Students' experiences and attitudes toward a newly developed simulation-based pharmaceutical care clinical rotation: A pre-post study design.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students' experience with the newly developed simulation-based pharmaceutical care (PC) rotation by evaluating their knowledge and attitudes towards PC before and after the rotation. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to sixth year PharmD students enrolled in the clinical training rotation "Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Care" during the 2020/2021 academic semesters at Jordan University of Science and Technology's (JUST) Faculty of Pharmacy. Questionnaires were distributed before and after completing four experiential training weeks and consisted of three sections. The first section collected students' demographic details while the second and third sections evaluated students' knowledge about, and attitudes toward PC, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and compare changes in students' knowledge and attitudes pre-and post-rotation. Results: A total of 106 valid questionnaires were completed with a response rate of 99.07%. The rates of correct answers increased after the rotation with median total knowledge score increasing from 8 to 10 (out of 13, P value < 0.001). Significant improvements in students' understanding of aspects relating to the concept and process of PC, and the role of clinical pharmacist in PC provision, were shown post the simulation-based clinical rotation. Similarly, their attitudes toward performing PC were either improved or emphasized. In contrast results also revealed that specific aspects of the rotation require further refinement, such as the comprehensiveness of the PC process and responsibilities in providing PC. Conclusions: PharmD students' understanding and attitudes toward PC were either improved or emphasized after the simulation-based PC rotation. This study highlights the value of simulation as a unique instructional technique that can assist educators to develop PC competencies for pharmacy students.

Perspective of biopharmaceutics knowledge and practice of pharmacy personnel toward the effect of medication route and medical procedure on nullifying fasting.

Background: In Ramadan, most of the dosing schedules for the patients are changed, and to ensure patient compliance to medications and to healthy life among patients, appropriate guidelines and educations are needed. This can be achieved by pharmacy personnel in all clinical settings who are recognized as biopharmaceutical experts and integral educators of medications. Aims: This study aimed to identify the perspective knowledge of pharmacy personnel about effect of medication route and medical procedure on nullifying fasting in Ramadan and to determine the predictors of this knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan during March-April 2022. An internet-based self-administrated questionnaire on knowledge, and views was distributed using social media groups to the pharmacy personnel among different geographical areas in Jordan. A descriptive and univariate analysis were performed. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors of knowledge including all variables with p < 0.20 on univariate analysis. Results: A total of 1003 responses to the study questionnaire were collected and included in the analysis. The most common source that pharmacy personnel used to get information on medication intake and medical procedures during fasting in Ramadan was Fatwa (57.8%) followed by Islamic materials "books and brochures" (47.1%). The majority of respondents were knowledgeable about the effect of administration route of medication and medical procedures on nullifying fasting in Ramadan (greater than70%). The univariate analysis showed that more than half of respondents (56.1%) were considered knowledgeable, and the binary logistic regression analysis identified that both professional degree type and confidence of respondents to modify the patient's medication schedule as predictors for knowledge (OR = 1.791, 95% CI = 1.035-3.098, p = 0.037), (OR = 1.375, 95% CI = 1.04-1.817, p = 0.025), respectively. Conclusions: Most of pharmacy personnel in Jordan are knowledgeable in biopharmaceutics principles and practice toward effect of medication route and medical procedure on nullifying fasting, and the identified predictors for this knowledge, can provide an opportunity to improve safe and effective use of medications and medical procedures during the holy month of Ramadan.

