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To map empirical evidence on sexual victimisation among higher education students, focusing on disclosure pathways, coping strategies and the extent and nature of family-related evidence.
Scoping review.
Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE via EBSCOhost, ERIC via EBSCOhost, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Citation Index, Google Scholar and citation tracking. The most recent search was conducted in June 2026.
Primary empirical quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies published between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2025 were eligible if they included higher education students and/or family members and reported on at least one focal domain: disclosure, reporting, help-seeking, coping, recovery, social support or family involvement after sexual victimisation.
Two reviewers screened records and extracted data using a standardised form. Quantitative findings were summarised descriptively; qualitative and mixed-methods findings were charted by focal domain and integrated narratively. Equity-relevant characteristics were mapped using PROGRESS-Plus.
After screening and eligibility verification, 86 studies met the Population-Concept-Context criteria. These comprised 70 journal articles, 11 theses/dissertations and 5 conference proceedings papers. Most studies were conducted in North America and employed cross-sectional survey designs. Definitions and measures of sexual victimisation varied widely. When disclosure occurred, it was most often directed to peers and other informal supporters, whereas formal reporting to campus, legal or healthcare systems was less common. Coping responses ranged from social support, counselling, safety planning and advocacy to avoidance, self-blame, substance use and academic withdrawal. Family members were rarely sampled directly; family-related evidence was usually indirect, derived from students’ accounts of disclosure recipients or perceived reactions.
The evidence indicates persistent gaps in non-US contexts, distance-learning settings, research on male and gender-diverse students’ experiences and direct family-level research. Campus responses should be trauma-informed and equity-informed, while recognising that evidence for family-inclusive interventions remains preliminary and requires further empirical development.
by Abdul Mannan, Jamshaid Ul Rahman, Ebraheem Alzahrani, Osman Abubakar Fiidow
The hepatitis C virus is a significant global health concern and a major cause of chronic liver disease. Therefore, developing a mathematical model is essential for understanding, controlling and managing its transmission dynamics. In this paper, we developed a mathematical model and simulated the dynamics of transmission of the hepatitis C virus, considering alcohol use, a key factor contributing to increased damage to the liver of infected individuals. Computational investigation of nonlinear biological models by traditional numerical solvers is challenging due to their nonlinearity and inherent complexity. Furthermore, we proposed a deep learning-based technique to solve the nonlinear differential equations governing the model for transmission of the hepatitis C virus in six compartments. The proposed deep learning-based model is compared with other established methods like the Runge-Kutta method and Livermore solver for ordinary differential equations algorithm to validate its efficacy and accuracy in predicting hepatitis C dynamics. The basic reproduction number, R0, is calculated and stability is analyzed at both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. Sensitivity analysis is performed to determine key parameters that contribute to hepatitis C transmission. The results indicate that the proposed approach is an efficient and robust solution with better convergence and stability than existing methods. This study highlights the potential of deep learning methods in epidemiology as a promising tool for predicting and controlling infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, particularly in the presence of behavioral risk factors such as alcohol consumption.by John Martin Tumwebaza, Sarad Pawar Naik Bukke, Bayapa Reddy Narapureddy, Radiana Makuza Kabera, Joel Sebisaalu, Amina Abubakar, Patrick Muasya Kitheka, Godwin Nimusiima, Awad Osman Abdalla Mohamed, Moses Muwanguzi, Scholastic Ashaba, Tadele Mekuriya Yadesa
BackgroundAdverse drug reactions (ADRs) are associated with hospitalization, increased healthcare cost, morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity and associated factors of ADRs among patients taking antipsychotics at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).
MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among patients taking antipsychotics at the psychiatric clinic from March to May 2025. Consecutive sampling was employed whereby all eligible patients attending the psychiatric clinic during the study period were recruited until the required sample size was attained. All patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, and who had received an antipsychotic for at least the previous one month were interviewed. STATA version 17 was used for statistical data analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges. ADRs were analyzed for severity using the modified Hartwig and Siegel scale. We run multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with ADRs.
