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Al-Faraj AO, Messina I, Summit R, Modhwadiya D, Ukonu N, Pang TD. Neurologists' and obstetricians' perspectives and current practices in breastfeeding counseling in women with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 156:109773. [PMID: 38788655 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to characterize practice patterns of neurologists and obstetricians in breastfeeding (BF) counseling in women with epilepsy (WWE) and explore factors that may influence physician counseling behaviors. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of neurologists and obstetricians via an anonymous survey from September 2021 until November 2021. A survey was developed to explore the following areas in WWE: current physicians' BF counseling patterns, physician-specific factors affecting BF counseling, and patient-specific factors and their impact on BF counseling. Descriptive statistics were generated for each survey question. Responses from neurologists and obstetricians were compared. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess factors that influence BF counseling in WWE. RESULTS A total of 185 physicians participated in the study and consisted of 91 (49.2 %) neurologists, 83 (44.8 %) obstetricians, and 11 (6 %) participants from other specialties. Ninety-four percent (94 %) of neurologists and 92 % of obstetricians indicated that they provide BF safety counseling to WWE primarily during preconception and occasionally during pregnancy. Fifty-six percent of obstetricians reported being very comfortable with BF counseling in WWE, compared to 68 % of neurologists. Both groups rated research and clinical practice guidelines as two factors that have major impact on BF counseling; however, less than half (45 %) of neurologists are very familiar with the current literature and only a quarter (24 %) of obstetricians are very familiar with current literature regarding safety of BF in WWE. Regarding barriers to BF counseling, relative to neurologists, obstetricians believe that delivery of conflicting opinions among medical specialists about BF safety is a barrier that may impede effective BF counseling in WWE [OR = 2.78 (95 % CI: 1.30,5.95), adjusted p value (P = 0.008)]. SIGNIFICANCE Variable knowledge of current literature in BF in WWE and low comfort levels in BF counseling among various specialists, as well as perceived inadequate data and clinical practice guidelines, may contribute to suboptimal BF counseling and impact health outcomes in WWE and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar O Al-Faraj
- Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 85 E Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Isabelle Messina
- Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Summit
- Boston University College of Arts and Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nene Ukonu
- Boston University, School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, 801 Mass Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Trudy D Pang
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, West Campus, Baker 515, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Shawahna R. A community-based awareness program improves knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy: An interventional study. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109586. [PMID: 38128316 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little interventional studies were conducted to improve knowledge, improve attitude, and eliminate stigma against patients with epilepsy. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a community-based epilepsy awareness program (CBEAP) on knowledge, attitude, and stigma against patients with epilepsy among the Palestinian general public. METHODS This interventional study used a pre-post design. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a reliable and internally consistent questionnaire before and 1 month after receiving a CBEAP. Knowledge was assessed using a 16-item and attitudes were assessed using 13 items. RESULTS A total of 150 participants completed the questionnaire before the CBEAP. Of those, 136 (90.7 %) completed the CBEAP, and 129 (86.0 %) completed the questionnaire 1 month after receiving the CBEAP. The CBEAP significantly (p-value < 0.05) increased knowledge about the nature of epilepsy and seizures, triggers and treatment options, and patients with epilepsy. Similarly, the CBEAP significantly (p-value < 0.001) improved the attitudes of the participants toward epilepsy or having epilepsy, patients with epilepsy, relationships with patients with epilepsy, and working or staying with patients with epilepsy. Greater changes in knowledge and attitude scores were predicted by younger age and having a close friend or family member with epilepsy. CONCLUSION The CBEAP developed and implemented in this interventional study significantly increased the knowledge of the participants about epilepsy and improved their attitudes toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. Large-scale implementation of such interventional programs is still needed to increase knowledge and improve attitudes toward epilepsy and patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; Clinical Research Center, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine.
