometer ultrasound measurement & by non- contact methods using
Nidek Al scan biometer optical measurement, TOMEY TMS 5 slit corneal topographer, and REXXAN SPM-700 specular
microscope. All collected data was digitized for use in the research analysis.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation of age was 57.90±12.19 years. In the distribution of gender, 44.0% were male
and 56.0% were female. A statistically significant correlation was observed between contact and non-contact pachymetry
measurements of central corneal thickness, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient calculated at r = 0.773 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: A positive significant linear correlation was noted between contact and non-contact pachymetry devices in
the measurement of central corneal thickness.
Key words: Contact Pachymetry, Corneal Thickness, Open Angle Glaucoma, non-contact Pachymetr

Decoding Identity: Integrating Fingerprints, Lip Prints, and Blood Groups in Forensic Investigations

Hari Ram — 2025-10-21

Objective: To determine the relation between fingerprint and lip printing methods with blood groups of medical students at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College Lyari, Karachi.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2024 at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhut-to Medical College Lyari, Karachi after getting institutional approval. Lip-print and fingerprints of all participants were recorded after getting informed consent. The blood sample were collected for blood grouping under aseptic conditions from middle finger through lancet. Collect data was analyzed through chi-square in SPSS ver. 26.
Results: Total 440 participants were included of which majority were male (53.4%) compared to female (46.6%). Type I' lip prints showed a significant gender differences (p <0.05), with a higher prevalence in females. For fingerprints, the right thumb Arch pattern was also significantly associated with gender (p<0.05), while Loop patterns exhibited a notable preference in males (p<0.05). Relationship between lip prints and blood groups were significant for Type I’ (p<0.05) and Type II (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Type I’ lip prints demonstrate strong relation with both A+ and AB+ blood type. This study observed a dis-tinct fingerprint patterns in right thumb arches and loops that show differences between male and female participants and point toward variations in gender-specific characteristics.
Key words: ABO Blood Groups, Forensic Science, Finger Prints, Lip Prints, Gender Determination, Cheiloscopy.

Anti-snake venom dosage administered to snake bite victims at the National Poisoning Control Center (NPCC) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Muhammad Ashar Khan — 2025-10-21

Objective: To determine the minimum and maximum doses of ASV provided in various cases of snake bites based on the severity of the bite and the amount of time passed between bite and hospital presentation.
Methodology: Data from 99 snakebite cases between September and December 2023 were examined retrospectively at the National Poison Control Center (NPCC), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, focusing on ASV dosage, severity categorization (mild, moderate, severe, and very severe), and time intervals from bite to ASV admin-istration (ranging from very early to extremely late).
Results: The study found a statistically significant relationship between the severity of envenomation and the ASV dos-age used, with a moderate to strong level of connection. Mild cases often required lower ASV dosages (50-150ml), but severe cases required highly varied and occasionally extensive dosing of up to 1500ml. Early presenters often got mod-erate ASV doses (150ml), whereas very late presenters (>72 hours) frequently required greater dosages.
Conclusion: This work adds to the empirical evidence for severity-based ASV dosing techniques and suggests combin-ing real-time data monitoring with the update of worldwide standards to meet the local epidemiological and health-care setting.
Key words: Anti Snake Venom (ASV), Envenomation, Retrospective Study, Public Health

Evaluation of the causes of primary root canal failure in permanent teeth.

Rizwana Bughio — 2025-10-21

Objective: To determine the reasons why the primary root canal treatment of permanent teeth may fail among patients who have a previous record of root canal treatment.
Methodology: The cross-sectional study design employed non-probability convenience sampling at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, over six months. Statistics were ana-lyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The patients had a mean age of 36.44 ± 10.85 years, with 44 (41.51%) males and 62 (58.49%) females. Under-obturation, lack of coronal restoration and over-obturation were the most frequent causes of failure of primary root canal treatment (55.66%, 26.42% and 17.92%, respectively).
Conclusion: The study concluded that the failure in root canal treatment was most often caused by under-irrigation of the canals. When carrying out endodontic management and nonsurgical retreatment, it is essential to carefully examine the symptoms of infection and the cause of failure. By paying close attention to the mentioned factors, one cannot only improve the quality of endodontic care but also increase the chances of treatment success.
Key words: Failure in permanent teeth, Over obturation, Under obturation, Root Canal Treatment.

