Papers by Amjad I Q B A L Burq
Background: Road traffic crashes are a leading global cause of mortality and disability, with mot... more Background: Road traffic crashes are a leading global cause of mortality and disability, with motorized two-wheeler riders among the most vulnerable road users. In Pakistan, rising motorcycle use has been accompanied by increased crash-related injuries, particularly head and neck trauma, resulting in long-term social and economic consequences. Objective: To determine the severity of injuries and disability outcomes among victims of motorized two-wheeler crashes through a follow-up study. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the trauma centers of Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, between April and June 2022. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 295 injured or deceased two-wheeler riders were included. Riders of any age or gender involved in road traffic crashes were eligible, while non-road trauma cases were excluded. Patients were followed for one month to assess post-injury outcomes, including incapacity, disability, disfigurement, and recovery. Results: Of the participants, 49.2% sustained head and neck injuries, 46.8% had multiple body injuries, and 4.1% had limb injuries only. At one-month follow-up, 51.0% were incapacitated, 17.0% developed disabilities affecting routine work, 14.6% had disfigurement, and 7.1% reported scarring. Complete recovery was achieved in only 5.4% of cases. Middle-aged adults constituted the most affected group. Conclusion: Motorized two-wheeler crashes are associated with high rates of head and neck injuries, long-term incapacity, and disability. Middle-aged adults are disproportionately affected, reflecting major socioeconomic implications. Preventive measures, especially strict helmet enforcement and road safety interventions, are urgently needed.
Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwid... more Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with motorcycle riders being among the most vulnerable road users. In Pakistan, motorcycles are the most common mode of transport, but high crash rates impose a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Despite this, limited research has explored the combined role of demographic, behavioral, vehicular, and environmental determinants of motorcycle crash outcomes. Objective: To identify the demographic, behavioral, vehicular, and environmental determinants of motorized two-wheeler crash injuries in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the trauma centers of Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Lahore General Hospital between April and June 2022. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 295 injured or deceased motorcycle riders were enrolled. Eligible participants included riders of any age or gender involved in road traffic crashes, while individuals with non-road trauma such as falls or assaults were excluded. Data were collected through a structured proforma and analyzed descriptively. Results: Most victims were working-age riders (17-60 years), highlighting occupational and commuting exposure. Adolescents (<17 years) exhibited high-risk behaviors, particularly stunt riding. Evening commuting hours accounted for the majority of crashes. Helmet non-use, frequently linked to thermal discomfort, significantly increased injury severity. The majority of motorcycles were in serviceable condition, suggesting behavioral rather than mechanical causes. Human error, including over-speeding and traffic violations, emerged as the most significant determinant of crashes. Conclusion: Motorcycle crash outcomes in Lahore are shaped primarily by demographic and behavioral factors, compounded by environmental risks. Targeted interventions including adolescent-focused safety programs, climate-appropriate helmets, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws are urgently needed.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains a formidable nosocomial pathogen, particularly in intensive care u... more Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains a formidable nosocomial pathogen, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), due to its intrinsic resistance mechanisms and capacity to acquire additional resistance determinants. This study aimed to elucidate the antibiotic resistance patterns and plasmid profiles of P. aeruginosa isolates obtained from ICU patients in Lahore, Pakistan, thereby contributing novel insights into the regional epidemiology of this pathogen. A total of 29 non-duplicate clinical isolates were collected over a 12-month period and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and plasmid profiling. The findings revealed a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, with significant resistance observed against carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. Plasmid analysis identified the presence of resistance genes, including bla_NDM-1 and bla_OXA-48, underscoring the role of plasmid-mediated gene transfer in the dissemination of resistance. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between prior antibiotic use and the emergence of MDR strains (p < 0.05). These results highlight the urgent need for stringent antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures to curb the spread of resistant P. aeruginosa in ICU settings. This study fills a critical gap in the understanding of resistance mechanisms in P. aeruginosa within the Pakistani healthcare context and sets the stage for future research into targeted therapeutic strategies.