ResultsA total of 415 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 38. Fifteen ADRs were commonly reported among patients taking antipsychotics. More than half of the participants (256/415, 61.70%) experienced at least one ADR, with sedation being the most frequent (31.3%). Of the reported ADRs, 12/15 (80%) were moderate in severity. Separation from spouses (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.08–3.77], p = 0.029), diagnosed with bipolar disorder (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI [1.07–4.07], p = 0.031), and co-administering both IM & oral antipsychotic (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.03–3.70], p = 0.041) were significantly associated with ADRs.
ConclusionThe current study showed that over 6 in 10 participants taking antipsychotics experienced at least one ADR, the majority of which were moderate in severity. Separation from a spouse, bipolar disorder, concomitant use of oral and intramascular antipsychotics were independently associated with ADRs. These findings highlight the need for strengthen monitoring and preventive strategies, particularly among high-risk patients taking antipsychotics. Integration of clinical pharmacists into the psychiatry care teams may further enhance ADR detection, monitoring and management.
Irrational prescribing is a major global health concern, contributing significantly to increased morbidity, mortality and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite existing knowledge and awareness, irrational antibiotic use remains prevalent among healthcare professionals.
This qualitative study aimed to explore the contributing factors to irrational antibiotic prescribing, understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions, identify barriers to rational use and gather suggestions for improving rational antibiotic use.
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with participants. A total of 60 healthcare professionals (20 physicians, 20 pharmacists and 20 nurses) participated after providing verbal consent.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals across various clinical settings in Pakistan until data saturation was reached. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was used to ensure transparent reporting. An inductive thematic analysis approach was employed and themes and subthemes were developed from the data.
The findings revealed a generally good understanding of irrational prescribing. Contributing factors included prescriber-related issues, patient expectations, weak regulatory oversight and underutilisation of pharmacists. Key barriers identified were financial constraints, lack of awareness and insufficient resources. Suggestions for improvement included regular audits, public awareness campaigns, an integrated healthcare system, interprofessional collaboration, drug utilisation reviews, adverse drug reaction reporting, standardising hospital policies and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
This study highlights critical factors and barriers contributing to irrational antibiotic prescribing and presents practical suggestions to improve rational use. Implementing evidence-based approaches, updating clinical guidelines, and promoting awareness among healthcare professionals are essential steps toward improving prescribing practices and combating AMR.
Iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation in pregnancy is recommended by the WHO, with a dose of 60 mg of iron in contexts where anaemia remains a severe public health problem. Iron-containing supplements may cause side effects that affect acceptability and adherence in a dose-response manner. Maternal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), which include iron and folic acid plus additional micronutrients, are also recommended in the context of rigorous research, and programmes are considering transitioning from IFA to MMS containing 30 mg of iron. We will evaluate the effect of iron dose in MMS on maternal acceptability, side effects, adherence and preferences.
The Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) Iron Dose Acceptability Crossover Trial is an individually randomised, quadruple-blind, non-inferiority crossover trial of daily antenatal MMS supplementation formulations that contain 60 mg, 45 mg and 30 mg elemental iron among pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 156 pregnant participants will be randomised to a sequence in which they receive each of the three MMS formulations for 1 month. Participants, investigators, outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded to the treatment sequence. The primary trial outcome is participant-reported acceptability of each MMS formulation, measured on a Likert scale. Secondary and tertiary outcomes include preferred and least preferred formulation, identification of MMS formulation, reported side effects and adherence assessed by pill count. Regression analyses will be used to assess differences between formulations and will account for sequence and period effects of the crossover trial design. Qualitative in-depth interviews from a subsample of participants will be conducted to understand women’s perceptions and experiences taking the different MMS formulations.
The trial protocol was approved by Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Ifakara Health Institute IRB, the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences IRB, the National Health Research Ethics Sub-Committee and the Tanzania Medicine and Medical Device Authority. Results will be shared through publications and presentations at the local, regional and international levels.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06069869.
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