Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Re-evaluating Solid Oral Dosage Forms in Pharmaceutical Science: Patient-centric Challenges and Liquid Dosage Alternatives

Meenakshi C. Jain — 2026-03-17

Oral drug delivery is the most widely used route of drug administration due to its convenience, safety, and high patient acceptance. Among these, solid oral dosage forms (SODF), such as tablets and capsules, remain the cornerstone of pharmaceutical therapy because of their stability, ease of manufacturing, and accurate dosing. However, despite these advantages, SODF have several limitations that may negatively affect patient adherence and therapeutic outcomes. One of the most common challenges is pill dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing, which affects a significant portion of the population and is particularly prevalent among paediatric and geriatric patients. Dysphagia may arise from physiological factors, disease-specific conditions affecting the swallowing mechanism, or drug-induced oesophageal irritation. In addition to these physical barriers, psychological factors such as pill aversion, fear of choking, and anxiety associated with medication intake can further contribute to medication non-compliance. Practical factors including large tablet size, fixed dosage strengths, and the need for dose titration may also lead patients to split or crush tablets, potentially compromising dosing accuracy and drug release characteristics. Furthermore, administration of SODF in patients requiring enteral feeding tubes is challenging due to the risk of tube blockage and altered drug delivery. This review critically examines the various physiological, psychological, and practical challenges associated with conventional solid oral dosage forms and highlights the advantages of oral liquid formulations as a patient-centric alternative. Liquid dosage forms offer improved swallowability, flexible dosing, and suitability for enteral administration, thereby supporting better medication adherence and therapeutic outcomes, particularly in paediatric and geriatric populations.

Effect of a Pain Management E-Module on Competency of Critical Care Nurses in Al-Qassem Health Cluster in Saudi Arabia

Abeer Almutairi — 2026-03-14

Aims: To evaluate the effect of a validated Critical Care Pain Management (CPAM) e-module on the competency of critical care nurses in the Al-Qassem Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with a control group.

Place and Duration of Study: Four hospitals within the Al-Qassem Health Cluster, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study and intervention were conducted over an eight-month period.

Methodology: A total of 194 critical care nurses were recruited and equally assigned to control (n = 97) and intervention (n = 97) groups using stratified random sampling. Baseline competency was measured using the Pain Management Competency Scale for Nurses (PMCSN). The intervention group completed a validated CPAM e-module, while the control group did not receive the intervention. Post-intervention competency was assessed using the same instrument. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Independent and paired-samples t-tests were used to evaluate differences between and within groups.

Results: Baseline comparisons indicated higher competency scores in the intervention group than in the control group, suggesting a pre-existing difference between groups prior to the intervention. Following completion of the CPAM e-module, the intervention group demonstrated substantial improvement in overall pain management competency compared with the control group. Within-group analysis also showed a significant increase in competency scores after the intervention. Improvements were observed across competency domains, including pain assessment, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, management of analgesic side effects, patient education, and professional development.

Conclusion: The CPAM e-module effectively improved pain management competency among critical care nurses. Structured digital educational interventions can support continuing professional development and strengthen evidence-based pain management practices in critical care settings.

Closing the Gap in Retention in HIV Care among Children Living with HIV and their Caregivers: One-Year Post-Implementation Evidence from Taraba State, Nigeria

Danjuma Adda — 2026-03-16

Background: Achieving optimal retention in HIV care among children living with HIV (CLHIV), Adolescent and young people (15-24years) Caregivers and general population remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, limiting progress toward the 95–95–95 targets of UNAIDS. Gaps in HIV case finding among children and adolescents, linkage to treatment, and sustained engagement in care continue to affect treatment outcomes. This study assessed the outcomes of a community-based intervention designed to improve HIV case identification, linkage to care, retention, and viral suppression among children and their caregivers in selected communities in Taraba State, Nigeria.

Methods: A community-based program was implemented across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) Karim Lamido, Sardauna, and Ussa to identify undiagnosed HIV cases among children and their caregivers and support them to remain in care and ultimately achieve viral load suppression. The intervention used targeted screening, home-based HIV testing, community outreach, and promotion of HIV self-testing to increase uptake and reduce stigma. Children, adolescents, caregivers and some general population diagnosed with HIV were linked to treatment and supported through differentiated service delivery models, including community pharmacy-based antiretroviral distribution, community antiretroviral treatment support, nurse-led community clinics, and integrated mental wellness services. Capacity-building activities were conducted for multi-disciplinary healthcare workers, case managers, community volunteers and people with lived experienceto promote stigma-free and patient-centered care. Programmatic data collected over a one-year post implementation period were analyzed to assess outcomes across the HIV care cascade: testing and case finding (first 95), linkage and retention in care (second 95), and viral suppression (third 95).

