Translating and piloting a cardiovascular risk assessment and management online tool using mobile technology.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management (RAM) services face many challenges and barriers in the community. Mobile technology offers the opportunity to empower patients and improve access to health prevention strategies to overcome these barriers. However, there is limited information on the availability and use of CVDRAM-related mobile technology in the Arabic language. Objectives: To pilot test an Arabic version of a CVDRAM application among potential end-users accessing community pharmacy services in Qatar. Methodology: Translation of an established cardiovascular risk calculator (EPI·RxISK™) into the Arabic language was conducted. The English/Arabic version of the calculator was tested by potential end-users, consisting of a sample of community pharmacists (CRxs) and members of the public (MOP) accessing community pharmacy services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted based on the quality attributes of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Data were analyzed using deductive content analysis. Results: A total of 10 CRxs and 5 MOP were interviewed. Five themes emerged to describe the EPI·RxISK™ calculator: Engagement, Functionality, Attractiveness, Education, and Responsiveness. For the most part, positive subthemes were associated with each of these themes. The functionality and educational themes had some negative subthemes. Conclusion: End-users of the EPI·RxISK™ calculator had mostly positive descriptors that were aligned with all five quality attributes of the web and mobile applications.

Prevalence and associated factors of DSM-5 insomnia disorder in the general population of Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies of insomnia in the Middle East remain scarce. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of insomnia and explore its associations in the general population of Qatar. With almost 100 nationalities, Qatar is one of the most culturally diverse, richest, and fastest developing countries in the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS: A probability sample of community-dwelling adults were surveyed in February of 2019. A total of 1611 respondents completed face-to-face interviews in Arabic or English. Logistic regression modeled associations with insomnia, our dependent variable, as defined by a score of ≤16 on the eight-item Sleep Condition Indicator or according to criteria for insomnia in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition or DSM-5. RESULTS: Approximately, 5.5% of the sample screened positive for insomnia and the 30-day prevalence of those who met all the DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder was 3.0%. In addition, 2.0% of the sample screened positive for depression and 3.4% for anxiety in the past 2 weeks. Multivariable analysis showed the following were significantly associated with insomnia: Arab ethnicity, young age, unemployment, being married, having less than high school education, fair or poor health, anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia prevalence was in the lower range of previously reported DSM-defined estimates from developed Western countries. Our findings highlight the need for raising awareness and improving sleep hygiene in potential risk groups such as younger adults and those of Arab ethnicity, in addition to incorporating insomnia screening in the provision of mental health services.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in adult psychiatric outpatients in Qatar using two risk assessment tools.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) experience premature death, likely due to increased rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was conducted to estimate the CVD risk in a cohort of individuals with SMI receiving outpatient psychiatric services in Qatar and to assess contributory CVD risk factors. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of a cohort of outpatients with SMI attending a mental health clinic in Doha, Qatar. The CVD risk was estimated using two risk prediction tools: the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) risk calculator and the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) CVD risk prediction charts for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the demographic and clinical data. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS: Of the 346 eligible patients, 28% (n = 97) had obtainable data for the estimation of their CVD risk using both tools. Approximately one-third of the cohort (33%) were classified as high risk using the AHA/ACC risk calculator, and 13.3% were classified as intermediate to high risk using the WHO/ISH CVD risk prediction charts. Based on the AHA/ACC risk scores, among those with a high CVD risk, almost two-thirds had CVD modifiable risk factors (i.e., smoking, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension). No statistically significant difference in the CVD risk estimates was observed among individuals with a body mass index of more or lower than 30 kg/m2 (p = 0.815). CONCLUSION: Based on the AHA/ACC risk calculator, approximately one-third of the study cohort had high CVD risk estimates. The WHO/ISH CVD risk prediction charts appeared to underestimate CVD risk, particularly for those identified as high risk using the AHA/ACC risk calculator. A closer alliance between psychiatrists and primary healthcare professionals to control modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among patients with SMI is necessary.

