Bovine Colostrum Treatment of Specific Cancer Types: Current Evidence and Future Opportunities.

Worldwide, the incidence of cancer is on the rise. Current cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are typically associated with severe adverse effects and a decline in patients' quality of life. Anti-cancer substances derived from plants and animals need to be evaluated therapeutically as it is cost-effective, have fewer side effects, and can improve cancer patients' quality of life. Recently, bovine colostrum (BC) has attracted the interest of numerous researchers investigating its anti-cancer potential in humans. Dressings loaded with BC are beneficial in treating chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcers. Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein with potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial effects, is abundant in BC. The BC pills successfully promote the regression of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia when administered intravaginally. The biological, genetic, and molecular mechanisms driving BC remain to be determined. Oral BC supplements are generally well-tolerated, but some flatulence and nausea may happen. To evaluate the therapeutic effects, long-term safety, and appropriate dosages of BC drugs, well-designed clinical trials are necessary. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the anti-cancer potential of BC and its constituents.

Medications and natural products used in Jordan for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 infection during the second wave of the pandemic: A cross-sectional online survey.

Worldwide, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, there was an increase in the tendency of misusing prescription drugs as well as self-medicating with over-the-counters. Additionally, an increase in the use of herbs and natural products was reported. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jordan from May 19th to July 29th, 2021, to assess the medications and natural products used in Jordan during the second wave of the pandemic. The survey was developed and validated, then distributed using Google Forms via social media platforms. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences-24. The study participants (n = 386) had a mean age of 29.35 (SD = 11.90) years. Most of participants were females (72.8%), not married (64.5%), non-smoker (69.2%), have a Jordanian nationality (80.6%), hold a bachelor's degree (73.1%), and living in the middle of Jordan (74.1%). More than 70% of the participants used vitamin C, D and pain relievers. The most used natural products were citrus fruits (78.8%), honey (63.0%) and ginger (53.1%). The participants reported that family and friends (55.4%) played a major role in advising them to use medications and dietary supplements. Pharmacists ranked second (54.1%), followed by social media platforms (43.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis highlighted that only the age significantly affected the participants' use of medications and natural products (P < 0.001). The results of this study warrant the need of conducting awareness campaigns guided by trained healthcare providers to educate people and minimize the risk of side effects that may arise from unsupervised use of medications and natural products.

Perspectives of psychiatric patients in rural areas of Jordan: Barriers to compliance and pharmacist role.

BACKGROUND: Successful management of psychiatric disorders is affected by patient perspectives and several barriers, that is, conceptual, psychological, social, or logistic reasons that can decrease patient adherence to therapy. In this perspective, pharmacists have a vital role in identifying patients in need of help and in dealing with barriers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate perspectives of patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, living in rural areas in Jerash, Jordan, regarding their awareness about their conditions, including religious and cultural factors, adherence to their treatment and related barriers, with special focus on pharmacist's role. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Jordan from August to November 2019. A validated questionnaire was administered by two pharmacy students via a structured interview with patients waiting for their appointment in the psychiatric clinic. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients (age 39.4 ± 9.5, 66.7% males) completed the questionnaire. Most of them (71.0%) reported adherence to their medications, and 47.5% reported complete control of their symptoms with treatment. Most patients (59.2%) reported that they perceive their psychiatric problem in terms of religious faith as being counted for their favour in the Hereafter, and 52.5% of them always/usually looked at themselves positively and unaffected by their psychiatric problem; with both factors correlating significantly with better treatment adherence (P < .045 and P < .001; respectively). Barriers affecting adherence included mainly suffering from adverse effects (31.9%) and being unconvinced that they needed a medication (23.3%). Only 14.2% of patients reported that they refer to the pharmacist to get information about their medications. CONCLUSION: This study shows suboptimal symptom control of psychiatric patients in Jerash. Nonadherence is an issue, with barriers identified. Positive religious and self-image perspectives correlated with better adherence. Patient referral to pharmacists is minimal and needs to be optimised.

