Evaluation of a pre-post quasi-experimental educational intervention on breast cancer awareness among pharmacy professionals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Introduction: Cancer, particularly breast cancer, is a major contributor to mortality and a significant impediment to life expectancy. In 2020, breast cancer accounted for 11.7% of all cancer cases and caused approximately 685,000 deaths worldwide, surpassing lung cancer in prevalence. The study aims to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on breast cancer awareness among pharmacy students by comparing their understanding before and after the program. Method: A pre-post quasi-experimental study was designed to assess knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, breast self-examination (BSE) practices, and attitudes toward breast cancer among female university students in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants completed a pre-session questionnaire, attended an awareness workshop and video tutorial, and then completed a post-session questionnaire 2 weeks later. Results: Of 1,200 participants, 1,015 of them completed both the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Key demographic features included 83.9% of the participants being in the 18-24 age group, 26.8% being married, and only 14.2% having a family history of breast cancer. Before the intervention, 60.7% of the participants were not involved in regular breast self-exams due to a lack of awareness. Post-intervention results showed a significant increase in awareness, with 35.9% rising to 94.9%. The use of screening methods increased from 46.7 to 94.8%. Knowledge of breast cancer improved from 51.2 to 96.7%, and the general perception rose from 48.2 to 93.4%. Attitudes toward self-examination also shifted positively, indicating a significant change in perception. Interpretation and conclusion: The study concludes the baseline knowledge of breast cancer among female students was inadequate but improved significantly from over 40% to over 90% following the educational intervention. The intervention positively influenced the general perception and attitudes toward breast cancer. These findings highlight the need for regular educational sessions to enhance awareness, improve healthcare outcomes, and reduce mortality rates, particularly in developing countries.

Formulation development of sugar free antacid chewable tablets for diabetes induced acidity in patients.

Sugar free chewable tablets are considered to be desired medication for diabetic population having acid reflex problems. The main objective of this study is to develop a patient complaint tablet dosage form which is sugar free, chewable and easy to use. The formulation is designed for hyperglycemic and dysphasic patients along acidity or stomach ulcer. For manufacturing Aluminum Hydroxide (Kyowa Japan), Magnesium Hydroxide (Taurus chemicals India) Simethicone, Povidone (JRS pharma) Sorbitol powder, Magnesium stearate, Dilcalcium phosphate anhydrous, SSG (JRS pharma) and Aspartame were used. The granules formed by wet granulation method and tablets are compressed by rotary compression machine. The pre-formulation studies of granules (Angle of repose, Bulk/Tapped density, Carr's compressibility index and Hausner's ratio), uniformity of content (assay), acid neutralizing capacity, Identification by FTIR spectroscopy all are found within the limits as per USP specifications. All three formulation batches are stable under accelerated and ambient stability conditions for 6 months and 24 months respectively. The formulation development of sugar free oral chewable antacid tablet is pharmaceutically stable and can further analyze for safety and efficacy studies.