BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Oral Nicotine Pouches (NPs) are one of the fastest-growing products among young adults, being actively marketed by companies through catchy advertisements. Owing to the easy availability and concealed usage, there is a high chance that these could become an addiction very soon. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of Nicotine Pouch consumption and its association with the perceived stress of an individual being a reason behind its usage. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at various universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The study population comprised Undergraduate students aged between 18 and 25. Data were collected through self-administered forms. RESULTS The majority of the participants lied in the 20–21 age group and belonged to a medical field of study. 61.8% of the students were aware of this product, however, only 10.2% were active users of the Oral NPs. Moreover, the PSS scores indicated that females were overall more stressed than males. The mean PSS score was 19.637. CONCLUSION In conclusion, it is the need of the hour to raise awareness for such products as the youth is likely to try Oral NPs while being unaware of the potential harm it could bring with long-term use. Undergraduates must also be given guidance to help them cope with stress, which proves to be a significant risk factor associated with addiction to nicotine-containing products.

Background The COVID-19 disease triggered a worldwide health catastrophe. To deal with this deadly situation multiple vaccines were developed and a mass immunization program started globally. However, vaccine hesitancy was seen especially among women of reproductive age, having concerns that the vaccine might affect their menstrual cycle. This study investigated the link between COVID vaccination and menstrual abnormalities. It is essential for us to understand the effects of vaccines on menstruation as menstrual distress can have effects on everyday life, and mental and reproductive health. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed using self-administered online forms to collect data from all over Karachi. The sample included 384 females aged 18 years and above. The data was collected from November 2021 to February 2022. ResultsMajority of the participants were aged 21 and had a normal BMI. Most were moderately stressed (n = 245) with 146 reporting menstrual changes post-vaccination. The difference between the post-vaccine menstruation affected (n = 146) and the unaffected cohort (n = 238) was significant. Other factors which likely contributed to the post-vaccine menstrual changes included PSS score, strenuous physical activity, and the pre-vaccine menstrual flow.ConclusionsIn conclusion, there is no denying that existing data is inadequate, which is one of the grounds for vaccination apprehension, particularly among menstruating women. To minimize this hesitation, the spread of disinformation about the vaccine's influence on the menstrual cycle must be avoided. Because such abnormalities may lower their overall quality of life. Policy-based interventions should also be implemented to document any menstruation-related side effects.