Significance of serum VIP and PACAP in multiple sclerosis: an exploratory case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Vasoactive and intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) are neuropeptides that play roles in anti-inflammation and neuroprotection in MS. In this study, we aimed to determine the serum levels of VIP and PACAP in MS patients versus healthy controls and to correlate them with demographics and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from MS patients (n = 145) and healthy controls (n = 73) to measure serum levels VIP and PACAP. RESULTS: VIP serum levels were lower in MS patients than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum PACAP levels were the same among the two groups. Gender-based analysis showed that VIP levels were lower in healthy females (1238.840 pg/ml) than healthy males (3300.105 pg/ml; p < 0.001), and PACAP serum levels were significantly lower in male MS patients (48,516.214 fg/ml) than female MS patients (62,466.400 fg/ml; p = 0.029). ROC curve suggested that serum VIP level can discriminate patients with MS from healthy controls. Relapsing-remitting MS, progressive-MS, and clinically isolated syndrome groups were different in age, MS disease duration, EDSS score, and VIP levels (p < 0.05). MS disease type and history of previous relapses in the preceding 24 months predicted serum VIP levels, while gender predicted PACAP levels. CONCLUSION: VIP serum levels are decreased in MS patients and can be used to differentiate between MS patients and healthy controls. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to investigate VIP as a marker to reflect MS disease progression.

Clinical trials: Predictors of knowledge and attitudes towards participation.

AIMS: Clinical trials (CTs) are critical to advancing of patient care. Understanding the public's knowledge and the attitudes towards participating in CTs is important for their successful implication. In Jordan this data are currently not available. The present study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and perception of Jordanians towards CTs participation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1216 Jordanians recruited from public hospitals and pharmaceutical research centres. RESULTS: About 20.5% of the respondents have previously participated in a CT. About 68.3% and 50.1% had good knowledge and positive attitude towards CTs, respectively. Good knowledge was associated with male gender (OR = 1.696, 95% CI = 1.284-0.240, P < .001), higher education (OR = 1.433, 95% CI = 1.107-1.856, P = .006) and healthy condition (OR = 1.822, 95% CI = 1.234-2.690, P = .003); while older age was associated with a poor knowledge (OR = 0.985, 95% CI = 0.972-0.998, P = .026). Female gender (OR = 1.817, 95% CI = 1.406-2.349, P < .001), higher education (OR = 1.294, 95% CI = 1.017-1.646, P = .036) and previous participation (OR = 1.919, 95% CI = 1.388-2.653, P < .001) were factors predicting the positive attitudes. A very weak positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (Spearman's r = 0.074, P = .01). Regarding perceptions, most of the respondents (85.3%) perceive that CTs are conducted in an ethical manner in Jordan, only 52.9% however feel comfortable towards participation. A moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and perception (Spearman's r = 0.275, P < .001). Taking part in a CT significantly affect knowledge, attitudes and perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed important insights regarding knowledge, attitudes and perception of Jordanians towards CTs. Educational interventions can improve awareness of the ethical standards under which CTs are conducted affecting the perception to participate. Promotion of CTs among patients and healthy individuals is needed to increase participation.

The knowledge of community pharmacists about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among paediatrics: A national study from Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: Paediatric patients are highly exposed to medication errors especially dosing errors. This study assessed the community pharmacists' knowledge about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among paediatric patients, factors affecting community pharmacists' knowledge and barriers that lead to inappropriate dosing of antibiotics. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1283 Jordanian pharmacists who worked in community pharmacies. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were conducted. RESULTS: The response rate was 87.1%. The majority of pharmacists (86.4%) were non-knowledgeable about appropriate dosing of antibiotics among paediatrics. The monthly income of the pharmacist was positively associated with pharmacists' knowledge. The case of azithromycin dosing in acute bacterial pharyngitis was answered correctly by the highest percentage of community pharmacists (55.8%) while the case of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole dosing in lower urinary tract infection was answered correctly by the lowest percentage (15.7%). Poor scientific knowledge about dose calculation was the most reported barrier by the participants (54.7%). CONCLUSION: Most community pharmacists were non-knowledgeable about appropriate dosing of antibiotics in paediatrics and the level of knowledge was affected by monthly income. Implementing adequate and appropriate educational programmes, constructing specific guidelines that regulate antibiotics practice among community pharmacists are highly recommended.

