Shaneela Khowaja - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Shaneela Khowaja

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 19, 2024

Medical Journal Of South Punjab, Oct 19, 2023

PubMed, Dec 1, 2012

In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to ... more In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to human life, but it could also have an adverse impact on mankind. Among all these advancements, media is one of the inventions which aims at capturing a countless group of viewers and transmit information via various mediums. Media violence is considered one of the hampering determinants which harms an individual psychologically. The primary goal of a health professional is to work for the maintenance of mental health. Therefore, it is imperative to create an understanding about the impact of media violence on mental health, particularly in the Pakistani context. Violence has become a major public health problem in Pakistan. The main cause of violence seems to be anger and frustration due to poverty, political conflicts, lack of education, and the overall governance approach in the country. Therefore, there is a prime need to think and work on this neglected area like conducting research and increasing public awareness, and to curb media violence.

PubMed, Aug 1, 2012

Pakistan is both a country of origin and destination as far as women trafficking is concerned. Po... more Pakistan is both a country of origin and destination as far as women trafficking is concerned. Poverty, gender discrimination, lack of education, and ignorance about legal rights are some of the underlying causes. Available data suggest several areas of concern, like, for instance: direct health effects, maladaptive coping leading to the use of illicit drugs, and inaccessibility to healthcare facilities. Therefore, numerous interventions would be required at three levels: the prevention of trafficking, the protection of victims and the prosecution of the traffickers.

i-Manager's journal on nursing, Apr 15, 2012

ABSTRACT Abortion is a complex, obsessive and sensitive argument that are interconnection with cu... more ABSTRACT Abortion is a complex, obsessive and sensitive argument that are interconnection with culture, religion, legal and moral grounds. Being a health care provider, the concept of life and death are the central to it and the issue of mother's and fetus's responsibility is come under the saving the life of a human being. Religion, medical science, and ethical principles have given the grounds to argue as well as counter argue the issue. At a final conclusion of such a sensitive and vital issue of abortion, this paper has argued against abortion as abortion is not just save the life of the fetus but it also prevents the life of the mother from danger. Moreover, various practical strategies have been proposed to go against abortion. Being nurses, addressing such an important dilemma has made us to think and realize that what are the possible issues and how to resolve them. There is no right or wrong answer but to resolve the dilemma in greatest good of all such as patients or the family members

i-Manager's journal on nursing, Apr 15, 2012

Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students' learning styles.... more Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students' learning styles. Attention to learning styles and learner's diversity has shown an increase students' motivation towards learning. Effective teaching is defined as maximizing learner educational achievement, and teacher and student subject contentment. The key attributes of effective teaching are teacher's preparation, knowledge on the subject, attitude, enthusiasm, and content clarity. Moreover, applying various theories of learning such as behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism are the effective ways to enhance students' learning journey. Therefore, these effective teaching strategies should be promoted and encouraged in the real world of teaching.

Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students’ learning styles.... more Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students’ learning styles. Attention to learning styles and learner’s diversity has shown an increase students’ motivation towards learning. Effective teaching is defined as maximizing learner educational achievement, and teacher and student subject contentment. The key attributes of effective teaching are teacher’s preparation; knowledge on the subject; attitude; enthusiasm; and content clarity. Moreover, applying various theories of learning such as behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism are the effective ways to enhance students’ learning journey. Therefore, these effective teaching strategies should be promoted and encouraged in the real world of teaching

i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2012

The postpartum period is a critical and significant time in relation to maternity care. It is a v... more The postpartum period is a critical and significant time in relation to maternity care. It is a very unique, and an individual based experience of women, that requires special care from the health care professionals, especially from nurses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe, understand and interpret the experiences of women during their post-partum period. A qualitative study, using Van Manen’s methodological approach to hermeneutic phenomenology, was selected, in order to capture the full and rich understanding and meaning of this phenomenon in the women’s live. Women were enrolled from three different areas of the, urban squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. Eight women were enrolled who met the inclusion criteria; who were in the two to six weeks range of the postpartum period. Unstructured interviews were conducted with open-ended questions; the audio-taped interviews were transcribed; and translation was done from Urdu to English. The study utilized van ...