Sleep disturbances are prevalent among patients with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and may in... more Sleep disturbances are prevalent among patients with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and may influence treatment outcomes. This study investigates the association between sleep disturbances and treatment efficacy in BPAD patients. The objective was to evaluate the extent to which sleep disturbances impact the therapeutic response, relapse rates, and overall symptom improvement during treatment. Utilizing a cohort of 150 BPAD patients categorized by the presence or absence of clinically significant sleep disturbances, treatment outcomes were assessed over a 12-month period using validated scales. Patients with sleep disturbances exhibited delayed symptom remission (mean reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: 17.4 ± 3.2 versus 20.1 ± 2.8, p < 0.01) and higher relapse rates (35% versus 18%, p < 0.05) compared to those without disturbances. These findings suggest that managing sleep disturbances should be a priority in BPAD treatment plans, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes. The study introduces novel insights into the interplay between sleep and mental health in BPAD, underscoring the importance of integrated care approaches. Further exploration of sleep-targeted interventions is warranted.
should focus on expanding these models to diverse populations and assessing their long-term impac... more should focus on expanding these models to diverse populations and assessing their long-term impact on healthcare costs and quality of life.
Background: Myopia is a rapidly increasing refractive error worldwide, particularly affecting you... more Background: Myopia is a rapidly increasing refractive error worldwide, particularly affecting young adults engaged in intensive near-work. Medical students are considered a high-risk group due to prolonged study hours, high screen exposure, and limited outdoor activity. Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, and awareness of myopia among undergraduate medical students in Sialkot. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September, 2025 at Islam Medical College, Sialkot Medical College, and Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College. A total of 201 students from MBBS, BDS, DPharm, and DPT programs were selected using random sampling method. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographics, myopia status, symptoms, family history, screen time, outdoor activity, and awareness of preventive measures. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results: Out of 201 participants, 64.7% were female, and most (59.8%) were aged 20-23 years. The prevalence of self-reported myopia was 53.2%, with 51.2% using eyeglasses as the primary correction method. Common symptoms included headaches (42.8%) and blurred distance vision (41.3%). Nearly half (49.8%) reported a family history of myopia, and 36.8% had daily screen exposure of 7-8 hours. Reading (49.8%) and mobile use (37.8%) were the most affected daily activities, while 42.3% reported a negative impact on academic performance. Although 75.1% were aware of screen time as a risk factor and 76.1% knew about preventive methods, only 46.3% practiced screen-time reduction, and most reported limited success. Conclusion: Myopia prevalence among medical students in Sialkot is high, with significant visual and academic impacts. Family history, excessive screen exposure, and reduced outdoor activity were key contributors. Despite awareness, preventive practices remain underutilized, underscoring the need for targeted educational and lifestyle interventions.
Objective To examine the associations between sleep quality and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH... more Objective To examine the associations between sleep quality and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and their associations with haemodynamic and cardiometabolic risk factors among adults with hypertension in Pakistan. Design A cross-sectional analytical study conducted from February to July 2025. Setting Conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in Sialkot, Pakistan representing both urban and rural populations. Participants A total of 405 participants aged ≥30 years, diagnosed with hypertension, were enrolled. Patients with primary sleep disorders, psychiatric illness, pregnancy or incomplete data were excluded. Outcome measures Sleep quality was assessed using the Urdu version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a cutoff ≥5. Blood pressure was measured as the average of three seated readings. LVH was determined by echocardiography. Modified Poisson regression with robust SEs was applied to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for factors associated with LVH and poor sleep, accounting for clustering by hospital. Results LVH was present in 38.3% of participants, and 68.4% had poor sleep quality. In fully adjusted models for LVH, poor sleep quality was not independently associated with LVH (aPR 1.11; p=0.512). Independent associates of LVH included: Age (aPR=1.32; p<0.001). Systolic blood pressure (aPR=1.021 per mm Hg; p<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure (aPR=1.030 per mm Hg; p<0.001). Longer hypertension duration (aPR=1.47; p=0.002). Overweight (aPR=0.77) and obesity (aPR=0.71) were inversely associated with LVH, consistent with the obesity paradox. Poor sleep quality was independently associated with smoking status, longer hypertension duration and higher blood pressure. Sensitivity analyses treating PSQI as a continuous variable (aPR=1.033 per point) suggested a modest dose-response relationship between more severe sleep impairment and LVH. Conclusions Elevated blood pressure, longer hypertension duration and smoking were significantly associated with LVH and poor sleep quality. Sleep quality was not an independent correlate of LVH, suggesting an indirect relationship mediated through haemodynamic factors.