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Lorkiewicz SA, Modiano YA, Miller BI, Van Cott AC, Haneef Z, Sullivan-Baca E. The neuropsychological presentation of women with epilepsy: clinical considerations and future directions. Clin Neuropsychol 2023:1-27. [PMID: 37993977 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2283937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Cognitive, mood, and behavioral changes are common among persons with epilepsy (PWE), resulting in a complex neuropsychological presentation. Women with epilepsy (WWE) represent a distinct cohort within the broader epilepsy population due to sex and gender-specific factors impacting epilepsy semiology and treatment. However, unique neuropsychological profiles among WWE have not been established. This narrative review aims to further define neuropsychological correlates in WWE and promote meaningful discussion related to enhancing the provision of neuropsychological care within this clinical population. Method: Current literature in PWE examining differences in cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life (QoL) between women and men was critically reviewed, emphasizing considerations for neuropsychological practice. Results: WWE demonstrate a preservation of verbal learning and memory compared to men both pre- and post-surgically, with sex-based, neurobiological mechanisms likely contributing to this association. WWE also have elevated risk for affective disorder psychopathology, suicidality, and traumatic experiences. Epidemiology related to psychotic and bipolar spectrum disorders is less clear, and findings are mixed regarding sex-specific behavioral side effects of antiseizure and psychotropic medication. Finally, hormonal and obstetric factors are highlighted as important contributors to neuropsychological symptoms in WWE, with elevated risk for low QoL and increased stigma associated with greater medical and psychiatric comorbidities compared to men. Conclusions: While emerging literature has begun to characterize the neuropsychological presentation of WWE, future research is needed to define sex and gender differences in neuropsychological sequalae among PWE to ensure consistency and quality of care for WWE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yosefa A Modiano
- Neurosciences, McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brian I Miller
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anne C Van Cott
- Neurology Division, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zulfi Haneef
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Epilepsy Centers of Excellence, Veteran's Health Administration, USA
| | - Erin Sullivan-Baca
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Jairoun AA, Al-himyari SS, Shahwan M, Hassan N, AL-Tamimi S, Jairoun M, Zyoud SH, Alshehri AS, Alkhanani MF, Alhasani RH, Alharbi AS, Alshehri FS, Ashour AM, Alorfi NM. Factors influencing community pharmacists' knowledge about women's issues in epilepsy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1251393. [PMID: 37766744 PMCID: PMC10520571 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1251393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have highlighted instances where pharmacists lacked knowledge regarding women's health issues related to epilepsy. Objectives To assess UAE community pharmacists' knowledge, toward women's issues in epilepsy. Methods a cross-sectional research method was employed. A team of seven pharmacy students in their final year visited a randomly selected sample of community pharmacies in the UAE and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the pharmacists using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire includes two parts; Eight questions designed to elicit data about the demographics of the study participants and 12 questions eliciting insights into the participants' knowledge of women's issues in epilepsy. Results A total of 412 community pharmacist were recruited in the study. The overall level of knowledge about women's issues in epilepsy was good and the average knowledge score was 81% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [79.1, 82.7%]. The results of multivariate analysis showed higher knowledge scores in chain pharmacies (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.12-1.67), Chief pharmacists (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.01-2.06), Pharmacists in charge (OR 3.46; 95% CI 2.7-4.45), pharmacists with 1-5 Years of experience (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.71-4.82), pharmacists with 6-10 Years (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.58-4.38), pharmacists with >10 years (OR 3.13; 95% CI 2.03-4.83), graduation form regional universities (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.12-1.67), graduation form international universities (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.36-2.20) and receiving a training on epilepsy (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.12-1.67). Conclusion While the findings reveal an overall promising level of knowledge among community pharmacists regarding the issues faced by women with epilepsy, pinpointing which clinical and demographic factors have the most significant impact on this knowledge would permit the implementation of tailored educational interventions. Workshops and modules targeting the issues faced by women with epilepsy would further raise the knowledge and competence among community pharmacists in this area, ensuring better pharmaceutical care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Sabba Saleh Al-himyari
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Gelugor, Malaysia
- Pharmacy Department, Emirates Health Services, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nageeb Hassan
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Maimona Jairoun
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saed H. Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- Clinical Research Centre, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Abdullah S. Alshehri
- Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustfa Faisal Alkhanani
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Adnan S. Alharbi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad S. Alshehri
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Ashour
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser M. Alorfi
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Debrah AF, Adebusoye FT, Shah MH, Awuah WA, Tenkorang PO, Bharadwaj HR, Wellington J, Ghosh S, Abiy L, Fernandes C, Abdul-Rahman T, Lychko V, Volodymyrivna BT, Mykolayivna NI. Neurological disorders in pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries-Management gaps, impacts, and future prospects: A review perspective. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231210265. [PMID: 37955275 PMCID: PMC10644749 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231210265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders during pregnancy are a substantial threat to women's health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, a critical shortage of mental health workers and neurologists exacerbates the already pressing issue, where a lack of coordination of respective healthcare among multidisciplinary teams involved in managing these conditions perpetuates the current state of affairs. Financial restrictions and societal stigmas associated with neurological disorders in pregnancy amplify the situation. Addressing these difficulties would necessitate a multifaceted approach comprising investments in healthcare infrastructure, healthcare professional education and training, increased government support for research, and the implementation of innovative care models. Improving access to specialized treatment and coordinated management of antenatal neurological diseases will precipitate improved health outcomes for women and their families in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jack Wellington