A ten-year surveillance of P aeruginosa bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital: Trends and risk factors for mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa) is a leading cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of P aeruginosa bloodstream infections and to identify predictors of 30-day mortality. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in an academic tertiary hospital in Jordan. The medical records of patients hospitalised over ten years (1 January 2008-31 December 2017) were reviewed to identify patients' positive blood culture of P aeruginosa. Annual incidence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and risk factors for 30-day mortality were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 169 cases of P aeruginosa bloodstream infection were identified, with an overall incidence rate of 0.23 case/1000 admission. The overall crude 30-day mortality was 36.7%. Receipt of corticosteroids (OR = 4.5; P = .0017), severe sepsis and septic shock (OR = 2.7; P = .0476), admission to intensive care unit (OR = 5.9; P = .0004), end-stage renal disease (OR = 4.1; P = .0123), inappropriate empirical therapy (OR = 3.2; P = .0143) and inappropriate definitive therapy (OR = 2.9; P = .0110) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: The annual incidence of P aeruginosa BSIs was fluctuating over ten years period. Several predictors for 30-day mortality in patients with P aeruginosa BSIs were identified, including inappropriate empirical and definitive therapy.

Clinical patterns, epidemiology and risk factors of community-acquired urinary tract infection caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers: a prospective hospital case-control study.

PURPOSE: To assess incidence rate, risk factors and susceptibility patterns associated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae in community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs). METHODS: A prospective, case-control study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016. The results of microbiology cultures were initially screened to include only patients with positive E. coli or K. pneumoniae urine cultures. Afterwards, clinical symptoms were assessed to confirm the UTI. To investigate the risk factors, patients with a positive urine culture for ESBL-producing isolates were assigned as cases, while patients with non-ESBL were assigned as controls. RESULTS: Out of 591 patients included in this study, 57.5% (n = 340) were included in the control group and 42.5% (n = 251) were in the case group. The incidence rate of ESBL-producing isolates was 3.465 cases per 1000-patient hospital admissions. Male gender (OR = 1.856, 95% CI = 1.192-2.889, p = 0.006), pediatrics (OR = 1.676, 95% CI = 1.117-2.517, p = 0.013), patients with comorbidity (OR = 1.542, 95% CI = 1.029-2.312, p = 0.036) and UTI in the previous 12 months (OR = 1.705, 95% CI = 1.106-2.628, p = 0.016) were independently associated with a higher risk of infection. The resistance rate for most commonly prescribed antibiotics was high. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the incidence of ESBL producers among CA-UTIs is high. Male gender, pediatrics, comorbidity and UTI in the previous 12 months were associated with a higher risk for infection. Continuous surveillance and prudent antibiotic use by healthcare professionals are important factors for effective control of ESBL associated infections.

Asthma insights from Jordan: cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The burden of uncontrolled asthma on patients in Jordan is largely unknown. This study assessed different aspects of asthma clinical features: the level of asthma control, its correlation with quality of life, and possible predictors of asthma control. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews with asthmatic patients (≥16 years old) in north Jordan from 2013 to 2014 were conducted. Outcomes measures were assessed using the asthma control test (ACT), the mini asthma quality of life questionnaire (mini-AQLQ), and the Generic health-related quality of life (EQ-5D). The relationship between asthma control and quality of life was examined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Predictors of asthma control were determined using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were recruited (mean age 45.16 years, 74.5% female). Approximately one-third of subjects (30.6%; n = 78) had controlled asthma (ACT ≥ 20). A strong correlation between asthma control and both mini-AQLQ and EQ-5D scores was identified (p < 0.001). Subjects who required to step-up treatment (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.63, p = 0.01) and with acute asthma exacerbation (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.18-0.58, p < 0.001) were independently associated with poor asthma control. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the recruited patients have not achieved optimal asthma control and was associated with low quality of life. The study highlights that even in low-income countries, a simple assessment tool such as the ACT can be utilized to screen and categorize asthma control. This approach would facilitate a better treatment plan and eventually improve asthma control and quality of life in asthma patients.

