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Rashaideh A, Al-Nusair M, Alrawashdeh AA, Rababah T, Khassawneh A, Akkam Y, Al Jawaldeh A, Alsulaiman JW, Kheirallah KA. Factors Contributing to the Comprehensive Use of Food Labels in Jordan. Nutrients 2023; 15:4893. [PMID: 38068750 PMCID: PMC10708443 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234893] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Food labels are low-cost, informational tools that can help curb the spread of diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study described consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to food labels in Jordan and explored the relationship between knowledge and attitude with comprehensive use of food labels. A cross-sectional, online survey assessed Jordanian adult consumers' ability to comprehend the nutritional contents of food labels (knowledge score), their attitudes towards food labels (attitude scale), and how frequently they used different parts of food labels (practice scale). Multivariate logistic regression models assessed predictors of comprehensive use of food labels. A total of 939 adults participated in the study. Total mean scores for the practice scale (14 questions), attitude scale (8 questions), and knowledge score (4 questions) were 49.50 (SD, 11.36; min, 5; max, 70), 29.70 (SD, 5.23; min, 5; max, 40), and 1.39 (SD, 1.33; min, 0; max, 4), respectively. Comprehensive users of food labels (26.4%) were more likely female, responsible for grocery shopping, and had higher mean knowledge and attitude scores. Jordanian consumers seem to have good practices and attitudes related to food label use but suboptimal knowledge regarding content. Future interventions should focus more on enhancing knowledge and awareness related to food labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Rashaideh
- Department of Public Health, Family Medicine, and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.R.); (A.K.)
| | - Mohammed Al-Nusair
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Ahmad Ali Alrawashdeh
- Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Taha Rababah
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Adi Khassawneh
- Department of Public Health, Family Medicine, and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.R.); (A.K.)
| | - Yazan Akkam
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Ayoub Al Jawaldeh
- Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo 7608, Egypt;
| | - Jomana W. Alsulaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Khalid A. Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Family Medicine, and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.R.); (A.K.)
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Omais S, Kharroubi S, Zaraket H. No association between the SARS-CoV-2 variants and mortality rates in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Gene 2021; 801:145843. [PMID: 34274478 PMCID: PMC8282436 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread in all countries, there is a growing interest in monitoring and understanding the impact of emerging strains on virus transmission and disease severity. Here, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences reported in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries, as of 1 January 2021. The majority (~75%) of these sequences originated from three out of 22 EMR countries, and 65.8% of all sequences belonged to GISAID clades GR, GH, G and GV. A delay ranging between 30 and 150 days from sample collection to sequence submission was observed across all countries, limiting the utility of such data in informing public health policies. We identified ten common non-synonymous mutations represented among SARS-CoV-2 in the EMR and several country-specific ones. Two substitutions, spike_D614G and NSP12_P323L, were predominantly concurrent in most countries. While the single incidence of NSP12_P323L was positively correlated with higher case fatality rates in EMR, no such association was established for the double (spike_D614G and NSP12_P323L) concurrent variant across the region. Our study identified critical data gaps in EMR highlighting the importance of enhancing surveillance and sequencing capacities in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Omais
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samer Kharroubi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Department of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Immunology & Microbiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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Doggui R, Al-Jawaldeh H, Al-Jawaldeh A. Trend of Iodine Status in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Impact of the Universal Salt Iodization Programs: a Narrative Review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:390-402. [PMID: 32221799 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02083-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing the importance of iodine deficiency as a single most important preventable cause of brain damage, World Health Organization (WHO) urged all countries to scale up salt iodization since 1991 where iodine deficiency was declared as a global public health problem. All countries committed to report on the national iodine status of school-aged children (6-12 years), every 3 years. This paper aims to evaluate the progress of countries in Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) toward the eradication of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and recommend operational action to support implementation of the WHO Regional Nutrition Strategy (2020-2030). Salt iodization in EMR has been scaled up with significant progress in increasing the proportion of dietary salt which is adequately iodized. As a result, many countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Iran have achieved, or are now on the threshold of achieving IDD elimination. The WHO in coordination with United Nations Children's Fund is working with member states to ensure suitability of these achievements. Hence, efficient monitoring will help member states to measure the magnitude of IDD as a public health problem and to monitor the effects of the intervention on the iodine status of a population. Policy makers should take proactive steps to enforce mandatory regulatory measures for USI, through a multi-sectoral coordination, and careful assessments and estimates of iodine nutritional status. Coordination between the two national programs of USI and salt reduction intake is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhouene Doggui
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Hanin Al-Jawaldeh
- Health Science Department, The American University of Madaba, Madaba, 11821, Jordan
| | - Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Vienna, UZA2 Althantstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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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.
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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
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