The Arabic version of the sleep hygiene index: Linguistic validation and cultural adaptation among University students in Qatar.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep is necessary for maintaining adequate health and well-being. However, several behavioral and environmental factors, known as sleep hygiene, could affect sleep quality, contributing to the development of insomnia. Instruments to measure sleep hygiene such as the sleep hygiene index (SHI) have been developed, but only a few are available in the Arabic language. Therefore, this study was designed to translate and culturally adapt the SHI from English to Arabic. Methods: The SHI was translated from English to Arabic using the forward-backward translation method recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines. Nine Arabic-speaking individuals of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds reviewed the Arabic SHI. The internal consistency reliability of the items contained in the Arabic SHI was determined. RESULTS: The SHI was successfully translated and culturally adapted into the Arabic language. Minimal changes in the wording of some questions were required to ensure the cultural adaptability of the instrument. The Arabic version of the SHI was found to be simple, clear, and brief as reported by the participants during cognitive debriefing. The Arabic SHI has moderate internal consistency reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.589. CONCLUSION: The Arabic SHI is a brief and easy-to-understand instrument for assessing sleep hygiene practices and behavior in Arabic-speaking population. Further assessment of the psychometric properties of the Arabic SHI is necessary to ensure the validity of this instrument in different populations.

Reshaping experiential education within Qatar University's Health Programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health professions programs heavily depend on experiential learning to prepare learners for practice within the healthcare system. Learners acquire a significant proportion of patient care skills as they participate in experiential learning activities. As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupts education globally, educators have been challenged to reexamine existing teaching approaches to minimize the impact on experiential educational outcomes. This article describes how educators from the College of Pharmacy and College of Medicine at Qatar University utilized nontraditional teaching methods to ensure the continuation of experiential learning despite the disruption due to the pandemic.

Evaluating prescribing competencies covered in a Canadian-accredited undergraduate pharmacy program in Qatar: a curriculum mapping process.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the existing Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy [BSc (Pharm)] curriculum at Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU CPH), for addressing international prescribing competencies. METHODS: The Australian National Prescribing Service (NPS MedicineWise) Competencies Required to Prescribe Medicines framework (the Prescribing Competencies Framework) was used in the BSc (Pharm) curriculum mapping process. The NPS MedicineWise Prescribing Competencies Framework outlines seven competency areas that are essential for pharmacist prescribing. The first mapping activity assessed the learning outcomes (LOs) of 62 courses within the BSc (Pharm) curriculum for covering and addressing the NPS MedicineWise competencies. The second mapping activity involved matching the LOs identified to address the NPS MedicineWise prescribing competencies, to the 2017 Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) educational outcomes, on which the QU CPH BSc (Pharm) program is based. The AFPC educational outcomes address seven key program-level learning outcomes. RESULTS: The QU CPH BSc (Pharm) curriculum addresses most of the prescribing competencies listed in the NPS MedicineWise Prescribing Competencies Framework. However, gaps were identified in the curricular content and in the LOs that were related, but not restricted, to the following: electronic prescribing, physical examinations/preparing patients for investigations, and policies/procedures and quality assurace related to prescribing. Other gaps identified include legislative and workplace requirements for obtaining consent to access confidential patient's health information. CONCLUSION: The curriculum mapping exercise provided evidence that, for the most part, the existing BSc (Pharm) curriculum at QU CPH prepares pharmacy graduates for prescribing. However, there are areas that need better alignment between the taught curriculum and training on prescribing in practice. The results of this study are important to consider if pharmacist prescribing is to be implemented in Qatar.

Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene Behaviours Among University Students in Qatar.

Background: Insomnia is a highly prevalent health problem, affecting about one-third of the adult population globally. University students are at a high risk for developing insomnia due to the stressful nature of academic life and often unhealthy sleeping habits. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of poor sleep quality and investigate sleep hygiene patterns among university students in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students using two validated instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multivariate regression analyses. Results: Two thousand and sixty-two students responded to the web-based survey. The mean PSQI score (7.57±3.03) was indicative of poor sleep quality in approximately 70% of the students. Similarly, the mean SHI score (21.79±6.69) was indicative of poor sleep hygiene patterns in 79% of the students. Academic program type, marital status, gender, and sleep hygiene significantly influenced sleep quality. After controlling for all possible covariates in the multiple regression analysis, sleep hygiene remained as the only factor significantly predicting sleep quality. Students with a good sleep hygiene were about four times more likely to have a good sleep quality compared to those with poor sleep hygiene (adjusted OR= 3.66, 95% CI= 2.8-4.8, p <0.001). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep hygiene practices were highly prevalent among university students in Qatar. Sleep hygiene was found to be the only significant predictor of sleep quality such that those adopting healthy sleep hygiene practices were more likely to have better sleep quality. Interventions to raise awareness on the effect of sleep hygiene on sleep quality among university students are needed.

