1
|
Alkhalili M, Al-Hmaid Y, Kheirallah K, Mehaisen L. Assessment of Knowledge of Sexual Reproductive Health Among Female University Students in Jordan. Cureus 2024; 16:e53386. [PMID: 38435157 PMCID: PMC10908203 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual reproductive health (SRH) is an important aspect of human life, especially in the younger age groups. Young adults are the most vulnerable group to SRH consequences, as they have limited access to its information and services. This is one of the earliest studies conducted to examine the knowledge of SRH among female university students in Jordan. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of SRH among female Jordanian university students and to determine the social and individual factors that may affect this knowledge. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional design was used, and a convenient sample consisting of 427 female university students was recruited from the University of Jordan. The inclusion criteria were female unmarried students aged 18-25 years old, while the exclusion criteria were married, divorced, or engaged female students. A valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the student's knowledge of SRH. Data were collected between February 21 and March 20, 2022. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for data analysis, and an independent sample t-test was used to investigate mean differences in the SRH score based on demographic characteristics. RESULTS Overall, it was found that only 26.2% of all the participants had adequate knowledge of SRH. Additionally, they have inadequate knowledge regarding the different aspects of SRH such as premarital, vaccination, menstruation, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), except for the section on folic acid, which demonstrated adequate knowledge. Furthermore, the participants' scores of total SRH knowledge were significantly different based on their original place of living, current residency, educational level, religion, and university faculty. CONCLUSION Due to the inadequate level of knowledge, this study highlights the need to establish educational and awareness programs concerning SRH and to incorporate this subject into the university and school curricula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mais Alkhalili
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| | - Yamamah Al-Hmaid
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Amman, JOR
| | - Lama Mehaisen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al-Hmaid Y, Beni Yonis O, Alkhalili M, Kheirallah K. Premenstrual Syndrome's Impact on Work-Related Quality of Life Among Jordanian Nurses. Cureus 2024; 16:e53427. [PMID: 38435204 PMCID: PMC10909070 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a regular clinical condition that affects most women during their reproductive years. Its related symptoms may be linked to a decrease in women's quality of life. Female nurses may be more susceptible to PMS due to the demanding nature of their job. The importance of nurses' jobs and how their quality of life will affect patients and themselves in parallel make female nurses a population that is worth investigating. Our objective is to estimate the level of PMS among Jordanian nurses and assess the potential impact of PMS on work-related quality of life among them. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 nurses who completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, menstrual characteristics, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), and the Work-Related Quality-of-Life Scale (WRQoL). The nurses were classified as having or not having PMS according to the PSST. Results The prevalence of PMS was 60.5%, the results showed a significantly lower mean WRQoL score for nurses with PMS (mean = 65.47, SD = 15.38) compared to nurses without PMS (mean = 70.54, SD = 14.47). The multivariable regression model revealed that the adjusted odds ratios for age, combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) use, family history, severe dysmenorrhea, job and career satisfaction, and stress at work were 0.90 (95% CI = 0.84, 0.96), 5.18 (95% CI = 1.33, 20.17), 2.52 (95% CI = 1.23, 5.18), 11.78 (95% CI = 2.48, 56.02), 0.92 (95% CI = 0.85, 0.99), and 1.20 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.42), respectively. Conclusion PMS is quite prevalent among Jordanian nurses, with a negative impact on their work-related quality of life. Healthcare managers might implement special regulations for female nurses with PMS to improve their work-related quality of life. This research suggests that PMS is a substantial factor in the low work-related quality of life among Jordanian nurses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yamamah Al-Hmaid
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| | - Othman Beni Yonis
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JOR
| | - Mais Alkhalili
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, JOR
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JOR
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al Bashir S, Alorjani MS, Kheirallah K, Al Hamad M, Haddad HK, Al-Dwairy A, Bani-Fawwaz BA, Aldaoud N, Halalsheh O, Amawi S, Matalka II. PTEN, ERG, SPINK1, and TFF3 Status and Relationship in a Prostate Cancer Cohort from Jordanian Arab Population. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:174. [PMID: 38256434 PMCID: PMC10821453 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer (PCa) include PTEN, ERG, SPINK1, and TFF3. Their relationships and patterns of expression in PCa in developing countries, including Jordan, have not yet been investigated. Materials and Methods: A tissue microarray (TMA) of PCa patients was taken from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for 130 patients. PTEN, ERG, SPINK1, and TFF3 expression profiles were examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlated with each other and other clinicopathological factors. Results: PTEN loss of any degree was observed in 42.9% of PCa cases. ERG and TFF3 were expressed in 59.3% and 46.5% of PCa cases, respectively. SPINK1 expression was observed in 6 out of 104 PCa cases (5.4%). Among all PCa cases (n = 104), 3.8% (n = 4) showed SPINK1+/ERG+ phenotype, 1.9% (n = 2) showed SPINK1+/ERG- phenotype, 56.7% (n = 59) showed SPINK1-/ERG+ phenotype, and 37.5% showed SPINK1-/ERG- phenotype (n = 39). Among ERG positive cases (n = 63), 6.3% were SPINK1 positive. Among SPINK1 positive cases (n = 6), 66.7% were ERG positive. SPINK1 expression was predominantly observed in a subgroup of cancers that expressed TFF3 (6/6). Additionally, a statistically significant loss of PTEN expression was observed from Gleason Score 6 (GS6) (Grade Group 1 (GG1)) to GS9-10 (GG5); (p-value 0.019). Conclusions: This is the first study to look at the status of the PTEN, ERG, SPINK1, and TFF3 genes in a Jordanian Arab population. Loss of PTEN has been linked to more aggressive prostate cancer with high GSs/GGs. SPINK1 expression was predominantly observed in a subgroup of cancers that expressed TFF3. Our results call for screening these biomarkers for grading and molecular subtyping of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Al Bashir
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (M.S.A.); (N.A.); (I.I.M.)
| | - Mohammed S. Alorjani
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (M.S.A.); (N.A.); (I.I.M.)