at a much faster rate than neonatal deaths. Pakistan has the 6th highest rate of neonatal deaths ... more at a much faster rate than neonatal deaths. Pakistan has the 6th highest rate of neonatal deaths in the developing world (World Health Organization, 2006). A greater understanding of the social and cultural circumstances of the families may help better target interventions to improve survival rates of neonates in Pakistan. Method: A qualitative research design using the phenomenology method drawn from a feministic perspective. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants (10 mothers and 8 fathers) from Ibrahim Haidery situated in Bin Qasim Town. Results: Mothers were able to explain the relationship between breast milk and infant health: First of all, mother’s milk is important for the child; nothing is better than that (Father #9). Crying was the cue used to initiate feeding. Most mothers indicated that newborn’s required early supplements: If any mother does not have milk then we feed sulemani chai (tea) (Mother #5). Non-breast milk substances are also given to improve the ...

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2012

In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development... more In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to human life, but it could also have an adverse impact on mankind. Among all these advancements, media is one of the inventions which aims at capturing a countless group of viewers and transmit information via various mediums. Media violence is considered one of the hampering determinants which harms an individual psychologically. The primary goal of a health professional is to work for the maintenance of mental health. Therefore, it is imperative to create an understanding about the impact of media violence on mental health, particularly in the Pakistani context. Violence has become a major public health problem in Pakistan. The main cause of violence seems to be anger and frustration due to poverty, political conflicts, lack of education, and the overall governance approach in the country. Therefore, there is a prime need to think and work on this neglected area like conducting resea...

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2014

Background: Given regional variability and minimal improvement in infant mortality rates in Pakis... more Background: Given regional variability and minimal improvement in infant mortality rates in Pakistan, this study aimed to explicate sociocultural influences impacting mothers' efforts to maintain or improve newborn health. Methods: We used a qualitative phenomenological approach. A total of 10 mothers and 8 fathers from a fishing village in Karachi, Pakistan were purposefully sampled and interviewed individually. A focus group was undertaken with four grandmothers (primary decision makers). Transcripts were independently reviewed using interpretive thematic analysis. Results: A multigenerational approach was used in infant care, but mothers did not have a voice in decision-making. Parents connected breast milk to infant health, and crying was used as cue to initiate feeding. Participants perceived that newborns required early supplementation, given poor milk supply and to improve health. There were tensions between traditional (i.e., home) remedies and current medical practices. Equal importance was given to sons and daughters. Conclusion: Findings suggest that social and cultural influences within families and the community must be considered in developing interventions to improve newborn health. Introducing non-breast milk substances into newborn diets may reduce the duration of exclusive or partial breastfeeding and increase risks to infant health.

Open Journal of Depression, 2013

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2011

Background High rates of antenatal depression and preterm birth have been reported in Pakistan. S... more Background High rates of antenatal depression and preterm birth have been reported in Pakistan. Self reported maternal stress and depression have been associated with preterm birth; however findings are inconsistent. Cortisol is a biological marker of stress and depression, and its measurement may assist in understanding the influence of self reported maternal stress and depression on preterm birth. Methods In a prospective cohort study pregnant women between 28 to 30 weeks of gestation from the Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children completed the A-Z Stress Scale and the Centre for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale to assess stress and depression respectively, and had a blood cortisol level drawn. Women were followed up after delivery to determine birth outcomes. Correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess relationship between preterm birth, stress, depression and cortisol. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the key factors predictiv...

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2013

Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity which impede the... more Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity which impede the nation in achieving the targets of MDG 5. In the developing world, it is estimated that 13% of all maternal deaths are due to unsafe abortions. Despite having certain liberty in the law and religion, Pakistan has a relatively high prevalence of unsafe abortion. Poverty, unintended pregnancies, ineffective use of contraceptive methods and unawareness about the law are the root causes for the rise in the number of women seeking abortions. Nonetheless, with all these opening points of having permission in the law and religion could direct us that if we just follow them we can reduce the number of unsafe and illegal abortions.Therefore, there is a strong interventions would be required in health and legal aspects, which would decrease maternal mortality and morbidity.