Pharmacists' awareness of COVID-19 and perceptions of their roles, barriers, and roles of policymakers: Exploring the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared in January 2020 as a public health emergency of international concern. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) suffered from several pandemics previously. Pharmacists have vital roles to play to prevent the spread of this virus. OBJECTIVES: To assess the COVID-19 awareness amongst pharmacists from Arabic-speaking countries located in the MENA region, and to assess their perspectives of their role, barriers, and roles of the educational institutions/pharmaceutical associations. METHODS: An online survey was conducted to run a descriptive cross-sectional study in Jordan from 12th to 22nd April 2020. The questionnaire was validated (face validity) and put on Facebook and directed for pharmacists only (clarified in the introduction of the questionnaire). Assessment of pharmacists' awareness (20 questions) about pandemics and COVID-19, their perceived roles and barriers, and roles of the educational institutions (eg, universities) and pharmaceutical associations (eg, Pharmacists Syndicate) was performed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). RESULTS: Study participants (n = 2589) had a mean age of 29.3 (8.2) years and 1329 (51.5%) were females. Most of the participants were from Egypt (n = 819, 40.8%), followed by Jordan, Algeria, and Syria. Regarding the sources of information about coronavirus management, 60.8% of participants got their information from social media. Fear of contracting the coronavirus while performing their duties was reported by the majority of pharmacists as the main barrier to delivering their roles (82.3%). The majority of pharmacists identified positive roles for the pharmaceutical institutions (74.8%) and pharmaceutical associations (63.6%). CONCLUSION: Pharmacists from the MENA countries believe they got enough education previously about pandemics, and the majority follow the latest coronavirus updates from social media. Fear was reported as the major barrier that requires resolution by the policymakers. Certain gaps in the awareness about COVID-19 were identified.

Respiratory tract infection-induced asthma exacerbations in adults with asthma: assessing predictors and outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate clinical and economic burden associated with respiratory tract infection (RTI)-induced asthma exacerbations and to identify risk factors associated with these exacerbations. Factors associated with these exacerbations are understudied and little information is available about consequent expenditures. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, medical records and pharmacy data in King Abdullah University Hospital in Northern Jordan were reviewed for adults with asthma aged 40 years and older, over the period 2013-2016. Cases of RTI-induced asthma exacerbations were identified, and controls were selected randomly from asthmatic adults who did not experience any RTI-induced asthma exacerbation during the same period. Independent-samples t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to compare patient characteristics of cases and controls. Predictors of RTI-induced asthma exacerbations and the resultant complications were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable regression on log-transformed charges was used to predict expenditures of these exacerbations. Results: A total of 137 cases and 548 controls were identified. Using inhaled corticosteroid + long-acting beta-agonists (ICS + LABA) was significantly associated with lower odds of RTI-induced asthma exacerbations (OR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.21-0.77; p = 0.006), and lower odds of resultant serious complications (OR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.07-0.69; p = 0.009), compared to being untreated with any asthma maintenance treatment. Asthma severity and co-morbidities were associated with increased susceptibility to these exacerbations. The average charges of RTI-induced asthma admissions and outpatient exacerbations were 1042.9 JD ($1471.0) and 81.1 JD ($114.4), respectively. Conclusions: ICS + LABA, asthma severity and co-morbidities appeared to affect the clinical and economic burden associated with RTI-induced asthma exacerbations. Efforts to prevent these exacerbations in patients with risk factors are warranted.

Carnosine to Combat Novel Coronavirus (nCoV): Molecular Docking and Modeling to Cocrystallized Host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Viral Spike Protein.

AIMS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role in the entry of coronaviruses into host cells. The current paper described how carnosine, a naturally occurring supplement, can be an effective drug candidate for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the basis of molecular docking and modeling to host ACE2 cocrystallized with nCoV spike protein. METHODS: First, the starting point was ACE2 inhibitors and their structure-activity relationship (SAR). Next, chemical similarity (or diversity) and PubMed searches made it possible to repurpose and assess approved or experimental drugs for COVID-19. Parallel, at all stages, the authors performed bioactivity scoring to assess potential repurposed inhibitors at ACE2. Finally, investigators performed molecular docking and modeling of the identified drug candidate to host ACE2 with nCoV spike protein. RESULTS: Carnosine emerged as the best-known drug candidate to match ACE2 inhibitor structure. Preliminary docking was more optimal to ACE2 than the known typical angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibitor (enalapril) and quite comparable to known or presumed ACE2 inhibitors. Viral spike protein elements binding to ACE2 were retained in the best carnosine pose in SwissDock at 1.75 Angstroms. Out of the three main areas of attachment expected to the protein-protein structure, carnosine bound with higher affinity to two compared to the known ACE2 active site. LibDock score was 92.40 for site 3, 90.88 for site 1, and inside the active site 85.49. CONCLUSION: Carnosine has promising inhibitory interactions with host ACE2 and nCoV spike protein and hence could offer a potential mitigating effect against the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring Ethical Pharmacy Practice in Jordan.