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Mohammad Al Hamad
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Husam K. Haddad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Health, Amman 11118, Jordan;
| | - Ahmad Al-Dwairy
- Medstar-Georgetown Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Baha A. Bani-Fawwaz
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Adventhealth, Orlando, FL 32804, USA;
| | - Najla Aldaoud
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (M.S.A.); (N.A.); (I.I.M.)
| | - Omar Halalsheh
- Department of General Surgery and Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Saddam Amawi
- Johns Hopkins Aramco Health Centre, Al Mubarraz 36423, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ismail I. Matalka
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (M.S.A.); (N.A.); (I.I.M.)
- College of Medicine, Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al-Khaimah 11172, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elsalem L, Al Shatnawi A, A Alfaqih M, Alshoh A, Al Demour S, Al-Daghmin A, Halalsheh O, Kheirallah K, Ahram M. Discovery of a novel genetic variant in the N-acetyltransferase2 (NAT2) gene that is associated with bladder cancer risk. Acta Biochim Pol 2023; 70:575-582. [PMID: 37595067 DOI: 10.18388/abp.2020_6590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is a main risk factor for bladder cancer (BC). NAT2 is a drug-metabolizing enzyme that catalyses the detoxification of many xenobiotics and carcinogens. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in NAT2 results in different acetylation phenotypes (fast, intermediate or slow). Certain NAT2 SNPs were associated with BC and/or modified the association of BC with smoking. However, limited evidence is available among BC patients or smokers from Jordan. This study aimed to discover novel SNPs in NAT2 and to assess the association with BC. This was a case-control study among 120 BC patients and 120 controls. Amplification of a 446 bp fragment of NAT2 encoding the N-catalytic domain was conducted using a polymerase chain reaction. Gene sequencing was done using Sanger-based technology. A total of 40 SNPs were detected. Two variants were significantly associated with BC (p<0.05); namely a novel c.87G>A and the reported c.341T>C. Regarding c.87G>A, genotype distribution was significantly associated with BC and subgroup analysis confirmed that this was significant in both smokers (p=0.007) and non-smokers (p=0.001). Regression subgroup analysis suggested GA as a risk factor among smokers (AOR= 2.356). The frequencies of TC and CC genotypes of c.341T>C were significantly higher in BC (p<0.05). This was statistically significant among smokers only (p=0.044), upon subgroup analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that subjects with TC genotype are 6.15 more likely to develop BC and regression subgroup analysis revealed TC as a risk factor among smokers (AOR=5.47). This is the first study from Jordan to report the association of smoking and two NAT2 variants with BC. The data supports the use of GA and TC genotypes of the novel c.87G>A and the reported c.341T>C SNPs, respectively as potential biomarkers of BC, particularly among smokers. Future investigations with a larger population are required to support our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Elsalem
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Al Shatnawi
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Royal Medical Services, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud A Alfaqih
- 3Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain; 4Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ayat Alshoh
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Saddam Al Demour
- The University of Jordan, School of Medicine, Department of Special Surgery, Division of Urology, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ali Al-Daghmin
- 6King Hussein Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Amman, Jordan; 7Abdali Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar Halalsheh
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery and Urology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mamoun Ahram
- The University of Jordan, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alzoubi A, Al Bashir S, Smairat A, Alrawashdeh A, Haddad H, Kheirallah K. PTEN loss is not a determinant of time to castration-resistance following androgen-deprivation therapy in prostate cancer: a study from Jordan. J Med Life 2023; 16:593-598. [PMID: 37305830 PMCID: PMC10251393 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the principal treatment of advanced prostate cancer. However, most patients eventually experience treatment failure, resulting in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Loss of the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) has been linked to poor survival in prostate cancer. We have recently shown that PTEN loss is evident in approximately 60% of prostate cancer cases in Jordan. However, the correlation between PTEN loss and response to ADT remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PTEN loss and time to CRPC in Jordan. We conducted a retrospective analysis of confirmed CRPC cases at our institution from 2005 to 2019 (N=104). PTEN expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Time to CRPC was calculated from the initiation of ADT to the confirmed diagnosis of CRPC. Combination/sequential ADT was defined as the use of two or more classes of ADT concomitantly or switching from one class to another. We found that PTEN loss was evident in 60.6% of CRPC. Mean time to CRPC was not different between patients with PTEN loss (24.8 months) and those with intact PTEN (24.2 months; p=0.9). However, patients receiving combination/sequential ADT had a significantly delayed onset of CRPC compared to patients on monotherapy ADT (log-rank Mantel-Cox p=0.000). In conclusion, PTEN loss is not a major determinant of time to CRPC in Jordan. The use of combination/sequential ADT procures a significant therapeutic advantage over monotherapy regimens, delaying the onset of CRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Alzoubi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Samir Al Bashir
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aya Smairat
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Alrawashdeh
- Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Husam Haddad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sindiani A, Awadallah E, Alshdaifat E, Melhem S, Kheirallah K. The relationship between maternal health and neonatal low birth weight in Amman, Jordan: a case-control study. J Med Life 2023; 16:290-298. [PMID: 36937486 PMCID: PMC10015569 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal health during pregnancy and low birth weight (LBW), as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-economic status of pregnant women and its effect on LBW. The study was conducted in Amman, Jordan, and included 2260 mothers who visited Abu-Nusair comprehensive health center between January and December 2020. A matched case-control design was used with 72 cases and 148 controls selected for data collection through medical records and face-to-face interviews. Results showed that factors such as a monthly income of 400 JD or less, living with an extended family, exposure to passive smoking, maternal weight gain of 6-10 kg, maternal anemia, maternal hypertension, delivery by cesarean section, and previous history of LBW newborns were positively associated with an increased risk of LBW. Conversely, factors such as a monthly income above 700 JD, living with a core family, daily intake of iron, calcium, and vitamin D, prenatal visits, healthy food intake, and planning for pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of LBW. COVID-19 infection and its effects on work, family finances, antenatal care visits, and food supply were also positively linked with LBW. In conclusion, socioeconomic status, maternal health, COVID-19, and its impacts were significant risk factors for LBW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amer Sindiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Corresponding Author: Amer Sindiani, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. E-mail:
| | - Ekram Awadallah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Eman Alshdaifat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shatha Melhem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alzoubi A, Nasor EM, Suliman EMO, AlQaderi N, AbbasTanira SHI, Abdi SAH, Mustafa S, Kheirallah K. A Comparative Piloting of Determinants of Self-Medication Among University Students in the MENA Region; UAE and Jordan as an Example. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:699-709. [PMID: 36960181 PMCID: PMC10028299 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s405279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unsupervised self-medication (SM) is a global public health concern. University students are particularly vulnerable due to misperceptions of improved academic performance and thus are at risk of dependence, addiction, and drug overdose. Past studies have shown an alarming prevalence of SM among university students in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. However, there is a scarcity of reports from the region dissecting determinants of SM. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and epidemiological correlates of SM among university students and its perceived impact on their academic performance. METHODS Two countries in the MENA region were surveyed in a cross-sectional design; UAE and Jordan. Through a stratified sampling technique, undergraduate students in both healthcare and non-healthcare majors of study were recruited to participate. A structured, self-administered questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study was distributed to consented participants via the university's official email. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 362 students participated in the study (74% were females, 60% were from the UAE, and 59% were in healthcare majors). Significantly higher prevalence rates and adjusted odds of SM were found among females, students from Jordan, and those in healthcare majors, particularly for paracetamol (90.2% of females [p=0.001], 88.3% from Jordan [p=0.03], 92.5% in healthcare majors [p=0.001]) and antibacterial drugs (48.9% of females [p=0.01], 60.7% from Jordan [p=0.001], 53.3% in healthcare majors [p=0.001]). Majoring in healthcare fields was the most consistent determinant of such practice, while social influences of family and friends represented the chief source of recommendation. Only 21% of respondents assumed SM boosts their academic performance. CONCLUSION Our pilot study underlines the predominant determinants of SM among university students in the MENA region, namely female gender, students from Jordan, and those in healthcare majors. Informed data-driven awareness campaigns to mitigate such practice should be designed to focus on these susceptible populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Alzoubi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Correspondence: Abdallah Alzoubi, Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Tel +971 6 705 5340, Fax +971 6 743 8888, Email
| | - Eiman M Nasor
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elaf M O Suliman
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nour AlQaderi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shahd H I AbbasTanira
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed Ali Hussein Abdi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shadi Mustafa
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bellizzi S, Pichierri G, Kheirallah K, Panu Napodano CM. Global Health priorities: repositioning routine immunization for infants. J Infect Dev Ctries 2022; 16:1648-1649. [DOI: 10.3855/jidc.17165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The first year of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic registered the highest number of children under the age of one year who did not receive basic vaccines since 2009. The pronounced rise in vaccine-preventable diseases in 2020 and 2021 was largely attributable to the disruption of the vaccine schedule for children around the world. Routine vaccinations were missed in consideration of movement restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On the other hand, health resources were re-allocated to COVID-19, resulting in strained health care systems and the marginalization of essential health services like routine vaccination campaigns. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly illustrated the potential of vaccines in saving lives and preventing disabilities. The unequal roll-out of vaccination programmes has simultaneously deepened the existing gaps between high and low-income countries. Disruption in other key life-saving immunization programmes is driving these inequalities even further. Prompt and sustainable investments in routine immunization programmes, including catch-up vaccination strategies, are essential to avert the impact of years of neglect of this important public health issue. In particular, the recent declining trends in vaccination coverage are putting decades of progress at risk.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramadan M, Kheirallah K, Saleh T, Bellizzi S, Shorman E. The Relationship Between Spirituality and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Syrian Adolescents in Jordan. J Child Adolesc Trauma 2022; 15:585-593. [PMID: 35958726 PMCID: PMC9360348 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00401-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The civil war in Syria began in 2011 and escalated over years resulting in one of the largest humanitarian crises since the Second World War. Injury, loss, poverty, and immigration trapped the Syrian population in a diversity of psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Spirituality has, on the other hand, been consistently reported as a resilient factor against developing mental disorders. Hence, spirituality or religiosity have been incorporated in clinical and psychotherapeutic practice for several mental disorders. We explored the association between spirituality and the development of PTSD symptoms among Syrian refugee adolescents in Jordanian schools. A sample of 418 Syrian adolescent students (age range between 12-16 years) from Jordanian schools in the northern part of the country were enrolled in the study after informing on study context and objectives. The study questionnaire included sample demographics, smoking status, PTSD checklist - Civilian Version (PCL-C), two spirituality-targeting questions, and trauma and loss history. `Almost half of participants (N = 196) showed moderate PTSD symptoms while around 30% (N = 124) had a severe level of PTSD symptoms. On the other hand, 3 out of four students perceived themselves as highly spiritual. The study resulted in a positive correlation between belief in God and God's thankfulness. Furthermore, increased spirituality level did not appear to lower the risk of developing PTSD symptoms. Spiritual self-perception of Syrian refugee adolescents showed neither protective nor aggravating effect of on the occurrence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Additional research and more accurate tools are needed to assess the potential impact of spiritual/religious values towards PTSD symptoms among adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Saverio Bellizzi
