Quest International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences

Hantavirus Outbreak Associated with Cruise Ship Travel in 2026: A Brief Insight into an Emerging Multi Country Zoonotic Threat

2026-07-31T16:01:13+00:00

No abstract available

Stress-Induced Accelerated Aging: A Challenge for Modern Biomedicine

2026-07-31T16:01:13+00:00

Introduction:

Ageing is a complex process influenced by various factors, such as chronic psychological stress, which accelerates biological ageing through persistent activation of stress-response pathways. This leads to molecular and cellular damage, increasing vulnerability to age-related diseases. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, disrupts immune regulation, and promotes telomere shortening, contributing to cellular senescence. Recent epigenetic clock developments showed that stress can accelerate biological age beyond chronological age. Healthy lifestyles and stress reduction may alleviate biological ageing effects, although more research is needed to explore the relationship between specific stressors and ageing pathways.

Conclusion:

Stress significantly accelerates ageing, necessitating further interdisciplinary research for effective prevention and therapy.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Breast Cancer Screening Among Women in Perak State, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2026-07-31T16:01:13+00:00

Introduction:

Breast cancer prevalent globally, has high mortality rates among women. Screening reduces risk, but inadequate participation, awareness suffers due to cultural barriers, knowledge and healthcare accessibility issues. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast cancer screening among Perak women, examining sociodemographic factors to identify gaps for targeted health education initiatives revealing barriers in Malaysia, particularly in Perak State where data is sparse.

Methods:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from February 2025 to May 2025. A structured questionnaire was distributed online via Google Forms, where 233 respondents participated.

Results:

Overall, participants demonstrated moderate knowledge regarding breast self-examination (BSE). Participants showed positive attitudes toward BSE. Almost all respondents agreed that BSE is beneficial. Although 80.3% expressed fear when thinking about breast cancer, only 24.89% reported avoiding BSE because of this fear. Despite generally positive knowledge and attitudes, BSE practice was suboptimal. Slightly over half of the participants reported practicing BSE (51.5%), while only one-third performed it monthly (33.48%).

Conclusion:

The study concludes that participants have moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward BSE, but practice is lacking. Proper practical training BSE education may bridge this gap and improve outcomes.