Alpha Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Substance P as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Disease Activity and Severity in Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (aCGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and substance P (SP) are neuropeptides that have emerged recently as potent immunomodulatory factors with potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to detect serum levels of aCGRP, NPY, and SP in MS patients versus healthy controls and their association with disease activity and severity. METHODS: Serum levels were measured in MS patients and age and sex-matched healthy controls using ELISA. RESULTS: We included 67 MS patients: 61 relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) and 6 progressive MS (PR-MS), and 67 healthy controls. Serum NPY level was found to be lower in MS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum aCGRP level was higher in PR-MS compared to RR-MS (p = 0.007) and healthy controls (p = 0.001), and it positively correlated with EDSS (r = 0.270, p = 0.028). Serum NPY level was significantly higher in RR-MS and PR-MS than in healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), and it was lower in patients with mild or moderate/severe disease than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between SP level and MS disease duration (r = -0.279, p = 0.022) and duration of current DMT (r = -0.315, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Lower serum levels of NPY were revealed in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Since serum levels of aCGRP are significantly associated with disease activity and severity, it is a potential disease progression marker.

What the newspapers say about medication adherence: a content analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the coverage of adherence to medicine by the UK and US newsprint media. Adherence to medicine is recognised as an important issue facing healthcare professionals and the newsprint media is a key source of health information, however, little is known about newspaper coverage of medication adherence. METHODS: A search of the newspaper database Nexis®UK from 2004-2011 was performed. Content analysis of newspaper articles which referenced medication adherence from the twelve highest circulating UK and US daily newspapers and their Sunday equivalents was carried out. A second researcher coded a 15% sample of newspaper articles to establish the inter-rater reliability of coding. RESULTS: Searches of newspaper coverage of medication adherence in the UK and US yielded 181 relevant articles for each country. There was a large increase in the number of scientific articles on medication adherence in PubMed® over the study period, however, this was not reflected in the frequency of newspaper articles published on medication adherence. UK newspaper articles were significantly more likely to report the benefits of adherence (p = 0.005), whereas US newspaper articles were significantly more likely to report adherence issues in the elderly population (p = 0.004) and adherence associated with diseases of the central nervous system (p = 0.046). The most commonly reported barriers to adherence were patient factors e.g. poor memory, beliefs and age, whereas, the most commonly reported facilitators to adherence were medication factors including simplified regimens, shorter treatment duration and combination tablets. HIV/AIDS was the single most frequently cited disease (reported in 20% of newspaper articles). Poor quality reporting of medication adherence was identified in 62% of newspaper articles. CONCLUSION: Adherence is not well covered in the newspaper media despite a significant presence in the medical literature. The mass media have the potential to help educate and shape the public's knowledge regarding the importance of medication adherence; this potential is not being realised at present.

Medication adherence to disease-modifying therapies among a cohort of Jordanian patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate medication adherence to oral and parenteral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and to explore factors associated with medication non-adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted among patients with MS. Patients who attended outpatient clinics of neurology departments from three major referral centres were invited to participate in the study. Medication adherence was measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Adherence Questionnaire. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 319 patients with MS on DMT were included in the final analyses, their average age was 35 years and more than two-thirds (72.1%) of them were women. The adherent group comprised 46.7% of patients. The results of association analyses showed that factors that were associated with adherence level were female gender (P = 0.034), non-smoking/x-smoking (P = 0.007), school education (P = 0.019), unemployment (P = 0.006), history of previous DMT (P = 0.020), longer previous treatment duration (P = 0.008), and type of current DMT (P = 0.020). Among the non-adherent patients, there were significant differences between oral and parenteral DMT users in the importance of barriers to adherence (P < 0.001). Additionally, the degree of treatment satisfaction was higher in oral users than in parenteral users (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The adherence level was quite low. Gender, smoking status, education, employment status, history of previous DMT, previous treatment duration and type of current DMT were associated with medication non-adherence in our patients with MS. These factors should be considered when evaluating medication adherence, and the modifiable factors may represent potential targets for interventions to improve pharmaceutical care planning in patients with MS.

Adherence and utilization of short-term antibiotics: Randomized controlled study.