Mental Health Prescribers' Perceptions on the Use of Pharmacogenetic Testing in the Management of Depression in the Middle East and North Africa Region.

Objective: A wide variety of commercial pharmacogenetic (PGx) tools are available worldwide to guide treatment selection for depression based on individuals' genetic profiles. However, the use of genetic testing to inform psychiatric care has faced challenges due to the limited training and education for mental health clinicians. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, level of engagement, and perspectives on the use of PGx testing when making depression management decisions among practicing psychiatrists within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Methods: This is a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Consenting psychiatrists were interviewed through an online platform (SkypeTM or Microsoft TeamsTM). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed with the assistance of NVivo® software. Results: Eighteen interviews from 12 countries have been conducted. Analysis of the current interviews produced five major themes including: (1) Overall perceptions and attitudes; (2) Knowledge and awareness; (3) Education, training, and professional experience; (4) Facilitators and barriers; and (5) Ethical dilemmas. These themes support the notion that there is limited, mostly basic, education, knowledge, and training regarding genetic testing in the management of depression, although there is significant interest and willingness in the part of prescribers to adopt this strategy in their practice. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that psychiatrists practicing in the MENA region appear to be interested in implementing PGx testing when managing people with depression. However, it is also important to recognize that this cannot be achieved unless more supporting strategies are implemented within their current health system environment.

Opinions and experiences on the provision of care to people with mental illnesses: a qualitative study with Doctor of Pharmacy graduates after a rotation in psychiatry.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists are vital to optimizing therapy of people with mental illnesses. Limited knowledge, lack of confidence, and mental health-related stigma can lead to pharmacists' reluctance in the provision of pharmaceutical care to this population. Advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE) in mental health have been reported as valuable learning opportunities to overcome these challenges. AIM: This study aimed to explore PharmD graduates' perceived preparedness, attitudes, beliefs, and opinions on influencing factors for the provision of pharmaceutical care to people with mental illnesses after completing an APPE rotation in psychiatry. METHOD: All PharmD graduates who had completed a rotation in psychiatry were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. An interview guide was developed based on a literature review. A total of 11 PharmD graduates agreed to participate in the interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analysed inductively using thematic analysis and following a phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: Prior familiarity to mental health, opinions on the rotation, views on stigma, rotation's areas of improvement, and the positive impact of the rotation on practice. Although participants started the psychiatric rotation with low confidence and a sense of apprehension, they described their experience as unique, eye-opening, and insightful. Familiarity with mental health conditions before the rotation were perceived as a challenge to achieving full confidence in mental health care provision. CONCLUSION: For the most part, the APPE in psychiatry was viewed as a positive opportunity for enhancing the PharmD graduates' insight, knowledge, and skills for pharmaceutical care provision to people with mental illnesses.

Assessment of Drug-Induced QTc Prolongation in Mental Health Practice: Validation of an Evidence-Based Algorithm.

Background: Drug-induced QTc interval prolongation (QTcIP) can lead to serious consequences and is often a concern for mental health practitioners, as access to experts such as cardiologists, for consultation is time-limiting and can delay treatment decisions. This research aimed at validating the content of an algorithm for the assessment, management and monitoring of drug-induced QTcIP in mental health practice. Methods: Following an initial face validity by content experts, a cross-sectional survey of mental health care practitioners with a 4-point Likert-type scale was used to assess the validity of the decision steps on the QTcIP algorithm (QTcIPA) by estimating the content validity index (CVI) and the modified kappa statistic (κ*). Participants' open-ended comments were also thematically analyzed. Results: Mental health practitioners found the QTcIPA to be appropriate, safe, and evidence-based, as indicated by the high individual item CVI scores ranging from 0.89 to 1 for all of the steps/decision statements in the three domains assessed: appropriateness, safety and reliability of the references used. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of the open-ended comments, of which three were identified as strengths, including practical usability, reliable references and beneficial for pharmacists. Two themes were recognized as limitations, namely, the need for additional clinical content and application barriers. Conclusion: These results suggest that the QTcIPA may be a useful tool for mental health clinicians at the time of prescribing medications with potential risk of QTcIP. Future research will explore the implementation of the QTcIPA into clinical practice using computerized decision support tools through web-based and mobile applications.