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | | | - Lydia Abiy
- Donetsk National Medical University, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine
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Shawahna R, Jaber M. Development of Consensus-Based Recommendations to Prevent/Minimize Medication Errors in the Perioperative Care of Patients with Epilepsy: A Mixed-Method. World Neurosurg 2022; 166:e632-e644. [PMID: 35872130 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored medication errors in the perioperative care of patients with epilepsy and developed consensus-based recommendations to prevent/minimize these errors. METHODS A mixed method was used in this study. Medication error situations were explored in semi-structured in-depth interviews with nurses (n = 12), anesthesiologists (n = 5), anesthesia technicians (n = 5), surgeons (n = 4), neurologists (n = 4), and patients with epilepsy (n = 10). The qualitative data were analyzed using the qualitative interpretive description approach. A two-round Delphi technique was used among nurses (n = 22), anesthesiologists (n = 9), anesthesia technicians (n = 7), surgeons (n = 7), and neurologists (n = 5). RESULTS A total of 1400 minutes of interview time was analyzed in this study. Of the panelists, 39 (78.0%) agreed that patients with epilepsy present unique challenges to providers of perioperative care that make them prone to medication errors. The interviewees in this study described 32 different medication error situations that occurred while providing perioperative care services to patients with epilepsy. In this study, 35 consensus-based recommendations to prevent/minimize medication errors in the perioperative care of patients with epilepsy were developed. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study are informative to decision-makers in health care facilities and other stakeholders in health regulatory authorities who need to design measures to prevent/minimize medication errors and improve perioperative outcomes of patients with epilepsy. Studies are needed to investigate if these recommendations can be effective in preventing/reducing medication errors in the perioperative care of patients with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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Shawahna R, Jaber M, Said R, Mohammad K, Aker Y. Medication errors in neonatal intensive care units: a multicenter qualitative study in the Palestinian practice. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:317. [PMID: 35637433 PMCID: PMC9150293 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neonatal intensive care units are high-risk settings where medication errors can occur and cause harm to this fragile segment of patients. This multicenter qualitative study was conducted to describe medication errors that occurred in neonatal intensive care units in Palestine from the perspectives of healthcare providers. Methods This exploratory multicenter qualitative study was conducted and reported in adherence to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals (4 pediatricians/neonatologists and 11 intensive care unit nurses) who provided care services for patients admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Palestine. An interview schedule guided the semi-structured in-depth interviews. The qualitative interpretive description approach was used to thematically analyze the data. Results The total duration of the interviews was 282 min. The healthcare providers described their experiences with 41 different medication errors. These medication errors were categorized under 3 categories and 10 subcategories. Errors that occurred while preparing/diluting/storing medications were related to calculations, using a wrong solvent/diluent, dilution errors, failure to adhere to guidelines while preparing the medication, failure to adhere to storage/packaging guidelines, and failure to adhere to labeling guidelines. Errors that occurred while prescribing/administering medications were related to inappropriate medication for the neonate, using a different administration technique from the one that was intended, and administering a different dose from the one that was intended. Errors that occurred after administering the medications were related to failure to adhere to monitoring guidelines. Conclusion In this multicenter study, pediatricians/neonatologists and neonatal intensive care unit nurses described medication errors occurring in intensive care units in Palestine. Medication errors occurred in different stages of the medication process: preparation/dilution/storage, prescription/administration, and monitoring. Further studies are still needed to quantify medication errors occurring in the neonatal intensive care units and investigate if the designed strategies could be effective in minimizing the medication errors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03379-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine. .,An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine. .,An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Rami Said
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Khalil Mohammad
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Yahya Aker
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Shawahna R, Zaid L. Caring for women with epilepsy in Palestine: A qualitative study of the current status. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 130:108689. [PMID: 35398722 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This qualitative study was conducted to explore the current status of caring for women with epilepsy (WWE) in the Palestinian healthcare system. METHODS This study used an explorative qualitative design. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with neurologists (n = 6), gynecologists (n = 5), psychiatrists (n = 3), an internist (n = 1), and clinical pharmacists (n = 5). The interpretive description methodology was used to thematically analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS A total of 745 min (12.4 h) of interview time were analyzed. The qualitative data collected in this study were categorized under 3 major themes and multiple subthemes. The 3 major themes were: (1) diagnosis and care for patients with epilepsy, (2) general issues in caring for patients with epilepsy, and (3) consideration of women's issues in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy. Formally adopted protocols/criteria for the diagnosis and care for WWE were lacking. CONCLUSION Findings of this qualitative study showed a need to formally adopt uniform guidelines that can guide the diagnosis and care of WWE in the Palestinian healthcare system. The findings of this study might be informative to healthcare providers, decision-makers in healthcare authorities, WWE, and patient advocacy groups who could be interested in improving and benchmarking healthcare services provided to WWE. Future studies are still needed to quantitatively measure adherence to the international guidelines in caring for WWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine; An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Lina Zaid
- Master of Pharmacology Program, Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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