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2018
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of low glycaemic index diet on weight loss among obese post-par... more OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of low glycaemic index diet on weight loss among obese post-partum women.. METHODS This randomised controlled trial study was conducted at the National Hospital and Medical Centre, and Services Hospital, Lahore, from April to June 2015, and comprised obese post-partum women. Subjects in the intervention group were assigned low glycaemic index diet for 12 weeks while the control group was advised to continue routine diet. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS Of the 74 participants, 38(51.4%) were in the interventional group and 36(48.6%) in the control group. The low glycaemic index diet had a significant effect on weight reduction in the intervention group compared to the control group (83.6±0.75 vs. 89.1±2) (p=0.02). Low glycaemic diet also had a positive impact on body mass index (p=0.02), body fat percentage (p=0.03) and fat mass (p=0.02). Significant changes were found in the intervention group after 12 weeks in terms of body mass index, ...
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the emerging treatment options for supraspinatus tendino... more Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the emerging treatment options for supraspinatus tendinopathy. Focus is on the effectiveness of LLLT in patients with partial tear of supraspinatus tendon. Two patients had three assessments; at baseline, six weeks and three months after the treatment. Tendon thickness, tendon tear, range of motion, manual muscle strength, quality of life, disability of shoulder, arm and hand were measured using errmusculoskeletal ultrasound, goniometer, Oxford classification of muscle testing, QOL-EQ-5D-3L. Patients received LLLT on a treatment dose of 840nm wavelength, 200mW probe and 30 seconds on each point. Therapy was started with energy dose as recommended by world association of laser therapy. Energy dose was reduced by 30% when inflammation came under control. Along with laser, general exercise instructions, Range of motion exercise plan, sham ultrasound for three minutes and cold packs for 15 minutes were applied to the patients three days weekly for three months. Both patients had improved pain, tear thickness, range of motion and functional ability of shoulder joint. Case report suggests high quality randomized controlled trial to find effectiveness of laser either as separate or an adjunct treatment for partial tears of supraspinatus tendon.
Background: Approximately 80 percent of patients who are suffering from Hepatitis C are uninforme... more Background: Approximately 80 percent of patients who are suffering from Hepatitis C are uninformed of their infection. Objective: To assess the prevalence of hepatitis C viral antibodies in high school teachers and students in the rural areas of Punjab, th th Pakistan. Methodology: A total of 1200 apparently healthy high school teachers and students (9 and 10 class) from rural rural st st rural communities of Punjab were randomly selected from 1 January to 31 December 2016. Probability based random sampling method was used. 5ml blood was drawn from each individual. Subsequently serum was separated from the blood sample for testing the antibodies of hepatitis C virus. The data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 22. Results: A maximum prevalence of 16.6% of the antibodies against hepatitis C virus infection was observed in the category of male high school students, followed by 10.6%, 8.3% and 5.3% in the category of male high school teachers, female high school teachers & female...
Low glycaemic index diet is effective in managing weight among obese postpartum women
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2018
To determine the effect of low glycaemic index diet on weight loss among obese post-partum women.... more To determine the effect of low glycaemic index diet on weight loss among obese post-partum women.. This randomised controlled trial study was conducted at the National Hospital and Medical Centre, and Services Hospital, Lahore, from April to June 2015, and comprised obese post-partum women. Subjects in the intervention group were assigned low glycaemic index diet for 12 weeks while the control group was advised to continue routine diet. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. Of the 74 participants, 38(51.4%) were in the interventional group and 36(48.6%) in the control group. The low glycaemic index diet had a significant effect on weight reduction in the intervention group compared to the control group (83.6±0.75 vs. 89.1±2) (p=0.02). Low glycaemic diet also had a positive impact on body mass index (p=0.02), body fat percentage (p=0.03) and fat mass (p=0.02). Significant changes were found in the intervention group after 12 weeks in terms of body mass index, body fat percentage, and f...
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Papers by Amjad I Q B A L Burq