An Exploration of Smoking Patterns Among People with Serious Mental Illness Attending an Outpatient Clinic in Qatar.

Background: Studies have shown that tobacco use is exceptionally high in people affected with serious mental illness (SMI). Many countries worldwide have observed a decrease in the prevalence of tobacco smoking; however, the smoking rates among people with SMI have declined much less than in those without mental illness. To date, no nationally representative data have examined the smoking patterns or the sociocultural factors that influence smoking among SMI people in Qatar. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review was conducted to collect patient demographics, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, medications, the most recently documented smoking status and if on tobacco cessation treatment. A descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was performed. Results: Of 346 patients included in the cohort, 196 (56.6%) had their smoking status documented, of which 72 (36.7%) were "currently smoking." Significantly more males than females were "current smokers" (62.9% versus 15.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). Significantly more patients with psychotic disorders than those with any other SMI were "current smokers", and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Positive and significant associations with current smoking were found for the male gender, psychotic disorders, and high levels (≥6.2 mmol/L) of total cholesterol. Only 12 (16.7%) of current smokers were receiving smoking cessation treatment. Conclusion: More than half of a sample of people with SMI attending outpatient psychiatric services in Qatar had documented smoking status. Still, only a few current smokers were on smoking cessation treatment. Efforts are needed to implement smoking cessation strategies in this population.

Assessment of Educational Needs and Design of a Preceptor Development Program for Health Professional Education Programs in Qatar.

INTRODUCTION: Experiential learning is the backbone of many health care professional education programs; however, the quality of learning is profoundly dependent on the skills and experiences of clinical preceptors. This study was conducted at Qatar University Health Cluster (Colleges of Pharmacy, Medicine, and Health Sciences) with the primary objective of identifying the educational needs of preceptors to design and review an educational professional development program. METHODS: This study adopted a mixed-methods approach and was conducted in three stages: (1) assessment of preceptor educational needs, (2) designing of the Practice Educators' Academy program, and (3) revision and refinement of the designed program. The needs' assessment was conducted at all the three colleges through a validated survey and focus groups comprising of preceptors, students, and clinical faculty members. The sample included 209 survey respondents and 11 focus group sessions. RESULTS: The results yielded five key themes and a variety of individual preferences, which were used to design a five-module face-to-face two-day interactive workshop. For the revision of the designed program, the syllabus was shared purposively with selected scholars and experts in the area of health professions education, and their feedback was collected and critically examined. Furthermore, the refinement of the program was performed on the basis of this feedback, resulting in the revised and representative program being ready for piloting. DISCUSSION: A preceptor development program on experiential teaching and learning skills was successfully designed and revised with the needs of the clinical preceptors at its core. Preceptors' skills development can advance health care outcomes by preparing competent health professional graduates.

Using motivational interviewing techniques to inform decision-making for COVID-19 vaccination.

Motivational interviewing is a patient-centered communication style used to enhance a person's internal motivation for attitudinal change by exploring and solving inherent ambivalences. In the face of rising COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, pharmacists and other health care professionals may use motivational interviewing to enable individuals making informed decisions with regards to the COVID-19 vaccines. The purpose of this article is to integrate theory with practice by describing a scenario that illustrates how motivational interviewing skills and strategies can be used to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Effect of Pharmacogenetic-Based Decision Support Tools in Improving Depression Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence supporting the utility of pharmacogenetic (PGX) tests in depression is scarce. The main objectives of this study were to summarize, update, and assess the quality of the available evidence regarding PGX testing in depression as well as estimating the impact of using PGX testing tools in depression outcomes in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region. METHODOLOGY: Scientific databases were systematically searched from inception to June 30, 2020 for systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the clinical utility of PGX tests in the treatment of depression. Meta-analyses only and RCTs that were included in eligible systematic reviews were excluded. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). RESULTS: Six systematic reviews and three RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. The results of the systematic reviews provided weak evidence on the efficacy of PGX testing, especially in patients with moderate-severe depression at 8 weeks. In addition, there was a lack of evidence regarding safety outcomes. Newer RCTs with better quality showed clinical promise regarding efficacy outcomes, especially in patients with gene-drug interactions. No evidence was found regarding PGX testing impact in the MENA region. CONCLUSION: This systematic review is an update and summary of the available literature on the clinical utility of PGX testing in depression. The findings of this study demonstrate that PGX testing prior to treatment initiation or during the course of therapy may improve efficacy outcomes. Further studies are warranted to assess the impact of PGX testing on safety outcomes.

Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: A Systematic Review of Their Non-Systemic Adverse Effect Profile.

INTRODUCTION: Long acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia to improve adherence and clinical outcomes. Concerns have been reported in relation to their non-systemic or injection site adverse effect profile. As such, this study aims to review and evaluate all evidence reporting injection site adverse effects with LAI antipsychotics. METHODS: An electronic search was systematically conducted through four databases (PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Cochrane) in order to identify studies investigating injection-site reactions associated with LAI antipsychotics. Unpublished studies such as conference proceedings and clinical trial registries were also searched. The search was limited to literature published in English without year limits. RESULTS: Of a total of 189 citations that were identified from the electronic database search, 12 were selected for inclusion in this review. Various injection site reactions were reported in these studies, including pain, bleeding, and swelling. Overall, the studies reported a low incidence of these injection site reactions. Only a minority of the included articles compared injection site reactions between different LAI antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: Injection site pain was the most commonly reported injection site adverse effect across all articles reviewed. The low incidence of injection site adverse effects associated with LAI antipsychotics indicates that these formulations appear to be well tolerated by patients. More head-to-head trials comparing second generation LAI antipsychotics are needed.

Content Validation of an Algorithm for the Assessment, Management and Monitoring of Drug-Induced QTc Prolongation in the Psychiatric Population.

BACKGROUND: QTc interval (QTcI) prolongation leads to serious complications, making it a concern for clinicians. Assessing the risk of QTcI prolongation in the psychiatric population is important because they are exposed to multiple medications known to increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. AIM: The study aims to validate the content of an algorithm for the assessment, management and monitoring of drug-induced QTc prolongation in the psychiatric population. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative semi-structured interviews of cardiologists, to gather information regarding their approach in assessing the risk of drug-induced QTc prolongation at the time of prescribing. After the interview, an orientation to the algorithm was provided with a link to a cross-sectional, anonymous survey. The online survey included quantitative and qualitative components to gather feedback on the relevance and appropriateness of each step in the algorithm. RESULTS: Interview responses were incorporated into 4 themes. Responses indicated a lack of a unified protocol when assessing QTcI prolongation, which supports the need of an algorithm that includes a verified risk scoring tool. Quantitative survey results showed a mean score ranging from 3.08 to 3.67 out of 4 for the appropriateness of the algorithm's steps, 3.08 to 3.58 for the safety and 3.17 to 3.75 for the reliability of references used. Additional analysis using the modified kappa and I-CVI statistical measures indicate high validity of contents and high degree of agreement between raters. As per the open-ended questions, cardiologists supported the implementation of the algorithm; however, they recommended simplification of the steps as they appear to be cumbersome. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the implementation of the algorithm after minor alterations can prove to be useful as a tool for the risk assessment of QTc prolongation. Further validation of the algorithm with mental health pharmacists and clinicians will be conducted as a separate phase of the study.

An Interventional Call-Back Service to Improve Appropriate Use of Antibiotics in Community Pharmacies.

Pharmacists play a key role in tackling antibiotic misuse through counseling and education of patients and healthcare providers. The study aim is to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions in community pharmacy settings while implementing an interventional call-back service to assess adherence and symptom resolution among patients prescribed an antibiotic. Patients were recruited by community pharmacists who were assigned to either the call-back, structured counseling, or standard care arms. Patients in the call-back group received intensive antibiotic counseling and a phone call from the study pharmacist 3 to 5 days after antibiotic initiation. The counseling arm patients received intensive antibiotic counseling from the study pharmacist while patients in the standard care arm received routine care. Antibiotic adherence rates among the standard care (n = 25), counseling (n = 29), and call-back (n = 26) groups were 64%, 86.2%, and 88.5%, respectively (X2 = 5.862, p = 0.053). Symptom severity scores after completion of antibiotic treatment among all groups were rated as excellent. Twenty-nine percent of the outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were deemed as inappropriate. A pharmacist call-back service is a simple and inexpensive intervention which can effectively identify opportunities for improving appropriate antibiotic use, particularly with respect to adherence.