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 19, 2024

Medical Journal Of South Punjab, Oct 19, 2023

PubMed, Dec 1, 2012

In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to ... more In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to human life, but it could also have an adverse impact on mankind. Among all these advancements, media is one of the inventions which aims at capturing a countless group of viewers and transmit information via various mediums. Media violence is considered one of the hampering determinants which harms an individual psychologically. The primary goal of a health professional is to work for the maintenance of mental health. Therefore, it is imperative to create an understanding about the impact of media violence on mental health, particularly in the Pakistani context. Violence has become a major public health problem in Pakistan. The main cause of violence seems to be anger and frustration due to poverty, political conflicts, lack of education, and the overall governance approach in the country. Therefore, there is a prime need to think and work on this neglected area like conducting research and increasing public awareness, and to curb media violence.

PubMed, Aug 1, 2012

Pakistan is both a country of origin and destination as far as women trafficking is concerned. Po... more Pakistan is both a country of origin and destination as far as women trafficking is concerned. Poverty, gender discrimination, lack of education, and ignorance about legal rights are some of the underlying causes. Available data suggest several areas of concern, like, for instance: direct health effects, maladaptive coping leading to the use of illicit drugs, and inaccessibility to healthcare facilities. Therefore, numerous interventions would be required at three levels: the prevention of trafficking, the protection of victims and the prosecution of the traffickers.

i-Manager's journal on nursing, Apr 15, 2012

ABSTRACT Abortion is a complex, obsessive and sensitive argument that are interconnection with cu... more ABSTRACT Abortion is a complex, obsessive and sensitive argument that are interconnection with culture, religion, legal and moral grounds. Being a health care provider, the concept of life and death are the central to it and the issue of mother's and fetus's responsibility is come under the saving the life of a human being. Religion, medical science, and ethical principles have given the grounds to argue as well as counter argue the issue. At a final conclusion of such a sensitive and vital issue of abortion, this paper has argued against abortion as abortion is not just save the life of the fetus but it also prevents the life of the mother from danger. Moreover, various practical strategies have been proposed to go against abortion. Being nurses, addressing such an important dilemma has made us to think and realize that what are the possible issues and how to resolve them. There is no right or wrong answer but to resolve the dilemma in greatest good of all such as patients or the family members

i-Manager's journal on nursing, Apr 15, 2012

Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students' learning styles.... more Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students' learning styles. Attention to learning styles and learner's diversity has shown an increase students' motivation towards learning. Effective teaching is defined as maximizing learner educational achievement, and teacher and student subject contentment. The key attributes of effective teaching are teacher's preparation, knowledge on the subject, attitude, enthusiasm, and content clarity. Moreover, applying various theories of learning such as behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism are the effective ways to enhance students' learning journey. Therefore, these effective teaching strategies should be promoted and encouraged in the real world of teaching.

Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students’ learning styles.... more Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students’ learning styles. Attention to learning styles and learner’s diversity has shown an increase students’ motivation towards learning. Effective teaching is defined as maximizing learner educational achievement, and teacher and student subject contentment. The key attributes of effective teaching are teacher’s preparation; knowledge on the subject; attitude; enthusiasm; and content clarity. Moreover, applying various theories of learning such as behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism are the effective ways to enhance students’ learning journey. Therefore, these effective teaching strategies should be promoted and encouraged in the real world of teaching

i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2012

The postpartum period is a critical and significant time in relation to maternity care. It is a v... more The postpartum period is a critical and significant time in relation to maternity care. It is a very unique, and an individual based experience of women, that requires special care from the health care professionals, especially from nurses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe, understand and interpret the experiences of women during their post-partum period. A qualitative study, using Van Manen’s methodological approach to hermeneutic phenomenology, was selected, in order to capture the full and rich understanding and meaning of this phenomenon in the women’s live. Women were enrolled from three different areas of the, urban squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. Eight women were enrolled who met the inclusion criteria; who were in the two to six weeks range of the postpartum period. Unstructured interviews were conducted with open-ended questions; the audio-taped interviews were transcribed; and translation was done from Urdu to English. The study utilized van ...