- Medical Epidemiologist, Independent Consultant, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sakka S, Al-Shatanawi TN, Bataineh DZ, Haddad W, Al Tamimi S, Al Salamat H, Al-Mistarehi AH, Alsulaiman J, Kheirallah K. Knowledge, attitude, practice and perceived barriers towards smoking cessation services among community pharmacists. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2637. [PMID: 35497892 PMCID: PMC9014907 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.1.2637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: With more than one billion current smokers, 80% of them living in low
and middle-income countries, tobacco smoking is considered a global public
health problem. Jordan has one of the highest estimate rates of tobacco use
in the region and world. Still, tobacco use interventions, that could
significantly reduce the number of smoking-related diseases and reduce
health care costs, are scarce. While such interventions could be carried out
by community pharmacists, given their unique position to counsel patients
and provide effective cessation interventions, the role of community
pharmacists in tobacco control services in Jordan has never been fully
investigated. Objective: This study aimed at assessing the community pharmacists’ knowledge,
attitudes, and practice towards smoking cessation and identifying their
perceived barriers for smoking cessation counselling utilizing a sample of
community pharmacists in Northern Jordan. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacies in Irbid
city, North of Jordan, between April and August 2018. A random sample of 95
pharmacies was selected using the multistage random sampling technique. A
structured English questionnaire, consisting of 5 parts, was used. The
Survey assessed pharmacists’ socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude,
practice and perceived barriers related to tobacco use cessation
services. Results: One hundred and fifty pharmacists completed the survey. Their mean age was
30.71±10.10 years. The mean of pharmacists’ knowledge score
was 3.74±0.38, while their positive and negative attitude were
3.87±0.43 and 3.18±0.66 respectively. Pharmacists’ mean
smoking cessation practice was 2.01+0.64. Barriers to providing cessation
interventions included the lack of training on nicotine replacement therapy
products (86%), the lack of smoking cessation programs (84%)
and low demands from smokers (83.3%). Conclusion: While knowledge related to tobacco use cessation services among the community
pharmacists was sub-optimal, a good positive attitude and a low practice
levels were observed. The lack of educational materials, low
patients’ demand, knowledge deficits, low training and the lack of
cessation programs have been identified as barriers hindering the provision
of smoking cessation services. Furthermore, the study identified factors
that will increase community pharmacists’ participation in smoking
cessation, help in raising pharmacists’ awareness of smoking as a
public health problem and the importance of their role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Sakka
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al Salt-19117, Jordan.
| | - Tariq N Al-Shatanawi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan.
| | - Dina Ziad Bataineh
- Department of Public Health and family Medicine, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Waleed Haddad
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al Salt, Jordan.
| | - Shawkat Al Tamimi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al Salt, Jordan.
| | - Husam Al Salamat
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman - 11942, Jordan& Faculty of Medicine, Al Balqa Applied University, Al- Salt, Jordan.
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health and family Medicine, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | | | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and family Medicine, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alsinglawi B, Mubin O, Alnajjar F, Kheirallah K, Elkhodr M, Al Zobbi M, Novoa M, Arsalan M, Poly TN, Gochoo M, Khan G, Dev K. A simulated measurement for COVID-19 pandemic using the effective reproductive number on an empirical portion of population: epidemiological models. Neural Comput Appl 2021; 35:1-9. [PMID: 34658535 PMCID: PMC8502096 DOI: 10.1007/s00521-021-06579-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 as a global pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the entire world. Projecting the future spread of the virus in relation to its characteristics for a specific suite of countries against a temporal trend can provide public health guidance to governments and organizations. Therefore, this paper presented an epidemiological comparison of the traditional SEIR model with an extended and modified version of the same model by splitting the infected compartment into asymptomatic mild and symptomatic severe. We then exposed our derived layered model into two distinct case studies with variations in mitigation strategies and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) as a matter of benchmarking and comparison. We focused on exploring the United Arab Emirates (a small yet urban centre (where clear sequential stages NPIs were implemented). Further, we concentrated on extending the models by utilizing the effective reproductive number (R t) estimated against time, a more realistic than the static R 0, to assess the potential impact of NPIs within each case study. Compared to the traditional SEIR model, the results supported the modified model as being more sensitive in terms of peaks of simulated cases and flattening determinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belal Alsinglawi
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Rydalmere, NSW 2116 Australia
| | - Omar Mubin
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Rydalmere, NSW 2116 Australia
| | - Fady Alnajjar
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud Elkhodr
- School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland Australia
| | - Mohammed Al Zobbi
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Rydalmere, NSW 2116 Australia
| | - Mauricio Novoa
- School of Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Rydalmere, NSW 2116 Australia
| | - Mudassar Arsalan
- School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, Western Sydney University, Rydalmere, NSW 2116 Australia
| | - Tahmina Nasrin Poly
- College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 101 Taiwan
| | - Munkhjargal Gochoo
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Gulfaraz Khan
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Kapal Dev
- Department of Institute of Intelligent Systems, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Al-Zoubi N, Alrabadi N, Kheirallah K, Alqudah A. Prevalence and Multiplicity of Thrombophilia Genetic Polymorphisms of F V, MTHFR, F II, and PAI -I: A Cross-Sectional Study on a Healthy Jordanian Population. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:5323-5332. [PMID: 34522129 PMCID: PMC8434867 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s324340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FV, MTHFR, II, and PAI-I are the most common genes associated with thrombophilia genetic variants, which vary among different populations and ethnic groups. Little is known about the prevalence and multiplicity of these variants in Jordan. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and multiplicity of the FV G1691A, FV H1299R, MTHFR 1298A>C, MTHFR 677C>T, II 20210G>A, and PAI-I 675 4G/5G variants among healthy Jordanians. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected healthy Jordanian participants. Non-Jordanians and those with a history of arterial/venous thrombosis, atherosclerosis, or a history of recurrent abortions were excluded from the study. PCR was used to detect variants in DNA extracted from participants' blood samples. Results A total of 300 subjects were screened: 170 (56.7%) females with an average age of 27.78±9.32 years and 130 (43.3%) males with an average age of 29.88±8.55 years. Genetic variants (at least one) were found in 75% of the subjects (81.2% among females and 66.9% among men), while 64.7%, 52%, and 12% were found to have at least two, three, and four variants, respectively. Overall, 21%, 29%, 54.3%, 27.3%, 7.7%, and 66% of participants were found to have FV G1691A, FV H1299R, MTHFR 1298A>C, MTHFR 677C>T, II 20210G>A, and PAI-I 675 4G/5G gene variants, respectively. Conclusion Three-quarters of our population had at least one of the thrombophilia genetic variants, and most had more than one variant. The most common variants detected were associated with MTHFR, followed by PAI-I, FV, and then II. We observed that females had higher prevalence estimates than males. However, multiplicity among males was significantly higher than females. Our findings indicated noticeable differences in prevalence estimates compared with other populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Al-Zoubi