Enhancing adherence to medication has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and decrease healthcare cost. The role of clinical pharmacist-led education on adherence to short-term antibiotic has never been investigated in Jordan. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on antibiotic short-term adherence and to assess the antibiotic utilization pattern. A prospective, single blinded, randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in Jordan. Adult patients diagnosed with acute infection and prescribed a short-term antibiotic course (< 30 day) were included in the study. Recruited patients were randomly allocated into control and intervention groups. Pharmaceutical education about the correct use of antibiotic/s was provided to the intervention group. The results showed that penicillins were the most prescribed antibiotics (38.7%) followed by fluoroquinolones (23.9%) and cephalosporines (20.9%). Patients in the intervention group were more likely to be adherent to the prescribed antibiotics compared to control group (OR = 1.445, 95CI% = 1.029-2.030, p = 0.033). Employed patients, less frequent administration of antibiotic, and searching information related to the prescribed antibiotics were factors associated with better adherence to short-term antibiotic (p<0.05). The most common reasons for non-adherence were feeling better and forgetfulness to take medication. These findings highlighted that pharmacist-led educational intervention significantly enhance adherence to prescribed short-term antibiotics which is a major drive to control antibiotic resistance. Initiatives should be adopted to include patient education as a regular element in the medication dispensing process. Clinical trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05293977).

Clinical utility of prior positive cultures to optimize empiric antibiotic therapy selection: A cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Despite reduced infectious disease mortality and improved survival, infectious diseases continue to pose health threats due to their contagiousness, societal harm, and morbidity. Empiric antibiotic therapy, often prescribed without knowledge of the causative pathogen, faces challenges from rising antibiotic resistance. This study explores the potential of prior positive culture results to guide empiric antibiotic therapy. Methods: Data from King Abdullah University Hospital (Jan 2014-Dec 2019) included adult patients with recurrent bacterial infections (pneumonia, sepsis, UTIs, wounds). Excluded cases included: mixed infections, transfers, <14 days or >12 months between episodes. The study compared bacterial growth and sensitivity patterns between previous and recent cultures. Results: The study included 970 episodes from 650 patients, mainly UTIs (60.3%) and gram-negative bacteria (77.9%). The study found that (65.1%) of culture pairs matched. Empirical therapy was accurate in (71.8%) of cases. Further, accuracy of selected empiric antibiotic therapy was significantly predicted (p â€‹< â€‹0.001) by: type of infection, type of antibiotics, and concordance with prior microbiologic data. Multivariate logistic analysis showed blood culture as less predictive of pending identity (OR: 0.234, P â€‹< â€‹0.001) compared to urine culture; and prior affirmed gram negative bacterial culture was less predictive (OR: 0.606, P â€‹= â€‹0.021) compared to gram positive bacterial culture. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of prior positive culture results in guiding empiric antibiotic therapy, enhancing accuracy and identity agreement. Future research should explore this approach in different infection contexts and across multiple centers. Reducing the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is essential to combat antibiotic resistance.

Clinical pharmacist role in improving the knowledge and outcomes in patients using isotretinoin: A randomized, controlled study.

Objective: To evaluate the role of a clinical pharmacist in improving knowledge and outcomes among isotretinoin users. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (received education about isotretinoin by a clinical pharmacist in addition to the physician) and a control group (received routine education by the physician), then followed for three months. Patients' knowledge about isotretinoin optimal use, and side effects and their management and other outcomes were measured in both groups at baseline and at follow up after three months using a validated questionnaire. Results: Two-hundred and three patients completed the study; 103 were in the intervention group and 100 in the control group. The knowledge improvement between baseline score and follow-up score was greater in the intervention group (mean = 2.835 ± 1.329) compared to the control group (mean = 0.530 ± 0.784) with mean differences = -2.30495, P < 0.001. Conclusion: Implementing clinical pharmacy services in dermatology clinics can positively increase patients' level of knowledge about isotretinoin, which could reduce the severity of its side effects. Therefore, improving patients' quality of life, and improvement in acne. Practice implications: Implementing clinical pharmacist services to patients using isotretinoin is feasible in an outpatient setting. Clinical pharmacist counseling and education improve the medication knowledge among patients who use isotretinoin.