at a much faster rate than neonatal deaths. Pakistan has the 6th highest rate of neonatal deaths ... more at a much faster rate than neonatal deaths. Pakistan has the 6th highest rate of neonatal deaths in the developing world (World Health Organization, 2006). A greater understanding of the social and cultural circumstances of the families may help better target interventions to improve survival rates of neonates in Pakistan. Method: A qualitative research design using the phenomenology method drawn from a feministic perspective. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants (10 mothers and 8 fathers) from Ibrahim Haidery situated in Bin Qasim Town. Results: Mothers were able to explain the relationship between breast milk and infant health: First of all, mother’s milk is important for the child; nothing is better than that (Father #9). Crying was the cue used to initiate feeding. Most mothers indicated that newborn’s required early supplements: If any mother does not have milk then we feed sulemani chai (tea) (Mother #5). Non-breast milk substances are also given to improve the ...

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2012

In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development... more In today's high technological world, scientific discoveries contribute remarkable development to human life, but it could also have an adverse impact on mankind. Among all these advancements, media is one of the inventions which aims at capturing a countless group of viewers and transmit information via various mediums. Media violence is considered one of the hampering determinants which harms an individual psychologically. The primary goal of a health professional is to work for the maintenance of mental health. Therefore, it is imperative to create an understanding about the impact of media violence on mental health, particularly in the Pakistani context. Violence has become a major public health problem in Pakistan. The main cause of violence seems to be anger and frustration due to poverty, political conflicts, lack of education, and the overall governance approach in the country. Therefore, there is a prime need to think and work on this neglected area like conducting resea...

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2014

Background: Given regional variability and minimal improvement in infant mortality rates in Pakis... more Background: Given regional variability and minimal improvement in infant mortality rates in Pakistan, this study aimed to explicate sociocultural influences impacting mothers' efforts to maintain or improve newborn health. Methods: We used a qualitative phenomenological approach. A total of 10 mothers and 8 fathers from a fishing village in Karachi, Pakistan were purposefully sampled and interviewed individually. A focus group was undertaken with four grandmothers (primary decision makers). Transcripts were independently reviewed using interpretive thematic analysis. Results: A multigenerational approach was used in infant care, but mothers did not have a voice in decision-making. Parents connected breast milk to infant health, and crying was used as cue to initiate feeding. Participants perceived that newborns required early supplementation, given poor milk supply and to improve health. There were tensions between traditional (i.e., home) remedies and current medical practices. Equal importance was given to sons and daughters. Conclusion: Findings suggest that social and cultural influences within families and the community must be considered in developing interventions to improve newborn health. Introducing non-breast milk substances into newborn diets may reduce the duration of exclusive or partial breastfeeding and increase risks to infant health.

Open Journal of Depression, 2013

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2011

Background High rates of antenatal depression and preterm birth have been reported in Pakistan. S... more Background High rates of antenatal depression and preterm birth have been reported in Pakistan. Self reported maternal stress and depression have been associated with preterm birth; however findings are inconsistent. Cortisol is a biological marker of stress and depression, and its measurement may assist in understanding the influence of self reported maternal stress and depression on preterm birth. Methods In a prospective cohort study pregnant women between 28 to 30 weeks of gestation from the Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children completed the A-Z Stress Scale and the Centre for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale to assess stress and depression respectively, and had a blood cortisol level drawn. Women were followed up after delivery to determine birth outcomes. Correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess relationship between preterm birth, stress, depression and cortisol. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the key factors predictiv...

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2013

Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity which impede the... more Unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity which impede the nation in achieving the targets of MDG 5. In the developing world, it is estimated that 13% of all maternal deaths are due to unsafe abortions. Despite having certain liberty in the law and religion, Pakistan has a relatively high prevalence of unsafe abortion. Poverty, unintended pregnancies, ineffective use of contraceptive methods and unawareness about the law are the root causes for the rise in the number of women seeking abortions. Nonetheless, with all these opening points of having permission in the law and religion could direct us that if we just follow them we can reduce the number of unsafe and illegal abortions.Therefore, there is a strong interventions would be required in health and legal aspects, which would decrease maternal mortality and morbidity.