- Department of General Surgery/Vascular Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Nasr Alrabadi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Alqudah
- Department of Laboratories/Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ramadan M, Hasan Z, Saleh T, Jaradat M, Al‐hazaimeh M, Bani Hani O, Al‐Tammemi AB, Shorman E, Al‐Mistarehi A, Kheirallah K. Beyond knowledge: Evaluating the practices and precautionary measures towards COVID-19 amongst medical doctors in Jordan. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14122. [PMID: 33650228 PMCID: PMC7995122 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health Care Workers (HCWs), including medical doctors, played a pivotal role as a first-line defence against the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of high exposure, HCWs are at an increased risk of contracting the disease. AIMS This study aims to assess the level of precautionary measures, both at home and the workplace, amongst medical doctors who were on duty during the national lockdown in Jordan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 23 and May 1, 2020, utilising a self-administered web-based questionnaire to examine a sample of medical doctors (n = 270) working at different healthcare institutions in Jordan. Likert scale was used to code the data and generate means and percentages. RESULTS The most practiced on-duty precautionary measures were cleaning hands with water and disinfectant for more than 20 seconds (47.4%), followed by proper hygiene before and during meals (38.9%). The most practiced off-duty measures were taking off clothes before entering the residential place (65.9%) and prohibiting visitors (58.1%). Overall, the mean work protection percentage score was 73.8% (range: 28%-100%), while the mean home safety percentage score was 71.3% (range: 25%-100%). Work protection score was positively correlated with the home safety score. Female doctors were found to be more precautious at home than males. Doctors with chronic illness(es) were found to be less precautious than their healthier counterparts. Participants who isolated themselves expressed the highest level of home safety practice. Doctors who reported to smoke were found more precautious at home and doctors who preferred to work during lockdowns were more precautious at the workplace. CONCLUSION The level of precautionary behaviour of medical doctors in Jordan was not optimal. More attention and efforts are needed to enhance the adherence of doctors to precautionary guidance. Strengthening the role of infectious disease and infection control units within healthcare settings remains a necessity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohannad Ramadan
- Department of Public Health and Community MedicineFaculty of MedicineJordan University of Science and TechnologyIrbidJordan
| | - Zuheir Hasan
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineThe Hashemite UniversityZarqaJordan
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineThe Hashemite UniversityZarqaJordan
| | - Mahmoud Jaradat
- Department of General SurgeryRoyal Medical ServicesAmmanJordan
| | | | - Omar Bani Hani
- Department of Diagnostic RadiologyAl‐Bashir HospitalMinistry of HealthAmmanJordan
| | | | - Enas Shorman
- Department of Public Health and Community MedicineFaculty of MedicineJordan University of Science and TechnologyIrbidJordan
| | - Abdel‐Hameed Al‐Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health and Community MedicineFaculty of MedicineJordan University of Science and TechnologyIrbidJordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community MedicineFaculty of MedicineJordan University of Science and TechnologyIrbidJordan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kheirallah K, Bloukh S, Khasawneh W, Alsulaiman J, Khassawneh A, Al-Mistarehi AH, Alqudah M, Elsalem L, Al Bashir S, Awad HH, Al-Shatanawi T, Saleh T. Medical students' relative immunity, or lack thereof, against COVID-19 emotional distress and psychological challenges; a descriptive study from Jordan. F1000Res 2021; 10:297. [PMID: 34026047 PMCID: PMC8108551 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.52051.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Emotional distress is a major impact of COVID-19 among not only the general public but also healthcare workers including medical students. This study aimed at describing self-reported changes in emotional reactions associated with COVID-19 among medical students in Jordan and to assessing the potential effect of social media utilization on emotional distress among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect data early on during the outbreak in Jordan. All medical students in Jordan were eligible to complete an online questionnaire assessing self-reported emotional reactions to COVID-19 that covered four main domains: negative emotion (anxiety, worry, depression, panic, loneliness, and nervousness), positive emotion (happiness, joy, and excitement), sleep disorders (insomnia, shallow sleep, nightmares, and insufficient sleep), and aggression (verbal argument and physical fighting). The frequency of social media utilization as a main source of COVID-19 information was also assessed. Results: 59.9% of participants were females, 64.9% were enrolled at the two major medical schools in Jordan, and 59.6% were in the pre-clinical stage (years). A significant proportion of participants self-reported increased negative emotional levels of anxiety (49.2%), worry (72.4%), depression (23.1%), panic (22.6%), and nervousness (38.2%) and decreased positive emotional levels of happiness (44.8%), joy (47.3%), and feelings of excitement (45.1%). Self-reported sleep disorders were not as common (less than 15% for any of the four items), while arguing with others was at 26.7%. Significant differences by gender and academic year were detected. Almost half of participants reported using social media as a main source of COVID-19 information "most/all-the-times" with a significant effect of such on reducing emotional distress. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential effect of COVID-19 on the emotional distress of medical students. Addressing and mitigating such effects is crucial. The potential buffering effect of social media should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sarah Bloukh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Wasim Khasawneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Jomana Alsulaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine at Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Adi Khassawneh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alqudah
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lina Elsalem
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Samir Al Bashir
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hasan H Awad
