Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. In 2020, approximately 2.3 million women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in around 685,000 deaths globally. The high incidence and prevalence of breast cancer have made it a major public health problem in both developed and developing nations, leading to overburdened health systems and increased direct medical expenditure. This research was conducted to assess the impact of breast cancer awareness programs on breast screening utilization among women in the United Arab Emirates. A cross-sectional study using a content-validated interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted among 959 women aged ≥ 20 years from 31st May 2023 to 31st October 2024, in the United Arab Emirates. Data on sociodemographics, awareness program participation, screening utilization, and barriers were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Among the study participants,304 (31.7%) had attended awareness programs. Attendance was associated with younger age, higher education, and being single (p < 0.001). Among those who have ever attended any breast cancer awareness programs who had utilized the screening were 38.5% compared to 13.3% non-attendees (p < 0.001). The study concluded that age, education level, and marital status were significantly associated with participation in breast cancer awareness programs (p-value < 0.05). Key barriers included a lack of physician recommendations (24.3%), knowledge gaps (23%), and cost concerns (22.6%). The study shows that participation in the awareness programs varied based on age, education and marital status, additionally, those with lower educational levels had a higher attendance at the awareness programs, emphasizing the significance of educational initiatives. The study showed a link between attending breast cancer awareness programs and the use of screening services, furthermore, notable gap in screening utilization such as emotional and perceived barriers were noted. Thus, its necessary to overcome these challenges for enchaning early detection and treatment outcomes. Interventions such as targeted educational campaigns, improved screening facility and better communication between physicians and patients can aid in addressing these challenges.

Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal (BPJ) is an international, open access, peer reviewed, quarterly research journal.

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases at an alarming rate with the increase in an individual’s blood pressure. Rise in systemic arterial blood pressure can be caused by factors such as unhealthy diet (excessive intake of salts, trans-fats and saturated fats), alcohol intake, inadequate sleep, smoking and decreased levels of physical activity. This narrative review aims at providing an overview of the existing studies on the relationship between duration of sleep as well as its quality and hypertension. The studies reported in this review were collected from the databases that include PubMed, Sciencedirect, Hindawi, ResearchGate and AHA journals in the period of 2006-2022. The keywords used for searching in the databases included sleep, insomnia, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The two sociodemographic variables considered was age and gender. Literature review showed that individuals reporting shorter durations of sleep, disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia were shown to be suffering from hypertension as compared to individuals receiving adequate and quality sleep at night. Data from this review article can prove beneficial to the common population in the understanding of sleep being a modifiable risk factor of hypertension and encourage healthcare workers and patients to make the necessary changes in their sleeping patterns to prevent hypertension and associated cardiovascular events.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measurement of the amount of minerals, primarily calcium and phosphorus, in bone tissue. Factors that can affect BMD include age, gender, genetics, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions. As people age, the density of their bones starts to decline gradually. Due to hormonal changes during menopause, the chance of developing osteoporosis among women is very high. Genetics also play a role in BMD, with some individuals having a higher genetic predisposition to osteoporosis and lower BMD. Physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking are some factors associated with BMD. Regular exercise is a protective factor, whereas other two smoking and excessive alcohol are risk factors. It is important to monitor BMD throughout life to identify any potential health concerns and take steps to prevent bone loss. A healthy lifestyle is an important factor that will help maintain sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake and take medication or supplements as directed by a healthcare professional. Regular physical activity such as walking and running can help promote bone health and maintain BMD.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases. Objectives: This research assessed the magnitude of hypertension among young adults, identified its key determinants, and explored potential strategies adopted for prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, including 1606 participants aged 18 years and older, recruited through convenience sampling from universities and community settings. Data were collected using a content-validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle habits. Results: Of the participants, 993 (61.8%) reported hypertension, nearly double previous national estimates. Male gender, age ≥ 30 years, and family history were significant risk factors, along with smoking, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet, while physical activity and dietary modification were protective. Despite high prevalence, only 22.1% had controlled blood pressure and 17.8% adhered to medication, with 51.5% relying on herbal remedies. Conclusions: These findings highlight the urgent need for early screening, youth-focused awareness, and culturally tailored interventions to reduce hypertension and prevent long-term cardiovascular complications. Hypertension among young adults in the UAE is a major public health concern, requiring integrated strategies combining education, lifestyle modification, and medical management to improve outcomes.

Population ageing is one of the most profound demographic transformations of the 21st century and represents a major public health success driven by advances in medicine, public health, and socio-economic development. By 2050, the global population aged 60 years and above is projected to exceed 2.1 billion, with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. However, gains in life expectancy have not been matched by equivalent improvements in healthy life expectancy, resulting in longer survival with chronic disease, disability, and functional decline. This manuscript examines the concept of healthy ageing through a public health lens, emphasizing the importance of functional ability, quality of life, and equity across the life course. Using the 6W framework, the paper explores why population ageing matters, what demographic and epidemiological transitions are occurring, who is affected, where interventions are most effective, when action is required, and how public health systems must respond. Key challenges, including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, disability, loneliness, and health system strain, are discussed alongside opportunities offered by primary health care, community-based interventions, digital health, and policy reform. The manuscript highlights the critical role of preparedness in transforming longevity into healthy ageing and underscores the need for integrated, life-course-oriented, and equity-focused public health strategies.