Evaluation of serum VIP and aCGRP during pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis: A longitudinal pilot study of patients undergoing antibiotic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Objective monitoring of improvement during treatment of pulmonary exacerbation can be difficulty in children when pulmonary function testing cannot be obtained. Thus, the identification of predictive biomarkers to determine the efficacy of drug treatments is of high priority. The major aim of the current study was to investigate the serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and alpha calcitonin gene related peptide (aCGRP) of cystic fibrosis pediatric patients during pulmonary exacerbation and post-antibiotic therapy, and possible associations of their levels with different clinicopathological parameters. METHODS: 21 patients with cystic fibrosis were recruited at onset of pulmonary exacerbation. Serum was collected at time of admission, three days post-antibiotic therapy, and two weeks post-antibiotic therapy (end of antibiotic therapy). Serum VIP and aCGRP levels were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: Overall least square means of serum aCGRP level but not VIP changed from time of exacerbation to completion of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.005). Serum VIP was significantly associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.026) and other comorbidities (p = 0.013), and with type of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.019). Serum aCGRP level was significantly associated with type of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.012) and positive Staphylococcus aureus microbiology test (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: This study could only show significant changes in serum aCGRP levels following treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. Future studies with larger sample size are required to investigate the clinical importance of VIP and aCGRP in cystic fibrosis patients.

Prevalence and predictors of non-adherence to short-term antibiotics: A population-based survey.

Non-adherence to antibiotics is a well-known, core player to antibiotic resistance. The current adherence behavior toward short-term antibiotic regimens has never been investigated before in Jordan. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of non-adherence to short-term antibiotics among Jordanians and investigated participants' views about different reasons related to antibiotics non-adherence. A cross-sectional face-to-face survey-based interview was conducted in three hospital pharmacies in Jordan. Adults and mother of children (≤12 years old) who completed their short course treatment (<30 day) of oral antibiotic within the last month were recruited. A total of 2000 participants (adults: 1000 and mothers of children: 1000) were included in the study with a response rate of 91.60%. The prevalence of non-adherence was estimated to be 32.10%. Non-adherent respondents scored a lower Medication Adherence Report Scale [16.76±5.02 vs. 23.04 ±3.24] than adherent respondents (p<0.001). Adults without comorbidity and children with higher number of doses per regimen were significantly less adherent to antibiotic [(OR = 0.615, 95%CI = 0.444-0.853, p = 0.004) and (OR = 0.965, 95%CI = 0.950-0.981, p<0.001)], respectively. Patients-related factors were the most common antibiotic non-adherence reason reported by the participants. The multivariate analysis for all the participants (adults and children), indicated that mothers were 2.6 times more likely to be adherent in giving antibiotics to their children than adults (p<0.001). These findings highlight that more than half of the participants were adherent to short-term antibiotics. However, improving the current prescription-related practices and implementing pharmaceutical consultation services upon antibiotic dispensing are encouraged.

The influence of adverse drug effects on health-related quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Concerns have been raised about the influence of adverse drug effects on patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COPD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COPD treatment-related adverse effects on HRQoL in COPD patients. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, COPD patients aged 40 years or older were identified and interviewed during their hospital visits. The EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire was used for evaluating HRQoL. Potential treatment adverse effects were evaluated as experienced by participants during the last 2 weeks preceding the interview. The intensity of adverse effects was reported in the following categories: never, mild, moderate and severe. Multivariable linear regression model was performed to evaluate the influence of adverse drug effects on utility scores as an indicator of HRQoL. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 203 patients diagnosed with COPD were recruited in the current study. The mean utility score of the study sample was 0.68 (SD = 0.36). Moderate-severe constipation, moderate-severe confusion, mild urinary hesitation, moderate-severe urinary hesitation, moderate-severe dry eyes and moderate-severe drowsiness were significant predictors/determinants for the average utility scores (coefficients were -0.099, -0.191, -0.111, -0.157 and -0.144, respectively). In addition, having higher COPD Assessment Test scores and severe disease was negatively associated with average utility scores (coefficients were -0.287 and -0.124, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher intensity of COPD treatment-related adverse effects has a negative influence on HRQoL in COPD patients. Anticholinergic drug effects are of concern in COPD adults' population.