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Tariq Al-Shatanawi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine at Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Alkhader M, Hudieb M, Kheirallah K. Effect of calibration of a medical review monitor on the visibility of mandibular canal at dental implant sites: A cone beam CT study. Indian J Dent Res 2021; 31:883-887. [PMID: 33753658 DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_420_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the visibility of mandibular canal (MC) on cone beam CT (CBCT) images using a medical review monitor under two different calibration modes. The effect of age, gender, and location of the dental implant site was also assessed. Materials and Methods CBCT images of 428 dental implant sites were selected for the study. Images were displayed twice on a medical review monitor using two different calibration modes: standard and DICOM, and two observers evaluated the visibility of the MC using four-point scoring scale (1-4, poor to excellent). Cohen Kappa was used to assess intra and inter-rater reliability. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions of MC visibility by gender and location and one-way ANOVA was used to compare mean age and MC visibility. Results Each observer classified the visibility of MC with a total agreement of 100% between DICOM mode and standard mode (Kappa = 1, P < 0.001 for each observer). In each mode, a strong agreement (inter-rater reliability) was detected between the observers (Cohen's kappa = 0.88 for both modes, P < 0.001) with a percent agreement of 95.3% for each mode. Gender and location were not statistically associated with MC visibility (P > 0.05). Age, however, was a significant predictor of MC visibility (P < 0.05). Conclusions DICOM calibration had no added value over standard calibration for assessing the visibility of MC at dental implant sites on a medical review monitor. Only the age had significant effect on the visibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Alkhader
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Malik Hudieb
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Alzoubi A, Kanaan H, Alhazaimeh D, Gharaibeh S, Mukattash TL, Kheirallah K. Knowledge, attitude, future expectations and perceived barriers of medical students and physicians regarding pharmacogenomics in Jordan. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e13658. [PMID: 32772487 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacogenomics (PG) is a modern tool of personalising treatment protocols to improve the efficacy and safety of drug prescriptions. These benefits are offset by a slow uptake in clinical application due to a host of physician factors, patient factors and/or health system factors. Our study, thus, aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, future expectations and perceived barriers of medical students and physicians in Jordan regarding PG testing. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and August 2019. Physicians and senior medical students from academic and non-academic institutions in North Jordan (n = 424) were surveyed. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was designed and piloted for the purpose of the study. A scoring system for each dimension assessed was calculated and presented using means. Mean scores were compared by sociodemographic and professional variables. RESULTS The response rate was 70.7%. The mean total PG knowledge score (±SD) was 5.42 (±1.51) out of 10, with a significantly higher mean among respondents aged <30 years (5.54 ± 1.43) compared with those ≥30 years old (5.21 ± 1.62; P = .03). The mean total PG attitude score was 21.18 (±2.58) out of 24, with significant differences by seniority levels evident (P = .03). The future expectations of PG among our sample were high, with a mean score of 10.44 (±1.64) out of 12. The top three perceived barriers in applying PG were the high cost, lack of clinical guidelines, and limited knowledge and awareness. CONCLUSION Physicians and medical students in Jordan have low overall knowledge, albeit strongly positive attitude and future expectations towards PG, despite the perceived high cost and lack of clinical guidelines. Thus, we strongly recommend adopting a comprehensive educational strategy that aims to integrate PG concepts into medical curricula, and promote the culture of continuous medical education about PG among practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hashem Kanaan
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Dua'a Alhazaimeh
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Salam Gharaibeh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Tareq L Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Khasawneh W, Kheirallah K, Mazin M, Abdulnabi S. Knowledge, attitude, motivation and planning of breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study among Jordanian women. Int Breastfeed J 2020; 15:60. [PMID: 32611353 PMCID: PMC7329471 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-020-00303-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Jordan, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is declining. The trend variation in breastfeeding practice is determined by different factors including antenatal women's attitude and planning which are affected by their awareness and the support they receive. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, support, and planning of breastfeeding among Jordanian women. METHODS A face-to-face cross-sectional semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted among healthy women in the antenatal clinic and postpartum ward at three hospitals in Northern Jordan during the period August 2019 to December 2019. Data were collected about demographic characteristics, women's knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding, antenatal and postnatal support and counseling, and feeding planning. Customized scales were utilized to assess knowledge and attitude. Factors associated with planning to breastfeed were reported. RESULTS 660 women completed the survey questionnaire. The majority were 20 to 35 years of age, 10% were primiparous, and 30% were employed. 78% were knowledgeable about breastfeeding benefits and aware of WHO recommendations. 72% had a positive attitude towards breastfeeding. More than half received support from their husbands to breastfeed their infants, while less than 20% received any counseling from their obstetric providers. 97% reported their intention to breastfeed, and more than half indicated their willingness to breastfeed exclusively. With multivariable logistic regression modelling, predictors of EBF planning include: primiparity (AOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.1, 3.25), positive attitude (AOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.05, 3.1) and positive husband's support (AOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.18, 3.15). Barriers include women's employment (AOR 0.43; 95% CI 0.26, 0.70) and low birthweight (AOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25, 0.84). CONCLUSION Jordanian women are highly knowledgeable about breastfeeding benefits, and they exhibit a positive attitude towards breastfeeding resulting in a very high percentage intending to breastfeed their infants. Limited counseling about breastfeeding is a major gap in antenatal care. As intentions might not reflect the actual practice after delivery, gaps and barriers affecting the determinants of successful breastfeeding should be identified, and corrective tools should be implemented accordingly. Allocating a specific time for antenatal or postnatal counseling and support is expected to promote breastfeeding practice in our population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Khasawneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mai Mazin
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sanaa Abdulnabi
