Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a serious public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therapeutic programs are often considered the most effective solution to this problem. However, multiple social and structural factors challenge the social inclusion, sustainability, and effectiveness of such programs. In this article, we aim to explore how poor and remote households face structural inequities and social exclusion in accessing nutrition-specific programs in Pakistan. The study specifically highlights significant reasons for the low coverage of the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in one of the most marginalized districts of south Punjab. Qualitative data are collected using in-depth interviews and FGDs with mothers and health and nutrition officials. The study reveals that mothers’ access to the program is restricted by multiple structural, logistical, social, and behavioral causes. At the district level, certain populations are served, while illiterate, and poor mothers with lower cultural capital from rural and remote areas are neglected. The lack of funding for nutrition causes the deprioritization of nutrition by the health bureaucracy. The subsequent work burden on Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and the lack of proper training of field staff impact the screening of SAM cases. Moreover, medical corruption in the distribution of therapeutic food, long distances, traveling or staying difficulties, the lack of social capital, and the stigmatization of mothers are other prominent difficulties. The study concludes that nutrition governance in Pakistan must address these critical challenges so that optimal therapeutic coverage can be achieved.

Sleep is an integral human need. A significant public health issue is getting little sleep, which harms health. University students are one of the groups most at risk for poor sleep quality and chronic sleep loss, which could influence both physical and mental health. Students frequently report having persistent sleep issues and may exhibit poor sleep hygiene habits. However, little research has investigated the role of good sleep habits concerning sleep quality and mental health. The present study explores the relationship between sleep hygiene, sleep quality, and mental health among university students. The research design was cross-sectional, and the sample was chosen using a non-probability convenience sampling strategy. Sample comprised of university students (N= 210). The scale of positive mental health, sleep hygiene index, and general sleep scale were used for data collection. Results revealed a significant correlation between sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and mental health among university students. Both sleep hygiene and quality were found to be significant predictors of positive mental health. A significant gender difference was found between sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and positive mental health among male and female university students. These findings can provide information about the link between the study variables and interventions for developing good sleep hygiene habits and quality of sleep amongst university students. It could help improve mental health among this at-risk population.

Social media has become a necessary part of people's lives in the current era. However, compulsive use of social media could have severe consequences for the psychological and social health of users. The current research was carried out to study the relationship between social media addiction, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and disordered eating behaviors among university students. Data was selected through non-probability convenience sampling, and a sample of 300 university students aged 18-30 years (M=21.34, SD= 5.86) was collected. The Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Rejection Sensitivity Scale, and Disordered Eating Behavior Scale were used for assessment. Results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between social media addiction, appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and disordered eating behavior in students. Also, rejection sensitivity acts as a mediator between social media and disordered eating behavior. The study found disordered eating behavior is more common in women than men. This research implies that social media can serve as a significant factor in appearance-based rejection sensitivity and eating disorders in students and young people. This study could create awareness about appropriate social media use and its consequences on students. It would also help in devising strategies that could prevent the damage it could have on the mental and physical health of students, particularly appearance comparisons and judgments, risk of depression, and appearance-based rejection sensitivities.

The objective of this study was to investigate the interplay between perceived stress, sleep quality, and coping mechanisms among medical students, with a view to understand their implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - "Good Health and Well-being," and considering environmental factors. Conducted as a cross-sectional study and 300 medical university students (152 men, 148 women), aged 18 to 25 years (mean age = 22.73, SD = 1.78), were selected using stratified random sampling based on their academic year. The study employed the Perceived Stress Scale, General Sleep Scale, and Brief COPE to assess the study variables. The results revealed gender differences in coping strategies, with female students exhibiting higher scores in avoidant and emotion-focused coping, while male students leaned towards problem-focused coping. Notably, perceived stress and avoidant coping emerged as significant predictors of poor sleep quality (p<.05) among the participants. This study found significant relationship among use of green spaces, stress, sleep quality, and coping strategies among medical students, aligning with SDG 3's objective of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Furthermore, while the study did not directly address environmental factors, it indirectly emphasizes the importance of creating conducive environments for health and well-being. Environmental considerations such as access to green spaces and a healthy physical environment can influence individuals' stress levels and sleep quality, contributing to holistic health outcomes. Given these findings, the study recommends that counseling centers in universities develop strategies for managing students' stress and sleep quality, while promoting healthy coping skills. By addressing these factors comprehensively, universities can contribute to enhancing students' psychological well-being and advancing progress towards SDG 3 and create sustainable and healthy environments, as outlined in SDG 13 (Climate Action), to complement initiatives focused on fostering sustainable environments conducive to health and well-being.

Insomnia is the most commonly occurring disorder of sleep experienced by individuals with chronic kidney disease. It is associated with physical and psychological health issues specifically the ones on hemodialysis. Objective: To find out the frequency of insomnia in individuals undergoing hemodialysis and to examine the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life. Methods: It was a cross sectional study and non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the sample of patients undergoing hemodialysis from a dialysis center of Lahore. The sample consisted of both men and women (N=100) with age range 40 and above (M=51.40, SD=7.25). Insomnia, general sleep scale and quality of life scale were used to collect data from the participants. Results: Insomnia was found to be prevalent in 6% of the patients. Quality of Life (QOL) was significantly poor in individuals with insomnia and poor sleep quality as compared to the ones with better sleep. Older age, increasing duration of hemodialysis and poor sleep quality were significant predictors of quality of life in our sample. Conclusions: Insomnia and/or poor-quality sleep have a detrimental effect on patients’ quality of life in kidney disease. These findings can provide basis for awareness campaigns and health promotion programs aimed at timely diagnosis and management of insomnia and improvement in sleep quality as well as quality of life in individuals undergoing hemodialysis

People with diabetes often experience two mental health conditions which are diabetes distress and depression. Both the conditions affect them negatively and increase their risk of diabetes complications and poor disease management. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of diabetes distress and depression in our sample and examine the relationship among diabetes distress, depression and coping strategies among adults with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: Cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The sample consisted of 125 patients of Type 2 diabetes with age range between 40 to 55 years (M=49.94, SD=4.21). Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Diabetes distress scale, depression scale and coping scale were used to assess the study variables. Results: 34% patients had moderate distress worthy of attention. Being woman, younger age, having poor coping skills and depression were significantly associated with diabetes distress. Conclusions: High rates of diabetes distress in the study highlights the significance of identifying distress and other mental health issues in individuals having diabetes to provide psychological management and collaborative care to them.