Treatment related problems in Jordanian hemodialysis patients.

Background Treatment related problems are any event or circumstance involving patient treatment that actually or potentially interferes with an optimum outcome for a patient. Hemodialysis patients have on average 5-6 comorbid conditions and require 8-12 medications each day making them vulnerable to treatment related problems. Objective This study aimed to investigate treatment related problems affecting Jordanian hemodialysis patients, as well as assessing the factors associated with them. Setting Three hemodialysis centers in Jordan. Method A cross sectional multi-centered study was conducted. Direct interviews and patient files were used to collect patient information. A validated data collection form was used. Main outcome measure The average number of treatment related problems per patient. Results 160 patients from three different Jordanian dialysis centers were included. The cohort was 53 ± 15.2 years old, been on dialysis for 5.9 ± 5.3 years, had 3.9 ± 1.8 comorbid conditions and took 10.2 ± 2.8 different medications. There were a total of 1018 treatment related problems, a treatment related problem occurred once every 1.47 drug exposures. Adverse events were the most commonly occurring treatment related problems (27%), followed by indication related errors and dosing errors (24% and 21%, respectively). The number of treatment related problems is positively associated with age, the number of comorbid conditions, the number of hospital admissions in the previous year and the number of medications taken by the patient. Conclusion In the Jordanian hemodialysis population, treatment related problems affect virtually all patients. Most patients suffered adverse drug events and/or had drug indication problems. The number of treatment related problems correlated positively with age and the number of medications taken by the patient. Those with more treatment related problems also had higher hospital admissions and longer admission periods. Serious measures should be made in order to reduce the number of treatment related problems affecting this vulnerable population.

The clinical characteristics of primary headache and associated factors in children: A retrospective descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Headache is the most encountered manifestation of pain in childhood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of primary headaches. Further, the factors associated with primary headache were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among young children and adolescents over 3 years at a tertiary referral teaching hospital in North Jordan. Relevant patient information was obtained by reviewing patients' medical records. RESULTS: This study included 194 children (95 males, 99 females). The incidence rate of primary headache in the current study was 2.815 per 1000 children visited pediatric clinic. The mean age of patients at the time of headache onset was 10 years, and about half of them were males (95/194; 49%). Approximately 30% (56/194) had a family history of headache. Migraine headaches were the most commonly reported types (87/194; 44.8%) and only 17/194; 8.7% suffered from tension type headaches. Approximately, 40% (84/194) of patients reported severe headache and a third of them (67/194; 34.5%) complained of daily headaches. Pain location was reported as bilateral in most patients (153/194; 78.9%). About one fifth (41/194; 21.1%) stated that their headache was precipitated by sleep deprivation. Abnormal serum level of vitamin D and family history of headache were significantly associated with primary headache (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of early detection and management of headaches among pediatric population. In addition, screening vitamin D status should be encouraged for children presented with primary headaches.

Attitudes and Knowledge of the Harmful Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking among university students: A study from Jordan.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is an emerging behavior worldwide, especially among the youth. It continues to spike in the Middle-Eastern region. WTS is associated with many harmful health-related outcomes.Objective: Herein, the attitude, knowledge, and factors affecting the knowledge of university students toward the detrimental effects of WTS were examined. This was a cross-sectional study where university students filled an online questionnaire that was available between October 2019 and May 2020. A total of 966 questionnaires were filled. About 40% of participants were current waterpipe smokers. Around 30% of participants stated that WTS is not addictive, and about third of them indicated that smoking waterpipe is an essential part of social gathering and is socially accepted behavior. Half of participants (55.8%) were knowledgeable about the major harmful consequences of WTS. Older students were more knowledgeable as compared to younger ones. In contrast, students from non-medical colleges and waterpipe smokers were less knowledgeable in comparison to those in medical colleges and non-smokers, respectively. More targeted health campaigns to control the use of WTS among university students should be implemented.