Holistic approaches to PCOS: Diet, Exercise and Mental well-being.

Muhammad Faisal Javed — 2025-10-21

Objective: To comprehend holistic approaches through evaluating diet, exercise, and mental health in patients with poly-cystic ovarian syndrome.
Methodology: From August 2024 to January 2025, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the tertiary care facility in Jauharabad, Pakistan; following approval from the hospital's ethical committee and consent from study partici-pants. Total 85 females with PCOS that participated in the survey. PCOS was identified using the Rotterdam criteria by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire that included de-mographics, PCOS symptoms, holistic approaches (dietary practices, physical activity), and mental health (stress lev-els, coping mechanisms). Following data collection, SPSS 21 software was used to sort and analyze the data. For all variables, descriptive statistics using frequency and percentage were used.
Results: The majority of participants (45.9%) were between the ages of 28 and 36. 78.9% of those surveyed said they have mental health problems. 5.7% of respondents believed they lacked the knowledge and resources necessary to manage PCOS comprehensively. Just 33% of respondents were following holistic methods and eating a healthy, bal-anced diet. Just 17.7% of women reported engaging in daily physical activity. Of the individuals, moderate to high levels of stress were reported by 29.4% and 20%, respectively. 57.6% of participants said that emotional and psychological barriers made managing PCOS difficult, and 67.1% said that they had problems managing the condition because of conflicting information and guidance.
Conclusion: PCOS is linked to a variety of emotional, physical, hormonal, metabolic, and nutritional issues, such as de-pression and anxiety. These problems frequently lower patients' quality of life. Holistic treatments for PCOS are un-derappreciated and ought to be given more attention.
Key words: Ovarian Diseases, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Holistic approach, Diet therapy.

The protective role of the Methylcobalamin on Purkinje cell diameter in ir-radiated cerebellum of young albino rats: A morphometric study.

Amatul Sughra — 2025-10-21

Objective: To observe the radioprotective role, if any, of Methylcobalamin on Purkinje cell diameter in irradiated cerebel-lum of young albino rat.
Methodology: This experiment was carried out at Hamdard University's Department of Anatomy in Karachi from Febru-ary to May 2024. Fifty newborn albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups: A (control), B, C, D, and E. Each group was subsequently separated into two subgroups based on two and four-week observation intervals. Group B: Re-ceived a single dose of 3 Gy gamma radiation on the eighth postnatal day (PND). Group C received the identical irradia-tion treatment as Group B, followed by intraperitoneal delivery of methylcobalamin (200 μg/kg/day). Group D: treated with methylcobalamin from PND 1 and irradiated on PND 8. Group E received methylcobalamin from PND 1 without irradiation. Brains were dissected, the cerebellum was prepared for histology, and Purkinje cell diameters were meas-ured.
Results: A marked reduction (p < 0.001) in Purkinje cell diameter was observed in subgroups B1 and B2 compared to controls A1 and A2. methylcobalamin treatment in irradiated animals (Group C) resulted in significant (p < 0.05) recov-ery of Purkinje cell size compared to Group B. Pre-treatment with methylcobalamin (Group D) produced a moderately significant (p < 0.01) improvement. In non-irradiated methylcobalamin-treated rats (Group E), cell diameters increased significantly (p < 0.05 in E1 vs A1; p < 0.001 in E2 vs A2).
Conclusion: Gamma irradiation caused noticeable cerebellar damage and reduced Purkinje cell size. Methylcobalamin administration mitigated these effects, indicating a potential neuroprotective role against radiation-induced injury.
Key words: Purkinje cells, Methylcobalamin, irradiation, Cerebellum, Albino Rat

Blood Culture- Based Analysis of Neonatal Sepsis: Bacteriology and Antibiotic Resistance.