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Darawad MW, Rezk-Hanna M, Alhussami M, Lee J, Mostafa A, Abu-Rmeileh N, Kheirallah K, Salama M, Nakkash R, Saleh Z, Salloum R. Poly-Tobacco Use among Young Adult Waterpipe Smokers: Insights from University Students in Three Eastern Mediterranean Countries. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:2099-2108. [PMID: 32666880 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1790010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a tendency of waterpipe smokers to advance their practice toward concurrent use (poly-tobacco use) of other tobacco products and nicotine delivery systems. This study investigated poly-tobacco use among waterpipe smokers, and its effect on their quit intention. METHODS Descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized to recruit a convenience sample of university students who used waterpipe in three East Mediterranean countries. Using an internet-based survey, data were collected regarding participants' demographics, use of alternative tobacco products and nicotine delivery systems, and waterpipe quitting profile. Results: A total of 2290 students agreed to participate, among which 1116 (45.3%) reported using at least one tobacco product beside waterpipe. Poly-tobacco use was highest (61.1%) in Egypt, followed by Jordan (45.1%) and Palestine (33.1%). Across countries, cigarettes were the most common product (45.2%, n = 924) followed by cigar (18.6%, n = 374) and e-shisha (17.5%, n = 353). Conversely, the least reported product was smokeless tobacco (7.5%, n = 151) preceded by regular pipe (9.5%, n = 193). Participants who were males (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 2.18-3.65), older (22-29 years) (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.09-1.22), unemployed (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.04), and those who initiated waterpipe at a younger age (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91) had higher odds of being poly-smokers. Poly-tobacco users were significantly more resistant to quit waterpipe. Conclusion: This study demonstrates poly-tobacco use as a rising phenomenon among waterpipe smokers and highlights the necessity for initiating advanced interventions to help waterpipe poly-tobacco users quit this dangerous type of addiction. Various country-specific programs are needed considering the various products used by the users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Rezk-Hanna
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Juhan Lee
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Aya Mostafa
- Department of Community Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Niveen Abu-Rmeileh
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health-Medical School, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Salama
- Clinical Nursing Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rima Nakkash
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zeyad Saleh
- School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ramzi Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Al Bashir S, Alzoubi A, Alfaqih MA, Kheirallah K, Smairat A, Haddad H, Al-Dwairy A, Fawwaz BAB, Alzoubi M, Trpkov K. PTEN Loss in a Prostate Cancer Cohort From Jordan. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2019; 28:389-394. [PMID: 30614821 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in prostate cancer has been associated with early biochemical recurrence, increased metastatic potential, and androgen independence. We evaluated the status of PTEN loss in a cohort of prostate cancer patients from Jordan. We investigated 71 patients with prostate cancer and 52 control subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PTEN status was assessed by immunohistochemistry. PTEN mutations on exons 1, 2, 5, and 8 were also evaluated by polymerase chain reaction single-stranded conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). We found PTEN loss in 42 of 71 (59.2%) evaluated prostate cancer cases by immunohistochemistry. In contrast, 51 of 52 BPH (98.1%) cases had an intact PTEN. In a subset of 24 prostate cancer cases evaluated by PCR-SSCP, we found PTEN mutations in 15 (62.5%) cases, whereas 22 (91.7%) of BPH controls lacked PTEN mutations. Exon 5 was the most frequently mutated exon (37.5%). Although the loss of PTEN was not significantly correlated with the Gleason Score (GS) or the World Health Organization (WHO)-International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group (GG), we found higher frequency of PTEN loss (64%) in patients with GS≥4+3/GG≥3, compared with patients with GS≤3+4/GG≤2 (47.6%). In this first study to address the question of PTEN loss in a predominantly Arab population, we documented the frequency of PTEN loss in prostate cancer patients from Jordan, which was found to be higher than in comparable cohorts from East Asia, and was at the higher end of the range of reported frequency of PTEN loss in respective cohorts from North America and Western Europe. Although there was more frequent PTEN loss in cancers with higher GS/GG, this was not statistically significant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology
| | | | | | | | | | - Mazhar Alzoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Kiril Trpkov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abu-Rmeileh NM, Alkhuffash O, Kheirallah K, Mostafa A, Darawad M, Al-Farsi Y, Yusufali A, Thomas J, Salama M, Hamadeh RR, Nakkash R, Salloum RG. Harm perceptions of waterpipe tobacco smoking among university students in five Eastern Mediterranean Region countries: A cross-sectional study. Tob Induc Dis 2018; 16:20. [PMID: 31516420 PMCID: PMC6659482 DOI: 10.18332/tid/89966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) continues to be very common in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), partially because of cultural acceptance but also because of misconceptions of its harm. This paper aimed to describe the beliefs towards waterpipe harm of university students who smoked waterpipe in five EMR countries. METHODS This study was conducted in 2016 across five EMR countries: Egypt, Jordan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants were recruited from among university students in each country. Students' characteristics, smoking behavior, flavor preference and knowledge of WTS harm were collected using an internet-based survey. Participants were included if they were ever waterpipe tobacco smokers and between 18 and 29 years of age. Bivariate analyses assessed variations in student-perceived WTS harm across the countries. Linear regression analysis was used to assess WTS perceived harm differences between students in the different countries. RESULTS A total of 2 544 university students participated from the five countries. Among ever smoking students, 66% reported WTS in the past 30 days, with the highest proportions (40%) from Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and (41%) Jordan. Dual smoking of waterpipe and cigarettes was highest among students from Egypt. Most participants from the five countries had high level of perceived harm related to WTS during pregnancy. Less than 50% of the students believed that WTS could lead to the death of the smoker, can be harmful for non-smokers and have an addictive effect. Female students, those older than 22 years, and those who didn't smoke waterpipe in the last 30 days significantly had a higher level of WTS perceived harm. Participating students believed that cigarettes are more addictive and contain more nicotine compared to waterpipe. CONCLUSIONS Misperceptions of waterpipe harm are common among university students in the five EMR countries. Immediate public health action is needed, including enforcement of waterpipe tobacco control regulations along with awareness campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niveen M.E. Abu-Rmeileh
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Occupied Palestinian Territories
| | - Ola Alkhuffash