Patient-centered pharmacy practice involves increased pharmacist engagement in patient care. This increased involvement can sometimes require diverse decision-making when handling various situations, ranging from simple matters to major ethical dilemmas. There is literature about pharmacy ethics in developed Western countries. However, little is known about pharmacists' practices in many developing countries. For example, there is a paucity of research conducted in the area of pharmacy ethics in Jordan. This study aimed to explore the manner in which ethical dilemmas were handled by Jordanian pharmacists, the resources used and their attitudes towards them. Semi-structured, face to face interviews were carried out with 30 Jordanian registered pharmacists. The transcribed interviews were thematically analysed for emerging themes. Four major themes were identified: legal practice; familiarity with the code of ethics; personal judgement, cultural and religious values; and Experience. Findings showed that ethical decision-making in pharmacy practice in Jordan was decisively influenced by pharmacists' personal moral values, legal requirements and managed by exercising common sense and experience. This pointed to gaps in Jordanian pharmacists' understanding and application of basic principles of pharmacy ethics and highlighted the need for professional ethics training, incorporating pharmacy ethics courses in pharmacy undergraduate curricula, as well as professional development courses. This study highlighted that paternalism, personal values and legal obligations were major drivers influencing decision-making processes of Jordanian pharmacists. Findings also highlighted an inclination towards lack of respect for patient autonomy. This illuminated the need for increasing pharmacists' literacy in professional ethics.

General Practitioners' experiences of asthma management in culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore General Practitioners' experiences and perspectives about asthma management of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people with asthma, particularly with reference to Arabic-speaking patients with low English proficiency (LEP). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews guided by an interview protocol were conducted with general practitioners who deal with CALD patients with asthma. Participants were recruited from medical practices in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data saturation was achieved after 21 interviews. Interviews lasted on average 30 minutes. Thematic analyses of the interview transcripts highlighted five key emergent themes: self-autonomy, language issues, accessibility and engagement, health literacy, and cultural/beliefs issues. Many participants highlighted that CALD patients do not self-manage their asthma. Miscommunication was mentioned by some participants as stemming from language barriers. Patients' difficulty in engagement with the health system, lower accessibility to health care, social isolation, and non-acclimatization were other issues participants highlighted as problems in providing effective asthma care to CALD patients. Participants reported finding it more difficult to treat CALD patients with asthma compared to local patients. CONCLUSION: General practitioners perceived that treating culturally and linguistically diverse patients with asthma is difficult and many key barriers were observed to affect treatment. Cultural competence training for health professionals, as well as improving asthma and health system awareness in CALD patients with asthma and their carers, are key interventions that may address asthma management gaps in CALD patients.

Identifying treatment related problems and associated factors among hospitalized post-stroke patients through medication management review: A multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of disability and one of the leading causes of death among the elderly. Treatment related problems can lead to undesirable consequences. The Medication Management Review (MMR) service is aimed at identifying, resolving and preventing TRPs, subsiding the undesirable outcomes associated with TRPs. OBJECTIVES: To explore the types, frequencies and severity of TRPs amongst post-stroke patients recruited through hospitals via conducting the MMR service by clinical pharmacists in Jordan. Associations between patient factors and the identified TRPs were explored. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over three months in 2017 in different geographical areas throughout Jordan. Randomly recruited patients were interviewed at the hospitals to collect their demographic data and clinical characteristics. Types/frequencies/severity of TRPs for each stroke patient were identified by a clinical pharmacist. Associations between the identified TRPs and patient's factors were explored through multiple regression analysis.Key findings:Out of 198 stroke patients (mean age: 56.6 ±â€¯14.2) who completed the study, 110 (55.6%) were males. Many of the patients (82 (41.6%)) were smokers and 61 (69.2%) had hypertension and/or diabetes. The mean number of TRPs per patient was 2.5 ±â€¯1.1. The most common TRP categories involved efficacy issues (198 (40.6%)), inappropriate drug adherence (136 (27.9%)) and inappropriate patient knowledge (114 (23.4%)). More than 70.0% (342/487) of the identified TRPs were of major severity. Higher number of TRPs was found to be associated with being a male, having a lower educational level, being a current smoker, having a higher number of drugs and a poorer quality of life. CONCLUSION: Lack of drug efficacy, inappropriate drug adherence and patient knowledge were the major TRPs identified via delivering the MMR service to post-stroke patients. The identified TRPs highlights the importance of the MMR service, and supports planning future strategies aimed at decreasing the incidence of strokes.

