Understanding Reciprocity Among University Students in Low-Resource Settings: Validation and Measurement Using a Mixed-Methods Approach.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate reciprocity among university students in low-resource settings using a convergent mixed-methods approach in Jordan. The study operationalized the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model which is a sociological framework used to predict occupational-related health outcomes. The basic theory of ERI model assumes that an imbalance of effort and reward predicts adverse health outcomes. Methods: The research involved two studies, Study I (n = 833) to quantitatively measure ERI and Study II to collect qualitative data (n = 44) on the drivers of ERI among university students. In Study I, a modified Arabic version of the ERI questionnaire was used. The study measured ERI and investigated the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the ERI model questionnaire. In Study II, data were collected from focus groups and personal interviews and thematic analysis was used. Results: The results suggested that ERI was associated with poor academic performance (OR=2.31, 95% CI 1.60-3.32), absenteeism (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.21-2.27), low exercise level (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.49-2.74) and poor self-reported health (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.30). Three major themes emerged, namely high academic load, financial pressures and negative influence on the students' performance, wellbeing and health to explain effort-reward imbalance. Conclusions: Results suggest that ERI among university students is multi-faceted and is not bound only to academic-related demands and that the extrinsic factors such as the economic context of Jordan is among drivers of ERI.

Awareness about nanotechnology and its applications in drug industry among pharmacy students.

INTRODUCTION: Given the multiple nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical products that are available on the drug market, nanotechnology education has to be offered within pharmacy undergraduate curricula. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the level of nanotechnology awareness among pharmacy students using two questionnaires. The study targeted 500 students and the deans of the faculties of pharmacy in Jordan. RESULTS: Results show that most of the students had poor knowledge about nanotechnology and that academic courses are the leading source of information. <10% of students attended experiments related to nanotechnology. About 50% of students did not have any knowledge about the safety of nanotechnology. All the deans stated that there is no specific practical or theoretical course to teach nanotechnology, but the concepts are taught within other courses. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy students' knowledge about nanotechnology is poor, and courses within pharmacy curricula need to be dedicated to teaching nanotechnology and its applications.