- Statistic Department, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Medical School, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aya Mostafa
- Department of Community Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Randah R. Hamadeh
- College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Rima Nakkash
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi G. Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Salloum R, Abu-Rmeileh N, Al-Farsi Y, Hamadeh R, Kheirallah K, Mostafa A, Yusufali A, Nakkash R. Using discrete choice experiments to characterize demand for waterpipe tobacco smoking among university students in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Tob Induc Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.18332/tid/84026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
22
|
Nakkash R, Abu-Rmeileh N, Al-Farsi Y, Hamadeh R, Kheirallah K, Mostafa A, Yusufali A, Salloum R. Evaluation of health warnings for waterpipe tobacco smoking among university students in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Tob Induc Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.18332/tid/84636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
23
|
Alzoubi A, Ghazwi R, Alzoubi K, Alqudah M, Kheirallah K, Khabour O, Allouh M. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibition enhances chronic obstructive pulmonary disease picture in mice exposed to waterpipe smoke. Folia Morphol (Warsz) 2018; 77:447-455. [PMID: 29297179 DOI: 10.5603/fm.a2017.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is marked by destruction of alveolar architecture. Preclinical modelling for COPD is challenging. Chronic cigarette smoke exposure, the reference animal model of COPD, is time-inefficient, while exposure to waterpipe smoke (WPS), a surging smoking modality, was not fully tested for its histopathological pulmonary consequences. Since alveolar damage and pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction are integral to COPD pathology, lung histopathological effects of WPS were temporally evaluated, alone or in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibition in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice were exposed to WPS, 3 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 1, 2, 3, or 4 months. Another group of mice was exposed to WPS for 1 month, while being subjected to injections with the VEGFR blocker Sugen5416 (SU, 20 mg/kg) 3 times weekly. Control mice were exposed to fresh air in a matching inhalation chamber. Histopathological assessment of COPD was performed. Alveolar destructive index (DI) was counted as the percentage of abnormally enlarged alveoli with damaged septa per all alveoli counted. Mean linear intercept (MLI) was calculated as a measure of airspace enlargement. RESULTS Exposure to WPS resulted in significant increases in alveolar DI and MLI only after 4 months. Lung inflammatory score was minimal across all time-points. Importantly, combination of WPS and SU resulted in significantly increased DI, MLI, and inflammatory scores as early as 1 month post exposure. CONCLUSIONS Combined exposure to WPS and SU results in COPD picture, highlighting the role of pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction in the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, Jordan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Al-sheyab NA, Gharaibeh T, Kheirallah K. Relationship between Peer Pressure and Risk of Eating Disorders among Adolescents in Jordan. J Obes 2018; 2018:7309878. [PMID: 30327728 PMCID: PMC6169234 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7309878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) have increased worldwide. It is estimated that about 31.6% of Jordanian adolescents developed DEB. Engaging in peer groups is a prominent event in which adolescents try to belong to peers as part of exploring their social identity. PURPOSE To assess the relationship between risk of eating disorders and peer pressure among adolescents. METHODS A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design utilized multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit students from 8th to 10th grades from both sexes from schools in northern Jordan. Data were collected from a self-administered, online questionnaire which was given to 738 participants. RESULTS The difference in overall mean of the Inventory of Peer Influence on Eating Concerns (I-PIEC) between adolescents with disordered eating behaviors and normal eating behaviors states was statistically significant. Scores for interaction peer pressure means were statistically higher for girls than for boys; conversely, likeability mean scores were statistically higher for boys than girls. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that healthcare professionals are encouraged to conduct appropriate school-based primary prevention for disordered eating behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nihaya A. Al-sheyab
- Faculty of Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO BOX 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Tamer Gharaibeh
- Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO BOX 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Khalid Kheirallah
- Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO BOX 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Awidi A, Abbasi SY, Al-Rabi KH, Kheirallah K. Generic imatinib therapy among Jordanians: An observational assessment of safety and efficacy in routine clinical practice. J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e18548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e18548 Background: Generic imatinib therapy is being globally considered due to cost considerations. Evidence about its efficacy and safety in developing country settings, however, is scarce. Methods: The efficacy and safety of generic imatinib among Jordanian patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was assessed utilizing an observational, multicenter, prospective study design. All patients (N = 91) were adults with CML treated with generic imatinib, mainly 400 mg/day, who either received generic imatinib (n = 33) as first-line therapy “first-line patients “or switched from patented imatinib to generic imatinib “switched patients” (n = 58). The primary objective was to measure proportions (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) of optimal response for first-line and switched patients at 12 months of treatment with generic imatinib, as defined in the 2009 ELN guidelines (CCyR [no Ph+ metaphases], or MMR [a ratio of BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 ≤0.1% on the International Scale]) and assessed by complete blood counts, fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time quantitative PCR. Results: A total of 84.8% (n = 28/33) of the first-line patients achieved complete hematologic response (CHR) within 3 months of starting generic imatinib therapy (100% after 6 months). Out of the 23 evaluable first-line patients, [(87%, 95% CI = 73% - 100%), (n = 20)] in the per-protocol population (60.6 %, 95% CI = 51% - 86%) of the 33 patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population) achieved an optimal response at 12 months. All 58 switched patients had CHR at enrollment. Out of the 55 evaluable switched patients, [(96.4%, 95% CI = 91%-100%), (n = 53)] in the PP population (91.4%, 95% CI = 83%-98%) of the 58 patients in the ITT population) gained or maintained an optimal response at 12 months after switching to generic imatinib therapy. Most (84.7%, n = 144 out of 170) adverse events (AEs) were mild. Frequencies of drug-related AEs were similar to patented imatinib. Conclusions: Efficacy and safety of generic imatinib among middle eastern population in routine clinical practice is comparable to that of patented imatinib, and to that of the global population. Clinical trial information: NCT02977312.
Collapse
|