Animal use in pharmacy undergraduate pharmacology laboratories: Students' perceptions and need assessments.

BACKGROUND: During the undergraduate years, laboratory practical classes using experimental animals are important in pharmacy schools. Limitations for experimental use of animals exist, including the procurement of animals, the difficulty in performing animal experiments, ethical considerations, and more often students' preferences. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pharmacy students' perceptions, barriers, and confidence regarding animal use in the pharmacology laboratory course, and the effect of animal handling on their confidence. METHODS: This observational pre- and post-course parallel group design study was conducted during the Pharmacology laboratory involving 3rd-year pharmacology students from one school of pharmacy in Jordan. A questionnaire was designed and validated to collect students' demographic characteristics, perceived barriers and perceptions regarding animal handling during the lab, and the level of confidence pre- and post-course, assessing differences between those who handled and those who did not handle animals. RESULTS: All Pharmacology lab students (n = 212) with a mean age of 21.11 (SD 1.32) and the majority being females (77.0%) were enrolled. Students who refused to handle animals (n = 105, 49.5%) stated phobia as the main barrier. Students who accepted to handle animals agreed more with the importance of seeing and practicing animal handling, with animal handling being essential to understand the effect of drugs on animals and in its importance to gain skills, than those who refused. More than half of students (55.9%) reported feeling confident/somewhat confident in animal handling and in giving animals injections (50.8%) at baseline. At the end of the course, students who accepted animal handling reported significantly higher confidence. CONCLUSION: This study revealed important students' barriers and perspectives to animal handling. Those who handled the animals reported better confidence in certain areas at the end of the course than those who refused. Engaging students when making decisions regarding educational practices paves the way for change to the current traditional paradigm in the education of future scholars.

Inhaler technique education and asthma control among patients hospitalized for asthma in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of inhaler technique education delivered by a clinical pharmacist to patients hospitalised for asthma, on inhaler technique scores and asthma control at three months post-discharge. METHODS: This pre-post interventional study in Jordan enrolled patients who had been admitted for asthma and were using controller medication by Accuhaler [Diskus] (ACC), Turbuhaler (TH) or Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI). Inhaler technique was assessed using published checklists (score 0-9). Asthma symptom control was assessed by Asthma Control Test (ACT, range 5-25). Patients were assessed on admission (baseline), pre-discharge, and 3 months later. All patients received a 'Show-and-Tell' inhaler technique counseling service prior to discharge. RESULTS: Baseline data were available for 140 patients, 71% females, mean age 52.7 (SD 16.64) years, mean ACT score 10.0 (SD 4.8). Mean inhaler score was 7.5 (SD 1.52) with no significant difference between the inhaler groups (p = 0.174). After pre-discharge training, all patients had correct technique (score 9/9). After 3 months, mean inhaler scores were significantly higher than at baseline (8.14 (SD 0.87, p < 0.001), with mean change significantly higher for TH 1.21 (SD 2.25) and ACC 0.85 (SD 0.97) than pMDI (0.16; SD 0.72), p = 0.001. Symptom control improved significantly for all patients, with a mean increase in ACT score of 7.54 (SD 8.18), with no significant difference between the inhaler device groups (p = 0.326). CONCLUSIONS: Patients hospitalized for asthma achieved correct inhaler technique after training by a pharmacist, and maintained better technique at 3 months than on admission. Significant improvements in ACT scores were documented for all inhaler groups.

Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To assess levels and predictive factors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among stroke patients. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional predictive correlational design. Levels of HRQOL were assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to assess psychological aspects among 209 Saudi stroke patients. The analysis included demographic and medical variables to comprehensively explore influencing factors. RESULTS: A two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. The overall SS-QOL summary score (49 items) showed a mean score of 94.4 (SD = 8.1), indicating poor functioning. Nine predictor variables were found to significantly predict HRQOL levels, including age (ß = -0.212, p ≤ .001), female (ß = -5.33, p ≤ .001), unmarried (ß = 2.48, p ≤ .001), low gross monthly income (GMI) (ß = -9.02, p ≤ .001), medium GMI (ß = -8.36, p ≤ .001), having a medical history of hypertension (ß = 2.7, p ≤ .01), time since stroke (ß = 3.26 p ≤ .001), and being a probable case of anxiety (ß = -4.29, p ≤ .001) and/or depression (ß = -2.75, p ≤ .001). These variables collectively explained ~76% of the variance in HRQOL scores (adjusted R2 = .762, F (16,192) = 42.6, p ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients exhibited poor HRQOL levels influenced by various factors. Clinicians should consider these predictors and intervene early to enhance HRQOL among patients at risk, emphasizing the importance of optimizing patient outcomes.