Results: A total of 8,990 Children, adolescents, caregivers and general populations were tested for HIV across the three LGAs, with nearly equal representation of males (49.5%) and females (50.5%). Overall, 233 Children, adolescents, caregivers and general populations tested HIV-positive, yielding a positivity rate of 2.6%, with females accounting for 69.5% of positive cases. Children aged 0–14 years constituted the largest group tested (2,675) but had the lowest positivity rate (0.8%), while higher positivity rates were observed among caregivers (4.7%) and the general population (4.5%). Of the 233 Children, adolescents, caregivers and general populations who tested positive, 168 were referred for treatment and 163 were successfully linked and enrolled in HIV treatment services, resulting in a linkage rate of 97%. The remaining 65 were known HIV cases that were on treatment. Among those linked, 143 (14 children, 32 adolescents and young people, 42 care givers and 55 general population) remained actively engaged in treatment, corresponding to an overall retention rate of 88%. Retention varied across LGAs, with Karim Lamido recording the highest retention (95%), followed by Ussa (81%) and Sardauna (73%). Among Children, adolescents, caregivers and general populations on antiretroviral therapy, 91 had valid viral load results, and 88 achieved viral suppression, corresponding to a suppression rate of 97%.

Conclusion: The intervention demonstrated strong performance across the HIV care cascade, with high linkage to care, substantial retention, and excellent viral suppression outcomes among children, caregivers, and community members. Community-based case finding combined with differentiated service delivery and integrated psychosocial support can significantly improve HIV treatment outcomes in resource-limited settings. Scaling up such approaches may help close retention gaps and accelerate progress toward HIV epidemic control in Nigeria.

Socio-Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Immunization Completion Rate amongst Children under Five Years in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Paul Rikson Nyerere — 2026-03-18

Background: Routine immunization remains a central strategy for reducing under five morbidity and mortality, yet completion rates continue to reflect disparities shaped by socio demographic and socio-economic realities affecting caregivers and health service utilization patterns in Nasarawa State. This research emerges from the necessity to enhance comprehension of the role that socio-demographic and socio-economic factors play within the social framework of Nasarawa State in affecting the completion of immunization. A functional perspective highlights that health outcomes are the result of the collaborative efforts of interrelated institutions. When families have sufficient knowledge, financial resources, and access to supportive health services, immunization initiatives tend to attain higher completion rates.

Aim of the Study: The aim of study is to examine socio demographic and socio -economic factors influencing immunization completion rates among children under five years of age in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, through a functional analytical framework that emphasizes institutional interdependence.

Objectives of the Study: To determine the relationship between selected socio demographic characteristics of caregivers and immunization completion among under five children in the state.

To evaluate the influence of socio -economic variables, including household income, occupation, and employment stability, on adherence to recommended vaccination schedules.

Research Questions: 1. How do socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers and households influence the immunization completion rate among children under five years in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?

To what extent do socio-economic conditions of households affect the completion of childhood immunization among children under five years in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?
How do socio-demographic and socio-economic factors interact to influence caregivers’ decisions regarding completion of childhood immunization in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?

Methods of Study: The study adopted a descriptive cross -sectional design using a multi-stage sample technique.419 caregivers of under five children attending selected primary health care facilities across the three senatorial districts of Nasarawa State were sampled, Data was collected through structured questionnaires, using the Kobo-collection toolbox, and results were analyzed using chi-square tests to determine correlations between the sociodemographic and economic-demographic variables, and descriptive statistics to summarize the data.

Results: The sample comprised 419 respondents, of whom 90.9 percent were female, 43.1 percent were between the ages of 25 and 34, 82.4 percent were married, 43.2 percent had a secondary education, 38.9 percent were artisans, and 43.2 percent made less than N20,000 on average. Results of the study showed that full childhood immunization coverage was significantly associated with the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of the caregivers as indicates; marital status (p=0.1761), educational attainment (p=0.1737), and monthly income (p=0.4797). While there were still variations in vaccination rates by community, the overall findings of the study showed that 75.7% of the children had received all recommended vaccinations. Differences in parental education, occupation, income, household structure, and place of residence still play a role in health-seeking behaviors and service utilization.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors are key determinants of immunization completion and that policymakers and health managers should enhance community engagement, expand targeted health education, and develop context-specific social support strategies to achieve equitable immunization coverage in Nasarawa State.