A Systematic Review of Instruments for the Assessment of Insomnia in Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Self-reported sleep instruments remain the most practical methods for the assessment of insomnia in clinical practice. This systematic review aims to identify, describe and summarize the psychometric properties of questionnaires available for the assessment of insomnia in the adult population. In addition, the review also aimed to identify sleep instruments available in the Arabic language. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The quality assessment of the instruments was conducted using two established international criteria. RESULTS: One hundred and seven articles were selected for inclusion, from which 31 instruments were identified and categorized based on the constructs they assess as: (1) screening for insomnia (n=14); (2) measuring the consequences of insomnia (n=8); (3) assessing the cognitive aspects of insomnia (n= 5); and (4) assessing sleep hygiene (n= 4). The review of the psychometric properties showed that the Insomnia Severity Index and the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire were the most extensively evaluated instrument. Criterion validity and reliability measures were the most commonly reported properties. Only four of the identified instruments were available in Arabic. DISCUSSION: Overall, the findings of this study indicate ample availability of sleep instruments. However, psychometric testing for several of the available sleep instruments remains incomplete, particularly responsiveness and interpretability. Our findings suggest that future studies should focus on reporting more psychometric measures to ensure the trustworthiness of these instruments.

An Exploratory Analysis of the Portrayal of Mental Illness in Qatar's Newspapers.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised about the role of the media influencing the public's understanding of mental illness. AIM: This study explored the extent and nature of mental health coverage in Qatar's newspapers. A secondary aim was to compare the mental health-related coverage with that of diabetes. METHODS: This was a retrospective quantitative and qualitative analysis of textual data published in Qatari newspapers. Quantitative descriptive analysis was employed to determine the extent of media coverage while qualitative content analysis was employed to examine the discourse tone and assess the stigmatization of the main messages on the text. RESULTS: A total of 659 mental health-related articles were published; the main focus of the articles was on autism, depression, and non-pharmacological therapies for mental illness. Analysis of the retrieved articles revealed a predominantly informative content, with mostly non-stigmatizing tone except for non-national news that often linked mental illness with dangerousness or violence. A higher number of articles with mental health-related content than about diabetes were found. CONCLUSION: Although the newspaper content analysis revealed mostly a non-stigmatizing tone in mental health reporting in newspapers, there is a need to increase representation of people with mental illness in print media, increase awareness of the diversity of treatments available, and increase more scientific reporting to raise mental health literacy in Qatar.

Development and Evaluation of an Educational Program for Community Pharmacists on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment.

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment is an important strategy for the prevention of CVD. Pharmacists play an important role in CVD risk assessment and management (CVDRAM). Our previous study identified gaps in knowledge among community pharmacists for the provision of CVDRAM services as assessed through patient simulation. Therefore, our objectives were: a) to develop and evaluate an educational program on CVD risk assessment for community pharmacists, b) to assess the knowledge and skills of participating pharmacists in assessing and managing CVD risk before and after enrolling in the educational program and c) to explore pharmacists' satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of the educational program. METHODS: Using a blended learning instructional approach, the educational program for a subset of 25 community pharmacists recruited from our previous study consisted of two face-to-face workshops, and an online 5-module course on CVD risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking cessation based on principles of adult learning. A repeated measures study design was utilized by measuring participants' knowledge on pre- and post-questionnaires and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at the conclusion of the educational program was also used to assess its impact on the knowledge and skills of community pharmacists in the provision of CVD risk assessment and management (CVDRAM) services. The knowledge questionnaire was completed by 23 pharmacists while the OSCE was completed by 8 pharmacists. In addition, a survey assessed the pharmacists' level of satisfaction with the educational program. RESULTS: At the conclusion of the educational program, the participating pharmacists achieved knowledge and skills for the provision of CVDRAM services. Knowledge scores in relation to CVDRAM significantly improved after the educational program [out of a maximum of 20 points, the median (interquartile range) = 9 (7-9) at pre- vs 12 (12-13) at post-educational program], p<0.001. On the OSCE, the median (interquartile range) scores for Stations 1 and 2 were 66 (63-71) and 71 (67-76), respectively. Out of the 21 pharmacists that completed the satisfaction survey, 71% were very satisfied and 29% were satisfied with the educational program. CONCLUSION: The educational program improved pharmacists' knowledge and skills for the provision of CVDRAM services.