The battle against COVID-19 in Jordan: A cross-sectional study assessing the experience of Jordanians who have been infected with COVID-19.

Background: Patients infected with coronavirus have new experiences and hence needs from the healthcare sector. Pharmacists can play vital roles in adopting innovative strategies to meet such needs. Objectives: To assess the experience of people who have been infected with coronavirus, and to assess the roles played by pharmacists to meet their new needs. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional online survey was developed based on previous literature, validated, and conducted in Jordan (3-13 May 2021). Results: The mean age of the study participants (n=470) was 34.31 years (SD=11.75). About three-quarters were females. Out of the study participants, 24.0% reported to having been infected with the coronavirus previously, and 48.9% of them were infected after contacting an infected family member/friend. Only 36.0% ranked their commitment to the preventative measures as "very committed" before getting infected. The most reported symptom was fatigue (77.1%). The most used medicine/supplement was vitamin C (85.3%), followed by pain relievers (77.7%), and zinc tablets (75.3%). More than half of the participants (66.4%) documented that their anxiety and stress levels increased during their infection. More than half of the participants (53.7%) strongly agreed/agreed that pharmacists had an important and effective role during their infection. Conclusion: The experience of individuals who contracted the coronavirus indicated that few were very committed to preventative measures before getting infected. Fatigue was the main experienced symptom, while vitamin C was the supplement used the most. About half of the participants believed that pharmacists have an important role in managing their needs during their COVID-19 infection.

Post-traumatic stress disorders among Syrian refugees residing in non-camp settings in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) among Syrian refugees and explore its association with various factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among a convenience snowball sample of Syrian refugees residing in non-camp settings in Jordan in 2019. A 4-part self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Part one included socio-demographic data, part 2 included an Arabic version of Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) (part I: trauma event and part IV: trauma symptoms), part 3 was related to participants' physical symptoms, and part 4 to participants' satisfaction with the healthcare they received. RESULTS: Study participants (n=279; mean age 32 years (SD=10.45), 52% were males) reported high prevalence of traumatic symptoms (86.2%); of these, 68.5% were considered symptomatic for PTSD (HTQ-16 sub-scale or the entire symptom scale HTQ-45 mean item score of >2.5), regardless of the type of trauma. Those who were middle-aged, a female, unemployed, sexually abused or raped, had a family member who died in the conflict, witnessed catastrophic events like burning, or razing of residential areas, and have received the body of a family member while being prohibited from expressing grief and doing funeral rites, were more likely to be considered as a case of PTSD. CONCLUSION: Majority of the refugees residing in non-camp settings in Jordan suffer from PTSD. Refugees have low satisfaction with the healthcare services provided.

Assessing the Pharmacist's Role in Counseling Asthmatic Adults Using the Correct Inhaler Technique and Its Effect on Asthma Control, Adherence, and Quality of Life.

Purpose: This study was designed to assess inhaler technique skills, asthma control level, adherence, and quality of life scores amongst asthmatic patients living in Amman, Jordan, investigating the role of pharmacist's educational intervention. Patients and Methods: This single-blinded randomized parallel-group active-controlled study was conducted at the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) clinic in 2019. Patients were assessed at baseline and follow-up (after three months) on their inhaler technique (based on validated published checklists), asthma control based on the asthma control test (ACT) questionnaire, adherence to treatment, and quality of life (QoL). Patients in the active group were counseled on correct inhaler technique and administration skills, orally and using inhaler adhesive labels delivered by the clinical pharmacist. Results: Asthma patients (n = 157; active, n = 79, and control, n = 78) were recruited into the study and grouped based on the controller inhaler they were using (Turbohaler (TH) and Accuhaler (ACC). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups at baseline for inhaler technique, adherence, ACT, and QoL. At follow-up, 93.7% of the active group patients used their inhalers correctly, while only 16.7% of the control group used them correctly (P-value <0.001). Also, the ACT mean score was significantly higher for the active group (21.21±5.27) versus the control group (15.92±7.31; P-value <0.001). The QoL mean score was significantly improved for the active group compared with the control group (active = 63.85±24.78, Control = 38.746±3.23, P-value <0.001). Improvement in adherence for the active group was noticed compared with the control group but did not reach a significant level (P-value=0.691). Conclusion: Through a practical educational intervention, pharmacists were found to significantly improve patients' asthma inhaler technique, ACT scores, and QoL scores for patients with asthma.