Mental Health Promotion and Awareness Regarding Substance Abuse among the Students of Salihu Dogo Secondary School Jalingo Taraba State Nigeria

Tomen Egbe Agu — 2026-03-19

Background: Substance abuse among adolescents is increasingly recognized as a significant public health concern due to its association with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and behavioral problems. Schools provide an important platform for promoting mental health awareness and preventing substance use among students. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding students’ awareness of substance abuse and its mental health implications in secondary schools in Taraba State, Nigeria.

Aim: This study assessed mental health promotion and awareness regarding substance abuse among students of Salihu Dogo Secondary School, Jalingo, Taraba State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted and a sample of 320 valid responses were analyzed. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants across different class levels. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire titled Mental Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Awareness Questionnaire (MHPSAAQ). Data were analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages and chi-square test of association.

Results: Findings revealed mixed levels of awareness among students. While 95.0% acknowledged that substance abuse poses mental health risks, only 34.4% recognized that substance abuse can directly affect mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, 61.9% believed substance abuse does not affect academic performance. A majority of respondents (70.3%) perceived adolescents as more vulnerable to substance abuse, and 89.1% identified peer influence as a key contributing factor. Although 98.4% of students reported awareness of school resources and 96.6% had received classroom education on substance abuse and mental health, 91.2% felt that the available information was insufficient. Notably, 97.2% expressed willingness to participate in school-based substance abuse prevention programs. Chi-square test revealed significant associations between age and awareness, and between gender and awareness levels, suggesting the need for tailored interventions.

Conclusion: Despite high exposure to substance abuse education, important knowledge gaps remain among students regarding the mental health consequences of substance use. Strengthening comprehensive school-based mental health promotion programs and improving the quality of substance abuse education are essential to enhance awareness and reduce risk behaviors among adolescents.

Comparative Evaluation of Floating and Non-Floating Controlled-release Metformin HCl Tablets: In vitro and In vivo Characterization

Chinna Reddy Palem — 2026-03-25

Objective: The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate floating and non-floating controlled-release formulations of Metformin HCl to understand the influence of formulation composition and processing variables on gastroretentive behavior, drug release characteristics, and pharmacokinetic performance. The study particularly focused on the role of rate-controlling polymer, binder grade, and granulation process in modulating formulation performance and bioavailability.

Methodology: Floating gastroretentive tablets of Metformin HCl were developed using Eudragit NE 30D as the rate-controlling polymer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the granulating binder through a low-shear fluid bed granulation process. Both floating and non-floating controlled-release systems were formulated and optimized to assess the impact of binder grade and formulation parameters on tablet performance. The prepared formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in vitro buoyancy behaviour, swelling index, matrix erosion, and dissolution profile. In addition, in vivo gastric retention and pharmacokinetic performance were assessed in healthy human volunteers.

Results: The optimised floating formulation (MTH3) demonstrated rapid flotation within 20 seconds and sustained buoyancy for more than 16 hours. In contrast, the non-floating optimized formulation (MTH6) prepared with lower grades of PVA as a binder with the addition of controlled release polymer, maintained controlled drug release characteristics. Dissolution studies showed prolonged and near-complete drug release from both the formulations. Drug release kinetics for both the formulations followed the Higuchi model, indicating a combined diffusion and matrix erosion mechanism. Stability studies confirmed consistent dissolution similarity (f₂), demonstrating formulation robustness. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed higher systemic exposure for the floating formulation compared with the non-floating system. The optimized floating tablets met bioequivalence criteria relative to the reference listed drug, at 90% confidence intervals for Cmax (87.60%–97.77%), AUC₀–t (84.95%–97.73%), and AUC₀–inf (85.17%–97.47%) were entirely contained within the predefined acceptance limits of 80–125%, whereas the non-floating formulation failed to achieve bioequivalence.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates that formulation variables such as rate-controlling polymer selection, binder grade, and granulation conditions significantly influence the gastroretentive properties, drug release kinetics, and bioavailability of controlled-release Metformin HCl tablets. The optimised floating system provided improved gastric retention and enhanced systemic exposure, successfully achieving bioequivalence with the reference product, highlighting its potential as an effective gastroretentive controlled-release formulation.