Asia Rashid — 2025-10-21

Objective: To determine the frequency of bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of blood culture posi-tive neonatal sepsis in the NICU of PAF Hospital Sargodha.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the NICU of PAF Hospital Mushaf, Sargodha for a period of six months. A total of 110 neonates as per the inclusion criteria for neonatal sepsis and having positive blood cultures were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Blood cultures obtained as per standard procedure to identify bacterial microbes and their sensitivity pattern were identified using microbiological and biochemical methods.
Results: Staphylococcus aureus was the most usually isolated pathogen (29.1%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.6%) and Escherichia coli (17.3%). Resistance to ampicillin (81.8%) and cefotaxime (67.3%) was seen at high levels. In comparison, meropenem (84.5%), vancomycin (81.8%), and amikacin (76.4%) showed higher sensitivity. Despite being less often isolated, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) continue to play an important role in antibiotic-resistant illnesses.
Conclusion: Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens play a key role in "neonatal sepsis," with developing re-sistance to routinely administered medications. Regular monitoring of bacterial patterns and antibiotic susceptibility pro-files is critical for guiding empirical therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit. In newborn care settings, it is critical to promote reasonable antibiotic use and strong infection control methods.
Key words: Neonatal sepsis, blood culture, antibiotic resistance, NICU, Staphylococcus aureus, antibiogram.

Strengthening Resilience: Work Stress, Coping Strategies, and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)

Qamar Yasmeen — 2025-10-21

Objective: To examine the interrelationships between perceived work stress, coping strategies, resilience, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among factory workers. It focused on understanding how coping mechanisms and psy-chological resilience influence stress and overall well-being in occupational settings.
Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative design was used, involving 200 full-time employees from a master tile facto-ry. Participants aged 21–60 years with at least one year of employment were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via structured, face-to-face interviews incorporating the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Brief COPE Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and the SF-36 Health Survey. Descriptive statistics sum-marized the data, and Pearson correlation assessed relationships among variables. Ethical approval and verbal in-formed consent were secured.
Results: Findings revealed that 40.5% of participants experienced mild stress, 24.5% moderate, and 17% high stress. Adaptive coping strategies such as humor (23%), active coping (21%), and emotional support (20.5%) were most com-monly used. Resilience scores indicated that 64 participants had high resilience and 58 had moderate to high levels. HRQoL results showed that 61% had well to excellent quality of life, while 21.5% reported poor to very poor health. Cor-relation analysis demonstrated significant associations: stress negatively correlated with resilience (r = -0.45) and HRQoL (r = -0.52), while resilience positively correlated with HRQoL (r = 0.48). Coping strategies positively correlated with both resilience (r = 0.35) and HRQoL (r = 0.31).
Conclusion: Stress reduction and enhanced HRQoL are associated with greater resilience and adaptive coping mecha-nisms. These results lend credence to the necessity of workplace mental health programs that emphasize good coping and resilience-building.

Key words: Resilience, Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Occupational health, Stress management, Adaptive cop-ing, Mental health.

Assessment of mental foramen position on Orthopantomograms (OPGs) in Hamdard Dental hospital Karachi, A retrospective study

Bhunesha Devi — 2025-10-21

Objective: This study intends to determine the most typical location of the mental foramen and whether the left and right sides differ using panoramic radiography.
Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study with Nonprobability convenient sampling was conducted on a digital orthopantomogram (OPG) of the population visiting in OPD of Hamdard University dental hospital Karachi. About 1192 panoramic (OPDG) radiographs between the period of 6 months November 2022 and May 2023 were evaluated with regard to the position of mental foramen in male and female subjects between the age of 15-65 years. The data was entered in SPSS version 16 and analyzed for Frequencies and associations of mental foramen between genders a both sides of mandible.
Results: The mean age of the patient was 34 years with female frequency 57%. The most common location of the fora-men was found to be below the apex of the 2nd premolar (n=636) followed by below the apex of the 1st and 2nd premo-lars (n=286) in relation to both left and right sides. Statistical analysis didn’t show a significant relation with the Gender.
Conclusion: Mental Foramen was most commonly observed below the apex of the second premolar, with higher fre-quencies in females 51%(n=352) compared to males 44%(n=255). Location of Mental Foramen in both genders was found to be at same position and there was no significant association
Key words: Anatomic land mark, Mandible, Mental foramen (MF), Panoramic x-rays (OPG) Orthopantomogram (OPG)

Association between Facial Nerve Palsy and Herpes Zoster infection in patients with immunocompromised state