The Effects of Medications and the Roles of Pharmacists on the Recovery of Patients with COVID-19 Infection: An Epidemiological Study from the United Arab Emirates.

Patients infected with coronavirus have new experiences and hence new needs from the healthcare sector. Acknowledging patients' experiences can exhibit promising outcomes in coronavirus management. Pharmacists are considered a vital pillar in managing patients' experiences during their infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the experiences of COVID-19-infected individuals and the roles of pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates. The survey was face- and content-validated after being developed. Three sections were included in the survey (demographics, experiences of infected individuals, and the roles of pharmacists). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The study participants (n = 509) had a mean age of 34.50 (SD = 11.93). The most reported symptoms among participants were fatigue (81.5%), fever (76.8%), headache (76.6%), dry cough (74.1%), muscle or joint pain (70.7%), and sore throat (68.6%). Vitamin C was the most used supplement (88.6%), followed by pain relievers (78.2%). Female gender was the only factor associated with symptom severity. About 79.0% agreed that the pharmacist played an important and effective role during their infection. The most reported symptom was fatigue, with females reporting more severe symptoms. The role of the pharmacist proved to be vital during this pandemic.

Assessing Anxiety and Depression Among Students Post-COVID-19: Exploring Associating Factors.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on global mental health including anxiety and depression rates, many factors affected the vulnerability to these psychological conditions amongst university students. Aim: To explore the level of anxiety and depression of university students living in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in which an electronic survey was created and distributed, university students residing in Jordan participated in the study. Results: A total of 1241 students were enrolled in the study. The mean anxiety score among males and females was (9.68 (SD = 4.10)) and (10.46 (SD = 4.14)), respectively. 42.1% of males had "abnormal" anxiety score compared to 48.4% females. The mean depression score among males (7.77 (SD = 4.31)) was similar to that for the females (7.64 (SD = 4.14)), and 26.0% of the males had "abnormal" depression score compared to 22.6% of the females. Factors affecting anxiety scores included younger age, being a female, taking medication/s, or drinking two cups of coffee or more a day. Conclusion: With 46% and 24% of students suffering from abnormal anxiety and depression respectively, it is important for education policy makers to take immediate measures to allocate students in need of psychological assessment and help to deliver suitable interventions.

Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among stroke survivors in Saudi Arabia.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of poststroke depression (PSD) in Saudi Arabia and its association with socio-demographic and clinical factors. DESIGN: A predictive correlational cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study adopted a non-probability convenience sampling method to recruit 211 stroke survivors between April and October 2021 from the neurology outpatient departments of two main governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia. PSD was measured using a self-assessment reliable and valid scale (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). RESULTS: More than two-thirds (70.6%) of the study sample (Mean age = 53 years, SD = 8.5, 51.2% were males) experienced some degree of depression (Score ≥8); of these, approximately half (48.8%) were in severe depression. The final prediction model was statistically significant (χ2 [15] = 31.39, p Ë‚ .01). PSD is a statistically significant health issue and requires immediate attention by healthcare providers to improve the health outcomes of stroke survivors.

Alteration of the Respiratory Microbiome in Hospitalized Patients with Asthma-COPD Overlap during and after an Exacerbation.

The immediate aim of this study was to comparatively examine the bacterial respiratory microbiome of patients in a stable state and during an exacerbation of asthma-COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) overlap (ACO). This prospective observational study took place in Jordan between 1 September 2021 and 30 April 2022. Sputum samples from patients with recognized ACO were acquired within 48 h of the exacerbation onset and again at 3 weeks following the exacerbation. The next-generation sequencing Illumina MiSeq was employed and uncovered significantly high bacterial diversity in the sputa. The results showed a significant decrease in the taxonomic richness in the sputum samples collected during the exacerbation episodes compared with those collected from patients in a stable state (p = 0.008), with an increase in the taxonomic evenness (p < 0.005). This change in the composition of the airway bacterial community suggests that the replacement of a significant portion of the airway microbiome with certain microorganisms may play a role in the decrease in microbial diversity observed during an ACO exacerbation. Greater knowledge of this link could allow for a more focused administration of antibiotics, especially during exacerbations, improving clinical efficacy and patient outcomes.

Effect of post-COVID-19 condition on sleep: A case report.

Post-COVID-19 condition affects patients on various aspects. This 41-year-old female presented to the outpatient clinic complaining of severe insomnia characterized by inconsistent 2 h of sleep per day despite taking sleep aid pills after being infected with COVID-19 and persisting for 6 months after recovery.