Saima Parween Shaikh — 2025-10-21

Objective: To examine the relationship between patients' immunocompromised state and clinical severity and polycrani-al nerve involvement and recovery outcomes in groups of patients with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) at tertiary hospi-tals of Sindh, Pakistan.
Methodology: This retrospective cohort study included136 confirmed RHS cases during January to December 2024. Patients were classified as immunocompromised (n=41) and immunocompetent (n=95). Data included demographics, comorbidities, initial House-Brackmann facial nerve grade, polycranial nerve involvement, timing of initiation of antiviral therapy, and 6-month recovery. Statistical analysis consisted of Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and odds ratios.
Results: Patients with immunocompromised RHS were found to be significantly older (mean age, 61.2 vs 48.6 years; p<0.001) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes (58.5% vs 14.7%; p<0.001) and HIV (22% vs 0%; p<0.001). Severe initial facial nerve palsy (House-Brackmann Grade V/VI) was more prevalent in immunocompromised patients com-pared to immunocompetent patients (68.3% vs 36.8%; p<0.001). Polycranial nerve involvement was encountered in 56.1% of immunocompromised patients, whereas polycranial nerve involvement was identified in only 27.4% of immunocompetent patients (OR 2.71; p=0.001). Initiating antiviral therapy early (≤72 hours) in immunocompromised patients significantly improved rates of complete recovery at six months (57.1% vs 25.0% with delayed therapy; p=0.029).
Conclusion: Immunocompromised RHS patients are older, have more severe facial palsy, have a greater risk of polycra-nial nerve involvement, and recover at a slower pace, particularly if treated late.
Key words: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Immunocompromised, facial palsy, Herpes Zoster.

Relationship between maternal height and type of bony pelvis among reproductive age women from South Punjab.

Solmaz Masood — 2025-10-28

Objective: To explore the relationship between maternal height and type of bony pelvis among reproductive age women
from South Punjab.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from May 2024 to
October 2024. 384 postpartum females aged 18-35 years were included in this study. Maternal height was recorded by
a stadiometer and pelvic type was measured through X Ray pelvimetry. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation
and Chi-square test.
Results: The mean age was 26.7+4.5 (range 18- 35 years), mean height was 150.2+3.1 cm (range 145-155). The most
common type of pelvis was found to be gynecoid (38.0 %), followed by android (25.0%), anthropoid (22.0%) and
platypelloid (15.0%). Taller women were more likely to have gynecoid pelvis (r=0.35, p<0.01), while females categorized
as short heighted demonstrated higher frequency of android pelvis (r = -0.28, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Maternal height shows a positive correlation with pelvic type. Tall heighted females are more likely to have
gynecoid pelvis which is suitable for vaginal delivery. The maternal height measurement may help in Obstetric planning.
Key words: Maternal height, Pelvimetry, Bony pelvis, Obstetrics, Pelvic morphology

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Pharmacy Students Regarding Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Obstacles to its Acceptance in Pakistan.

Gotam Kumar — 2025-10-21

Objective: To assess awareness regarding HPV vaccination and identify the obstacles of its acceptance among phar-macy students.
Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among pharmacy students of Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Shaheed Benazirabad during April 2025 to August 2025. Data from 200 stu-dents was collected through a pre-designed questionnaire administered through one-on-one interviews. Statistical in-vestigation was done through using Statistical Software for Social Sciences version 26.0.
Results: Revealed that the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine was unknown to 59.0% of the participants. Just 34% knew that HPV is linked to cervical cancer. 74.0% said they would be open to getting immunized again. No pupils claimed to have received any vaccinations. With 92% of respondents never having attended an awareness workshop or had ever received a vaccination recommendation from their healthcare professionals, ignorance was the main obstacle identi-fied. Concerns about the negative effects of vaccinations were cited by 26% of individuals who were unwilling to get vaccinated, followed by side effects.
Conclusion: The findings show that pharmacy students in Nawabshah have serious deficiencies in their understanding and application of HPV vaccination. This highlights the urgent need for focused national awareness efforts and govern-ment-backed programs to address these issues and knowledge gaps and boost public and future healthcare profes-sionals' acceptability and uptake of the HPV vaccine. These initiatives are essential to enhancing preventative strate-gies and advancing the Who is objective of eliminating cervical cancer.
Key words: HPV vaccine, Human papillomavirus, Barriers, Pharmacy students.